The Netherlands Welcomes its First Transgender Member of Parliament

Lisa van Ginneken has become to first transgender Member of Parliament of the Netherlands. She has taken up her seat for the centre party D66 at the end of March. “When I realised I was going to be a Member of Parliament, I immediately thought it was historic. A great moment for transgenders in the Netherlands, and the world, actually”.

Lisa, 48 and born in Oosterhout, hopes that she can “contribute to a more tolerant society by being a role model. “When I was living in Amsterdam, I did not find any role models. I realised quite suddenly that its not so self evidently to be who you really are in the Netherlands. I have had many messages of support, but also some rather strong rejections.

She continues by saying that “transgender people find themselves with a strong headwind. Transgender people have a vulnerable position in society, have more difficulty being hired for a job, often live alone, have a low income and are often coping with loneliness. That’s why it is important that I got into the Second Chamber (as the Dutch House of Commons is known), to give this group a voice”.

The urge to go into politics started when she was transitioning. “I previously lived as a university educated white male. I am still university educated and white, but I have noticed that since I’m a woman, there is less space for me in society. Due to my transition, I have seen how some groups are given less space and chances than others, and I don’t find that OK”.

It were the comments by Thierry Baudet, leader of the far-right Forum voor Democratie (Forum for Democracy) party, that convinced Van Ginneken to present herself at the 2021 general elections. “He made so many misogynistic, polarising comments during the provincial elections in 2019, which angered me a lot”. Especially the comment that women in the Netherlands should be less busy with their career and more with providing and caring about children was the ultimate push Van Ginneken needed.

Van Ginneken will focus her energy in the Second Chamber on the LGBTIQ+ community, by making sure, amongst others, that transgender and intersex people get a say on medical procedures regarding their bodies. She also wants to reduce the power of tech companies and improve the representation of patients in health care, as technology and healthcare are also part of her parliamentary responsibilities.

Van Ginneken will not be the only LGBTIQ+ member of parliament. Rob Jetten, D66’s former leader and current number two; Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and recently elected Speaker of the Second Chamber, Vera Bergkamp, are all part of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Sarah McBride To Become First Trans State Senator In U.S. History

Georgette Gomez Could Be The First LGBTQ+ Latina Congresswoman In US History

Belgium’s New Deputy Prime Minister Is Europe’s Most Senior Trans Politician

Marie Cau Becomes The First Trans Mayor Elected In France

Activist Tiara Mack Could Become The First Black LGBT+ State Senator In Rhode Island