21.) The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern

A diplomat’s son vanished in Vienna without a trace. Authorities shrugged. A mother refused to let his memory fade.

In 2007, Aeryn Gillern—a U.S. citizen working for the United Nations—disappeared after leaving a gay sauna in Austria’s capital. Despite his prominent position and international ties, local police dismissed his case almost immediately. Rumors of anti-gay bias, institutional indifference, and political cover-ups began to swirl. Was his disappearance a tragic accident, a hate crime, or something more sinister? And why did the system seem determined to look the other way?

This is more than a missing persons case—it’s a chilling look at how power, privilege, and prejudice collide. A story of queer erasure with no ending in sight.

Hosted by Jordi and Brad, Beers With Queers brings chilling crimes, queer stories, and twisted justice to light—all with a cold one in hand.

Press play, grab a drink, and join us as we uncover the darkest corners of LGBTQ+ history.

Sources

http://www.aeryngillern.com/Aeryn_Gillern/Cobra_Team_Searches_Canal.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7pU9apQKhU

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Scary story

I was in Vienna 15 yrs ago and friends didn’t want to go with me to bar. I walked by myself to the bar. I went through a public park area as a shortcut and a policeman approached me asking where I was going. It was around 10:30 pm. I told him a gay bar and he walked me out of park and to the bar. He told me NOT to be in that area late alone and told me a safer way to get back to hotel if not taking a cab. There was no one out and I felt safe but he told me I was a very lucky man. This story made me realize that this man might have been the reason this officer looked out for people like us. Thanks for telling this story. 10 stars.