Sunday, October 4, 2020

Belgium appoints Europe's first transgender deputy prime minister


A transgender woman was sworn in as deputy prime minister in Belgium's new government, becoming the most senior trans politician in Europe. Petra De Sutter, a gynecologist and Green party Member of the European Parliament, became one of seven deputy prime ministers in Belgium's coalition government. 

De Sutter, who is also minister for public service and public enterprises, was elected to the European Parliament in 2019 representing the Flemish Green party, Groen. LGBT rights groups welcomed De Sutter's appointment as an important step forward for trans politicians.

"Incredibly grateful for the confidence I have received from my party!" De Sutter said. "Now I can do whatever it takes to relaunch our country and work on a new future for all Belgians together with that government!"

She also wrote on Twitter: "I am proud that in Flag of Belgium and in most of Flag of European Union your gender identity does not define you as a person and is a non-issue. I hope that my appointment as Minister and deputy PM can trigger the debate in countries where this is not yet the case. #fighttransphobia"

Congratulations!!



1 comment:

  1. Wow, very cool! Belgium is really a trendsetter in so many ways, they had a gay Prime Minister before as I remember.

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