Out gay Greek politician, Nicholas Yatromanolakis, has made history by being appointed the deputy minister of culture on Monday January 4. Yatromanolakis, who was promoted from his previous role of general secretary at the ministry, is a long standing advocate of LGBTQ+ rights, according to Greek news outlet, Ta Nea, which wrote: “He has been active in the field of human rights and in particular the rights of LGBTQ+ people…His work has been awarded in Greece and abroad.”
His achievement has been praised by many, with Alex Patelis, the chief economic adviser to the Greek prime minister, tweeting: “A historic day for LGBTQ+ representation and a big win for meritocracy and better decision-making through diversity. Congrats to Nicholas Yatromanolakis for showing you can be yourself and still succeed. May others draw strength to live their life openly.” Others congratulated Yatromanolakis for “breaking a historic barrier”, and highlighted the benefit of having inclusive cabinets.
Greece has made considerable steps towards LGBTQ+ equality in recent years, with same-sex marriage being legalised in 2015, and LGBTQ+ people being provided with legal protection from discrimination in 2017. However, same-sex couples are still unable to adopt together, and LGBTQ+ conversion therapy continues to be legal. Yatromanolakis’s win also illustrated the lack of queer representation in Greece’s government.
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