The World's First Elected Lesbian Head of State

by Michael Jones · 2009-04-26 10:05:00 UTC
Topics:

Sigurdardottir

"Our time has come."

With those four simple words, Iceland politician Johanna Sigurdardottir became the world's first elected lesbian head of state this past weekend. Her Social Democrat party won at least 35 seats in elections held yesterday, assuring that Sigurdardottir will be elected Prime Minister.

Sigurdardottir was chosen as interim PM a few months ago, amidst Iceland's economic collapse.  Her appointment was seen as historic around the globe, because she was openly gay.  Her official election this weekend adds even more historic significance to her political career - now she can add the title of elected Prime Minister to her resume, instead of just interim/appointed/temporary/etc.

A wake up call to the world: LGBT people can be elected heads of state.  To paraphrase Harvey Milk, queer people who once only saw living in hiding as their only option, now have another path to follow: they can be comfortably out and open about their sexuality, and not have to worry that their sexual orientation will prevent them from achieving the highest office in the land.

Now, how long until we can say the same thing about an LGBT politician in this country?  Does President Tammy Baldwin or President Jared Polis have a nice ring to it?  :)

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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