Today, society has become more tolerant of members of the sexual minority. In many European countries, same-sex marriages are allowed even at the state level, but in Russia even the promotion of homosexuality entails administrative or criminal liability. Moreover, abroad, many famous people are even proud of the fact that they are of non-traditional sexual orientation, and openly appear in public with their soul mates, care for them, give gifts, offer a hand and a heart, etc. For us, it’s not even like that yet. surprising when it comes to outrageous stars, young people who need to express themselves. But the topic of our article will be politicians. Surprised? Yes, they are. And this is not an isolated case. So let's get started.
Who is a homosexual?
Who are gay people? It is known that the word took its roots from the English language and literally translates "cheerful", "carefree". Homosexuals are people who are sexually attracted to members of the same sex.
What is the reason?
Controversial is the question of the cause of homosexuality. For example, some psychologistsbelieves that homosexuality is a consequence of improper upbringing, when the masculine principle was actively suppressed in childhood. Most often, according to statistics, young people become gay, in whose family the mother was the only parent or had a stronger, predominant character.
Another part of psychologists claims that homosexuals are born, and you can't "argue" against your nature. For example, it is known that some species of animals also prefer to mate with males. This fate did not bypass men. It is inherent in nature. And if earlier it was customary to be ashamed of one's sexual inclinations, now many openly declare this.
First gay rulers
History has known many homosexuals among the political elite since ancient times. So, for example, Gaius Julius Caesar cohabited for a long time with the king of Bithynia Nicomedes. And although the rest of the senators condemned the emperor, this relationship lasted for many years. Another emperor, Nero, was twice married to members of the same sex. Even among Roman and Greek soldiers, intercourse with men was common, especially during long military campaigns.
In ancient times, the love of men for the same sex was sung in songs and poems, depicted on cups of winners, carved in sculptures.
For a long time you will not surprise anyone with the sexual orientation of show business representatives. Singers Sir Elton John and Ricky Martin, film actors Zachary Quinto and Neil Patrick Harris, fashion designers Stefano Gabanna and Domenico Dolce. And if with homosexualitypeople from the creative elite have long been accustomed to society, then the news of the unconventional orientation of politicians and diplomats still shock ordinary people. And despite their high status, European officials are not ashamed of their orientation and often loudly declare it. The article presents gay politicians of the world.
G. Westerwelle
Guido Westerwelle was born on December 27, 1961 into a family of lawyers in the town of Bahn Honnef (West Germany). However, Guido's parents divorce, and custody of the son goes to the father. Even in his school years, the boy became actively interested in politics, and immediately after graduating from high school, he joins the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP). Later, in the footsteps of his parents, he enters the university and receives a law degree. In his student years, Westerwelle with like-minded people became the founder of the Young Liberals organization. After graduating from university, the ambitious young man is offered the position of Secretary General of the FDP. And at the age of 40, Guido becomes the chairman of the party. But these were only the first victories of Guido in the political field. Over the years, he has held such high positions as Vice Chancellor of Germany (October 2009 to May 2011) and German Foreign Minister (2009-2013).
Long before the official recognition of homosexuality, journalists attribute to him novels with men. But the politician did not comment on this information. And so, in 2004, Westerwelle came to a reception on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Angela Merkel with his friend. It turned out to be a 36-year-old manager of equestrian games, Michael Mronz. Guido made it clear to those present that, as indicated in the invitation, he came with his "soulmate".
It should be noted that at that time this news spread all over the German media and became a good PR for the politician. Westerwelle began to actively defend the rights of homosexuals, advocated the legalization of same-sex marriages, and even called on the German authorities to cut aid to developing countries in which sexual minorities are infringed on the rights. Guido Westerwelle pioneered the adoption law for same-sex couples.
In 2010, Westerwelle and Mronz officially registered their marriage. Only the closest relatives and friends were invited to the wedding, and photographs from it adorned the front pages of newspapers. Michael Mronz actively supported Guido in his career. The couple led an active political and social life, while demonstrating a family idyll. The couple decided not to adopt children due to lack of time.
In 2014, Guido Westerwelle was diagnosed with leukemia. The politician underwent a course of chemotherapy, but still the disease defeated him. In March 2016, the politician died of leukemia.
K. Bettel
Xavier Bettel is another gay man who openly declared his love for men. The future Luxembourg politician was born into an ordinary family of merchants, from a young age he was a diligent and diligent student, he received a master's degree in European law. From the age of 16 he became a member of the Democratic Party of Luxembourg. Achieved great success inpolitical career. So, since 2011, voters have supported his candidacy for the post of mayor of Luxembourg. And for services to the state in 2013, by decree of the Grand Duke Henri, he is promoted. From that time on, he becomes Prime Minister of Luxembourg.
The politician openly demonstrated his sexuality as gay, even at the beginning of his political career. Moreover, the man stated that the politician's personal life and sexual preferences should not influence the voter's choice.
Since 2010, Xavier Bettel has been openly living in a civil marriage with his boyfriend. But officially they could not register a marriage due to the fact that there was a moratorium on same-sex marriages in Luxembourg. The chosen one of the gay politician was the famous architect Gauthier Destenay. As prime minister, Xavier is pushing for a gay marriage law.
In 2015, the couple officially entered into a relationship. Only the closest friends were invited to the wedding. Journalists were not allowed to the holiday. The couple did not want to advertise their personal lives, but both spouses said that marriage was a long-awaited event for them. Bettel and Destiny have not yet acquired children either.
