5 of the most powerful LGBT politicians in the world: from Joe Biden’s cabinet pick Pete Buttigieg, to Germany’s Jens Spahn and the gay prime ministers of Serbia and Luxembourg

Jan 22 , 2021

Openly gay international politicians, from left: Ana Brnabić, Xavier Bettel, Jens Spahn, Pete Buttigieg, Grant Robertson. Photo: @anabrnabic, @xavier.bettel, @jensspahn, @pete.buttigieg, @grantrobertsonmp/Instagram

The prime ministers of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, and of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, and New Zealand’s deputy to Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, are all part of a wave of openly gay politicians in government

Just a few decades ago it would have been all but inconceivable for a politician – or any official in a position of power – to publicly come out as gay or lesbian. Now, while there is still considerable prejudice in many parts of the world, in 2021 many cultures have thankfully moved on to embrace more progressive realities

There are today more politicians, elected officials and even heads of state that have openly and publicly acknowledged their membership of the LGBTQ+ community than at any time in history – the following are just five of the most powerful.

Pete Buttigieg, US, secretary of transportation nominee

US secretary of transportation nominee Pete Buttigieg, in February, 2020. Photo: AFP

Formerly the celebrated mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012-2020, Pete Buttigieg went on to run a commendable campaign during the Democratic Party’s race to find their 2020 presidential candidate – marking the first run for US president by an openly gay person.

Ultimately, Joe Biden went on to win the candidacy and the presidential election itself. Since then, he has nominated Buttigieg as US Secretary of Transportation, making him the first cabinet nominee in American history who is openly gay.

Jens Spahn, Germany, federal minister of health

Member of the presidium of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Jens Spahn in February 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE

Jens Spahn is one of Germany’s most high-profile politicians. As minister of health in the most populous country in Europe, Spahn has achieved even greater prominence and favour among thanks to his role in the Bundestag’s response to the coronavirus crisis.

The openly gay politician was even recently rated Germany’s most-popular politician, ousting long-running chancellor Angela Merkel from this distinction.