EU's first openly gay president - The Current Knowledge

Edgars Rinkevics, the former Foreign Minister of Latvia, has been sworn in as the eleventh President of Latvia since its independence in 1991. Edgars Rinkevic sworn in as EU's first openly gay presidentImportant facts for competitive exams: Edgars Rinkevic sworn in as EU's first openly gay president Edgars Rinkewicz, who in 2014 openly announced his sexual orientation as gay, became one of the few LGBTQ+ heads of state in Europe. Known for his firm stance on Russia and his support of Ukraine, Rinkewicz assumed the presidency for a four-year term following the departure of the previous president, Egils Levits, who did not seek re-election. Rinkewicz proudly declared his sexual orientation as gay on Twitter in 2014, making him one of Europe's few openly LGBTQ+ heads of state. Rinkevic's presidency marks progress in LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the region. Attitudes towards sexual minorities in the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe have historically been less tolerant than in Western Europe. Rinkewicz, who gained popularity during his 12-year tenure as foreign minister, draws on his extensive diplomatic experience for the presidency. Important facts for competitive exams: Latvia joined the European Union: 2004 Headquarters of the European Union: Brussels Prime Minister of Latvia: Krizanis Karias Click to see Daily Current Affairs