LGBT+ Politics and Representation

The year 2021 marks a milestone for the representation of LGBT+ people in Dutch politics, as the first trans woman was elected into parliament. This evening, academics, politicians and activists from the U.S. and the Netherlands draw lessons from a trans-Atlantic comparison of LGBT+ rights and representation, discuss the challenges of cracking the LGBT+ glass ceiling, and formulate strategies towards more inclusive politics.

The presence of ‘out’ elected officials in politics worldwide is increasing and LGBT+ people are holding their nation’s highest offices, while advocating for issues that go far beyond sexuality and gender identity. However, increased political visibility is often accompanied by increased backlash, as LGBT+ politicians are faced with misogyny, homophobia and transphobia. What challenges do LGBT+ politicians face and what factors facilitate or hinder LGBT+ visibility in politics? Comparing and contrasting the Netherlands with the debate in the United States can locate these struggles for representation of LGBT+ rights in a global frame.

This event takes place in the context of the visiting scholarship of Prof. Andrew Reynolds (Princeton University) and organized by the Amsterdam Center for European Studies (ACES) in the Diverse Europe theme group at the University of Amsterdam.