Belgium Appoints Europe’s First Transgender Deputy Prime Minister. This Is So Insiprational

 Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world”. Everyone has heard this phrase before, right? Although I don’t think it has ever been more relevant. From women and LGBT rights to politics, everything in the world is evolving. But you already know that. Speaking of LGBTQ+ rights though, recently Belgium made history by swearing in a transgender woman as the deputy prime minister in its new government. This piece of news really made my day. It’s the kind of inclusivity that all countries need to have. 

I have always believed that representation and diversity are the way forward. Think about it. If India were to appoint more women into positions of power, don’t you think the condition of women in the country would improve? The same way the fact that Belgium made took this historical step of appointing a transgender as the deputy PM can only mean good things for the country and for a community that can be excluded from heteronormative functions. 

Petra De Sutter is a 57-year-old gynaecologist and fertility expert at the University of Ghent. She is a member of the Green party in the European Parliament and has just been appointed as one of seven deputy prime ministers in Belgium’s new coalition government. This appointment makes her the senior-most trans politician in all of Europe. It’s so inspirational. 

I am proud that in 🇧🇪 and in most of 🇪🇺 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 pic.twitter.com/WdgHu2gyy6

— Petra De Sutter (@pdsutter) October 4, 2020

According to various reports, she is known for her strong opinions on around sexual health and trans issues. LGBTQ+ organisations in Belgium have called her appointment a “milestone”. It really is and a very important one too.

After the win, Petra took to Twitter to say, “Incredibly grateful for the confidence I have received from my party! Now I can do whatever it takes to relaunch our country and work on a new future for all Belgians together with that government!” 

Belgium has been without a full-fledged government since December 2018. In an attempt to change that, on Wednesday, seven parties agreed to form a coalition led by Alexander De Croo. This new government will replace the caretaker administration appointed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March. 

Along with being one of the seven deputy prime ministers, Petra is also the minister for public service and public enterprises. She was elected to the European Parliament in 2019 representing the Flemish Green party, Groen. Before this, she was serving as a senator for the Groen party in Belgium’s upper house for five years.  

Matt Beard, executive director of international advocacy group All Out, told Reuters that, “We are delighted that a member of the trans community has been appointed to this senior political post.” Further adding, “Petra’s appointment is a calling and an inspiration to governments across the world to increase trans representation in senior positions.” 

Also Read: The Belgian Crown Princess Elisabeth Begins Military Training. She Is Redefining What It Means To Be A Princess!

Congratulations to @pdsutter on taking charge as the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium. I wish her all the best in this new role. pic.twitter.com/emjFKPFWun

— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) October 2, 2020

With the advent of the LGBTQ+ movement, gay and trans politicians have gained more power and have become prominent in various countries around the world. For instance, Pauline Ngarmpring became Thailand’s first trans candidate for prime minister last year. In fact, in January 2019, closer home in India, Apsara Reddy made history by being the first transgender person to be appointed as general secretary of the Mahila Congress, the party’s women’s wing.  

Of course, we are nowhere close to having the kind of representation we need. And considering we live in one of the most diverse countries in the world, we desperately need to be more inclusive. Especially in politics. Petra’s appointment serves as an example for the rest of the countries. We are so glad that Belgium took this step. However, India has a long and arduous way to go if we want to get there soon. 

This is truly inspirational. More power to Petra!

https://thehauterfly.com/lifestyle/finland-has-a-34-year-old-female-pm-in-sanna-marin-its-making-us-want-to-move-there/