Sunday, March 15, 2009

Out Spotlight LXVI

"Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so."
"I am queer, and that’s how it should be"

Today's Out Spotlight is Klaus Wowereit. Born October 1 1953 in the Tempelhof borough of Berlin (formerly known as West Berlin) Wowereit is a German politician, member of the SPD (Social Democratic Party), and has been the mayor of Berlin since the 2001 state elections, where he won a plurality of the votes, 29.7%. He is openly gay.

Wowereit served as President of the Bundesrat (the second highest office in Germany) in 2001/02. His SPD-led coalition was re-elected in the 2006 elections. He is also sometimes mentioned as a possible SPD candidate for the Chancellorship of Germany (Kanzlerkandidatur), though his chances diminished after his decision to enter into a coalition with the socialist Left Party for a second term.

He attended the Ulrich-von-Hutten-Oberschule in Berlin then studied law at the Free University Berlin

After 3 years as a civil servant in the Senate Office of the Interior Wowereit stood for election as municipal councilor in Tempelhof borough. At the age of 30, he was therefore the youngest councilor in the city of Berlin. After eleven years as a Borough Councillor he stood for the Berlin House of Deputies (Abgeordnetenhaus von Berlin) which serves as the City's Landtag or state legislature in 1995. In December 1999, he was elected chairman of the SPD parliamentary group in the Abgeordnetenhaus. Since June 2001 he has served as Governing Mayor (Regierender Bürgermeister) of Berlin. Previously, the SPD had left the Grand coalition with the CDU and initiated new elections. After this election and following long-time negotiations, Wowereit finally started a coalition with the PDS.

In the elections held on 17 September 2006, Wowereit's (SPD) finished as the strongest party. The 16th Abgeordnetenhaus re-elected Wowereit as Governing Mayor on 23 November 2006, in the second ballot with only a 75:74 majority. CDU, Free Democrats and the Green Party voted against him.

Wowereit is one of the most famous German politicians who is openly gay. In coming out, prior to the 2001 mayoral elections, he coined the now famous German phrase "Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so." ("I am queer, and that’s how it should be"). In his autobiography Wowereit states that his decision to come out in public was made because after his nomination as candidate to become the mayor of Berlin, he felt that the German tabloids were already "on the track". With his coming out, Wowereit wanted to beat the tabloids to it and prevent them from writing wild, sensational and made-up stories about his private life. Wowereit said those now famous words during a convention of the Berlin SPD. After he had ended, there was half a second of surprised silence, then spontaneous cheering and loud applause to support him.

His election as mayor made Berlin one of three major European cities with an openly gay mayor, along with Paris, whose mayor is Bertrand Delanoë, and Hamburg, whose mayor is Ole von Beust, who both also took office in 2001. Previously, the largest city with a gay mayor had been Winnipeg, Canada, with mayor Glen Murray. Berlin and Hamburg are not only the two largest cities in Germany, but both are also German states, making both Wowereit and von Beust also state premiers.

In September 2007, Wowereit published an autobiographical book titled "…und das ist auch gut so.", after his famous coming-out phrase

At the inauguration of the memorial for the gay victims of persecution by the Nazi regime, Klaus Wowereit said, "This memorial is important from two points of view—to commemorate the victims, but also to make clear that even today, after we have achieved so much in terms of equal treatment, discrimination still exists daily."


Wowereit and his partner Jörn Kubicki attending an official event.

Klaus Wowereit - NY Times

You can still vote again today for the OMG Movie Club Poll.

28 comments:

Florida Tom said...

Very impressive Spotlight Spesh. I certainly didnt realize that such large cities such as Paris and Berlin had openly Gay mayors. The largest city in America to have an openly gay mayor is Portland, Oregon.

Can you imagine the Chancellor of Germany being openly Gay? That would be huge.

Am I imaging something or is that Nick Lachey with Austin in those first set of pics on Spooky's site? What connection does Nick Lachey have with OTH. It sure looks like him.

Special K said...

Nick Lachey is guest starring on OTH as .... Nick Lachey.

Anonymous said...

"Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so."


