Difference between revisions of "LGBTQ Head of State"

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We have identified the following individuals as LGBTQ Heads of State/Prime Ministers.
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There are many LGBTQ identified Heads of State that figure prominently throughout history.
  
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In many of the historical cases, confirmation of the individual's homosexuality or bisexuality is a debated issue but, generally, historians accept the case.  At the time, it would not have conformed to societal and religious norms of intolerance to declare one's homosexuality.  
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Due to various norms, practices and restrictions, many of the historical individuals did not necessarily publicly identify during their lifetime as lesbian, gay or bisexual.  Nevertheless, qualified historians generally agree today on their sexual orientation and behaviour.  The most prominent opposition to self-identification has been religious norms - religious leaders and institutions have been sources of opposition for power, and certainly a charge of sodomy was used as a means to diminish the power and respect of an opponent throughout history.
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Times have changed in many parts of the world.  The contemporary individuals in this list are open and comfortable with their sexual orientation.  The first contemporary LGBTQ identified Head of State was [[Johanna Siguroardiottir]] of Iceland.  The most recent individual is [[Xavier Bettel]] of Luxembourg.
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In many cases, LGBTQ Royal heads of state are classified as bisexual.  This is because the continuing of the family's reign requires an offspring, and such can only be obtained through a religious sanctioned marriage.  These 'marriages of convenience', however, were superseded in the history books by their actual same-sex attractions.   
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With respect to Royal courts, current law does not provide any clear direction on heirs when it comes to same-sex rulers.  Of course, elected heads of state do not face this family-succession issue.
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We have identified the following individuals as LGBTQ Heads of State.  Simply click on their names to read their fascinating biographies and access more stories.  
  
 
* [[Afonso VI]], Portugal
 
* [[Afonso VI]], Portugal

Revision as of 16:51, 16 January 2017

There are many LGBTQ identified Heads of State that figure prominently throughout history.

Due to various norms, practices and restrictions, many of the historical individuals did not necessarily publicly identify during their lifetime as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Nevertheless, qualified historians generally agree today on their sexual orientation and behaviour. The most prominent opposition to self-identification has been religious norms - religious leaders and institutions have been sources of opposition for power, and certainly a charge of sodomy was used as a means to diminish the power and respect of an opponent throughout history.

Times have changed in many parts of the world. The contemporary individuals in this list are open and comfortable with their sexual orientation. The first contemporary LGBTQ identified Head of State was Johanna Siguroardiottir of Iceland. The most recent individual is Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg.

In many cases, LGBTQ Royal heads of state are classified as bisexual. This is because the continuing of the family's reign requires an offspring, and such can only be obtained through a religious sanctioned marriage. These 'marriages of convenience', however, were superseded in the history books by their actual same-sex attractions.

With respect to Royal courts, current law does not provide any clear direction on heirs when it comes to same-sex rulers. Of course, elected heads of state do not face this family-succession issue.

We have identified the following individuals as LGBTQ Heads of State. Simply click on their names to read their fascinating biographies and access more stories.


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