First Out Elected Politicians
Being elected to a public office after campaigning as an out LGBTQ individual reflects an absolute sense of confidence in one's ability to lead. The result also reflects society's general acceptance of the individual's capabilities to administer and govern regardless of sexual orientation or other distinguishing personal characteristics. Undoubtedly, the individual faced a certain degree of homophobia, abuse, intolerance and hatred in pursuite of their elected position - and they overcame this hostility.
This list of individuals represents the important role of visible participation of minorities in elected government. It is advantageous that visible minorities be a part of the decision-making body that sets the agenda, determines policy, and establishes the social construct of the collective whole.
For many, the argument is made that being LGBTQ is only one element of their personal being. Other qualities come to the fore in an election campaign that can trump or reinforce the individual's capabilities to hold the elected office. This is, of course, true.
Nevertheless, the LGBTQ community needs role models, mentors and leaders to act as examples of what can be accomplished regardless of sexual orientation.
The following individuals are the first Out elected politicians in their country. They do not necessarily represent individuals who revealed their sexual identity after election, and the dates represent their first time elected as an openly LGBTQ individual:
Australia
- Bob Brown, Parliament (1983), Senate (1996)
- Ralph McLean, Mayor (1984)
Brazil
- Clodovil Hernandes, Congress (2006)
Canada
- Raymond Blain, City Councillor (1986)
- Svend Robinson, Member of Parliament (1988)
- Laurier LaPierre, Senator (2001, appointed)
- Glen Murray, Mayor (1998)
Chile
- Claudio Arriagada, Parliament (2013)
- Jaime Parada, Municipal Council (2012)
China
- Ray Chan, Hong Kong Legislative Council (2012)
Colombia
- Angelica Lozano, Mayor (2005)/Councillor (2011)/Congress (2014)
Cuba
- Adela Hernandez, Municipal Councillor
Finland
- Hilda Maria Kakikoski, Parliament (1906)
Germany
- Herbert Rusche, Bundestag (1985)
Great Britain
- Robert Crossman, Mayor (1986)
- Stephen Twigg, Member of Parliament (1997)
- Justine Greening, MP (2016)
- Lord Waheed Alli, House of Lords (1998, appointed)
- Michael Cashman, Member of European Parliament (1999)
India
- Shabnam Mausi, State Legislative Assembly (1998)
Ireland
- Kathleen Lynn, Dáil Éireann (House of Assembly, 1927)
- David Norris, Senate (1987)
Israel
- Michal Eden, City Councillor (1998)
- Uzi Even, Parliament (2002)
Italy
- Rosario Crocetta, Mayor (2003)
Japan
- Aya Kamikawa, Muncipal Official (2003)
Mexico
- Patria Jimenez, Legislature
- Benjamin Medrano Quezada, Municipal President (2013)
Netherlands
- Coos Huijsen, Parliament (1977)
Peru
- Carlos Bruce, Congress (2006)
- Luisa Revilla Urcia, Councillor (transgender, 2014)
Philippines
- Geraldine Roman, House of Representatives (transgender, 2016)
Poland
- Robert Biedron, Parliament (2011, Sejm), Mayor (2014)
- Anna Grodzka, Parliament, (2011, Sejm), Transgender
- Krystian Legierski, City Councillor
United States
- Tammy Baldwin, Congress (2012), House of Representatives (1999)
- Kate Brown, Governor - Oregon (2016 - appointed in 2015)
- Kathy Kozachenko, City Councillor (1974)
- Stu Rasmussen, Transgender Mayor - Silverton, Oregon (2008)
- Kenneth Reeves, Mayor (2006 - First Black Openly Gay Mayor)
Uruguay
- Michelle Suarez Bertora, Parliament (2014)
Venezuela
- Tamara Adrian, National Assembly (transgender, 2015)
