Manfred Bruns (July 1934 – 22 October 2019) was a German federal attorney and a well-known figure in LGBTQ advocacy. He worked at the Federal Court of Justice of Germany and later became active in public campaigns for equal rights and better political responses to the AIDS epidemic. Born in Linz am Rhein, Bruns used his legal expertise to support civil-rights efforts and to advise organizations seeking reform.

Career in law

Bruns spent a considerable part of his professional life within Germany's judicial system, where he was associated with the Federal Court of Justice. His background as a federal attorney informed his later activist work, giving him a detailed understanding of statutory interpretation, constitutional protections, and the mechanisms available to pursue legal change. Colleagues and observers noted that his legal perspective helped translate political demands into concrete proposals for reform.

Activism and public work

After, and alongside, his judicial career Bruns played a visible role in LGBTQ civil society. He served on the board of the Lesbian and Gay Association in Germany (LSVD) until 2016, participating in strategy and public outreach. During the period when HIV/AIDS emerged as a public-health crisis, Bruns advocated for stronger political action, improved prevention and treatment efforts, and reduced stigma. His public statements and participation in campaigns aimed to bridge the gap between legal protections and social acceptance.

Areas of emphasis

  • Legal advocacy: applying judicial experience to rights-based reform.
  • Public education: raising awareness of the human and policy dimensions of the AIDS crisis.
  • Organizational leadership: governance role within the LSVD and collaboration with civil-society partners.

Bruns's reputation rests on the combination of a conservative legal career and a progressive public stance on sexual minorities' rights. He was seen as a bridge figure who could speak directly to lawmakers, lawyers and activists, translating technical legal concepts into arguments for policy change.

Death and legacy

Manfred Bruns died in Karlsruhe on 22 October 2019 at the age of 85. The cause of death was reported as liver failure. Obituaries and remembrances emphasized his contributions to legal thought and to the movement for equality in Germany. His work with the LSVD and his public efforts during the AIDS era are often cited in discussions of how legal professionals have influenced social reform in late 20th- and early 21st-century Germany.