It is noteworthy that Gauthier Destenay in 2017 took part in the official meeting of the first ladies of the "Great Seven". At the same time, he posed with pleasure and gave interviews to reporters. And among women, he felt harmonious and confident. And journalists in their publications ironically wrote that now the whole world will more often observe the participation of the "first lady" of Luxembourg in politicalevents.
R. Crocetta
Rosario Crocetta was born on February 8, 1951 in Gela, Italy. After graduating from high school, he worked for a long time in his hometown as a journalist, while working with several well-known newspapers. Rosario adhered to communist views and was a member of the Communist Renaissance Party for a long time. It is in his hometown that the formation of Rosario Crocetta as a politician begins. In 2003, he was elected to the role of the head of the city of Djel. In 2009, on his own initiative, he resigns and puts forward his candidacy for elections to the European Parliament. From 2009 to 2012, he is one of the MEPs.
The next step in his political career is the position of mayor in Sicily, which he successfully held from 2012 to November 18, 2017. Initially, Rosario did not intend to take part in the elections for a second term, then he nevertheless decided to enter the race, but applied too late, so he was simply removed from the candidates for the post of mayor.
Rosario Crocetta became a well-known politician not only in the circles of Sicily, but throughout Italy. The main goal of his political career, he considered the fight against the mafia. Over the years, the politician was assassinated three times, but Rosario never gave up his tasks.
For the first time, journalists wrote about Rosario Crocetta's homosexuality during the mayoral elections in the city of Gela. This juicy news was thrown into the press by a politician's competitor, but this information only fueled the voters' curiosity for the candidate and laid the foundation forhis successful career.
It is noteworthy that this well-known gay politician in his program never staked on the protection of the rights of sexual minorities. Only by his participation in the gay parades held in Palermo, he expresses his attitude and support for homosexuals. The private life of Rosario is not known. No one knows the name of his roommate and what he does.
Moreover, in one of the interviews before the elections for the mayor of the city of Sicily, Rosario announced to the press that if he was elected, he would give up sex in his life. But after the election, he retracted his words, saying that the journalists misunderstood him. Yes, he is gay, but he is not going to fight this fact, he will not change his sexual preferences, but from now on he simply will not comment on his personal life and the presence of sex in it.
Despite the fact that Italy is part of the European Union, the majority of the country's inhabitants stand for traditional family values and ties. Therefore, if Rosario openly stood up for gays and demonstrated his relationship with another man, then, according to many experts, this would lead to the collapse of his career.
Sh. Maloney
Sean Maloney started his political career very early. By the age of 25, the young, ambitious politician managed to enter the electoral staff for future President Bill Clinton. The future president actively supported the young comrade-in-arms and even offered Sean a position in the White House Secretariat. In 2012, again with the support of Bill Clinton, Maloney is elected to CongressNew York.
Sean Maloney has never hidden that he is gay. They have been together with their friend for over 25 years. His roommate, designer Randy Flork, is well known in American bohemian circles. The couple is raising 3 adopted children. It is noteworthy that the men themselves were not going to register their relationship. According to them, they were a happy and full-fledged family even without a stamp in their passport. But the letter that their youngest daughter wrote to Santa Claus on the eve of the holiday made them reconsider their attitude towards marriage. The phrase "I want dads to get married" prompted Randy to make an original proposal to the congressman. For Christmas, Randy Flork gave "his soul mate" a backpack, which contained a note with a marriage proposal. Sean Maloney and Randy Flork officially registered their relationship in 2014.
K. Wowright
"I'm gay, and that's good," said German politician Klaus Wowereit during the election race for the mayor of Berlin. This phrase spread all over the world and brought Wowereit the support and love of not only representatives of sexual minorities, but also a large number of voters. By declaring his unconventional orientation, Klaus Wowereit demonstrated to society his sincerity and openness. From 2001 to 2014, while serving as mayor of Berlin, the politician made this city one of the most visited for tourists. But many problems of the city have not been solved. So, for example, Klaus Wowereit cut funding for kindergartens and did not solve the issue of low salaries forcivil servants. And to all tricky questions, the mayor of Berlin answered: "We are poor, but sexy!"
Klaus Wowereit has been cohabiting with doctor Jorn Kubicki for many years. Their love story began in 1993, according to both men, it was love at first sight.
E. Di Rupo
Elio Di Rupo is also openly gay. His homosexuality has been known since 1996. The fact is that a minor young man on a call accused Di Rupo of having a sexual relationship. Allegedly, the politician, knowing about the young age of the boy, nevertheless entered into a relationship and generously paid for sexual services. It is not known whether this was real or it was a provocation on the part of competitors, but the investigation did not prove the politician's guilt. Di Rupo was acquitted, but when asked about his orientation, he openly stated that he was gay and was not ashamed of this fact.
Elio Di Rupo has been repeatedly implicated in various political and corruption scandals. However, this did not prevent the politician from achieving high results and taking the post of Prime Minister of Belgium from 2011 to 2014.
B. Delanoe
B. Delanoé successfully led the mayor of Paris for 13 years. He openly declared his sexual orientation in 1998 during a television appearance. In 2001, he took over as mayor of Paris and made history as a gay leader in the largest city in terms of population.
In 2002, Bertrano is attacked duringcelebrating the annual city festival. The attacker turns out to be a homophobic maniac who declares his hatred of gays.
Every year, Bertrano Delanoe takes part in gay parades, actively fights against homophobes in politics, and also defends the rights of sexual minorities in every possible way.