Johanna Sigurdardottir; Prime Minister of Iceland
Many people have told me that their vote doesn’t see color, but does your vote see sexuality?
I’ve always found it interesting when people who I don’t know if they were seeking acceptance or approval by telling me they didn’t vote for President Obama because of race. I find it even more interesting of those who said they didn’t vote for President Obama, but it wasn’t because of race. I always think, if it wasn’t about race, why are you telling me that it wasn’t? Also, why is it that race isn’t attributed to White candidates as it is to everyone who isn’t? I’m not convinced by your words, but by your behavior and actions. It’s what you do and what you don’t do that is telling.
Beyond race is the question of gender and sexuality in politics. This is where I want to rest my thoughts today. I use the story of Iceland’s Prime Minister as example in asking what matters to you.
The honorable Johanna Sigurdardottir became the Prime Minister of Iceland in 2009. Prime Minister Sigurdardottir who has children from her previous (heterosexual) marriage is the only openly gay head of state.
What I found interesting about this story is the proof of Iceland’s lack of anti-discrimination hypocrisy by never publicly making an issue of Johanna Sigurdardottir’s sexuality. I say anti-discrimination hypocrisy not insinuating to practice of anti-discrimination is hypocritical, because it isn’t. I fully support anti-discriminatory practices and policies, both public and private. What makes anti-discrimination hypocritical is when those who preach it do not practice it. For any anti-discrimination practice to be true, the philosophy must be applied to all, not some.
Perhaps American in addition to the rest of the world can learn a valuable lesson from our Nordic friends in terms of tolerance and acceptance. When our consideration is allowed to roam beyond the narrow confines we apply it in our political and religious applications, then we get to see the person for who they are above what they are.
For those who have said to me that they don’t see color, but the content of a person’s character, then this is an excellent measure of your sincerity or commitment to that by considering the possibility of a future President or Prime Minister of your country being elected by the content of his/her character and not the color of their skin, religious practice or sexual orientation.
It is only my opinion, but I would expect that if a future US Presidential Candidate was honest enough to admit they were gay, I believe the powers that be would demonstrate the truth of the American dream. Their hopes of freedom and equality will essentially be publicly voted upon by those who say they are.
What if a future President or Prime Minister was openly gay, would you vote for him/her?
Do not concern yourself with the social perceptions of others. I just want you to be true. Be willing to defend your response if challenged, but only challenge with respect and consideration. It’s not about your religious beliefs or political affiliation, but your position on the boundaries of discrimination.
AAP, “Iceland’s gay PM weds partner “. The Age. June 28, 2010 <http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/icelands-gay-pm-weds-partner-20100628-zfbd.html>.