What a charming man - thanks for another great OutSpotlight. I love Germany, and am glad to see it again take it's progressive place in history. I always greatly admired the old pre-war Berlin's artistic and cabaret culture, its political satire, and it's freedom for people to live openly, before the terrible, dark period that followed. Only visited once, but the people were so lovely to me, very warm and friendly. :)

Great song, too, love how it starts out, speaking of cabarets. ;)

Florida Tom said...

Thought that was him. Thanks Spesh.

prairiegirl said...

Morning, Tom! How goes it today? I have to make one good long comment because I've been holding up the show this morning and we'll be heading out to the ol' Medical Center.
I tell you what, huge kudos to all the hard workers at hospitals. The RN's, the volunteers and the aides, and technicians who do the tests, MRI's and X-rays. These people work long days and yet they are so caring. We all had a nice visit with Dad's nurse while she re-made his bed. I mean, she didn't have to pay any attention to us at all, could've just nodded her head "Uh huh, uh huh, yeah. Mmmhmm. Mmmhmm." But she was genuinely interested & was very nice. And they all take such good care of the patients. That's not easy stuff. And not pleasant stuff to see or hear, either. All kinds of bodily function talk. I couldn't do it. Don't have a strong stomach at all. Even my own dad was grossin' me out at times. But you know. lol.

m, you cracked me up.
And her hair is an absolute fright.
lol.

Clarity, I was up early today. And I still was struggling to get out the door for early service. And you know what? No matter how old you are, it's like you're still 10 years old to your parents. Mom was up as I was hurrying around and I said "It's always like this Sunday mornings; always running late!" and she told me "Well, now, don't be in a hurry to get there. Take your time" etc. etc. Geesh. And then "Be careful!" as I'm going out. I felt like I was off to school. Aw, it never gets old, I guess, huh? Everyone needs some of that.

Oh, and I had the best view this morning while I just had my breakfast. Our neighbor, Lavernne & her little black dog, Skippy, are finally moving. It's been this month long project as she carried out box after box. I was beginning to wonder if it'd ever happen. But it was hilarious to watch the kid cart out each piece of furniture and when he carried the mattress/box springs out individually on top of his head, he had on those big homeboy jeans, you know with the crotch that hangs down to the knees? And everytime he walked down the sidewalk, they started falling. By the time he reached the top of the ramp, they were all the way past his butt, exposing his entire lil' sky blue briefs. LOLLLL!! Oh gah, I was dying laughing. Then he'd hitch 'em up and come back for another. Head up the ramp, ahhhh!Ahhh! there they go, down again!
snicker! Why would you wear those things trying to move furniture, I ask?

I'm sorry. I'm just rambling on about nothing but I had to share that. It was hilarious. Kid needs a belt in a bad way.

Good new picture of Austin over on Spooky2th's journal. A lucky fan got to meet him, looks like. Check it out.

Okay, everybody have a great day. I voted for Harold & Maude. Being There also sounded kind of good. I'm afraid I'm not a John Wayne fan. It's interesting that so many of these are all movies before Austin's time. And westerns. Austin is getting to be an intriguing character, I must say.

Okay, everyone have a great day! And we'll talk to you later!

destiny said...

I am queer, and that’s how it should be.

I love this quote. It says so much in just a few words.

destiny said...

Thanks Meg for the link in the previous post, I enjoyed reading about the blogger's love of Austin and Sophia and how it drew her back into OTH. I think she does a good job of summing up what is good and bad about the show.

Florida Tom said...

Thanks for acknowledging Medical workers PG. It is tough and I have been working in the field for over 30 years now. We take a lot of heat sometime. You have to remind yourself why your there occasionly so that you dont treat patients like they are just a part of the job. Some manage to figure out a way to deal with some pretty tough circumstances. The ones who cant dont stay around too long. I certainly am feeling burnt out right now. 30 years is a long time in one profession.

In general I feel that the American work force is not appreciated anymore. Corp America is much more concerned about it profits than its employees. That includes the Medical field. The comparison to vacation time in the US vs Europe is not very good. It would be interesting to hear how our European friends are feeling about their workforce today.

I for one am much closer to retirement than starting out. You wonder though how tough it will be in the future for folks to have a comfortable retirement.

I also think there is much debate about the direction that America is headed. Capitalism vs. Socialism and the pros and cons of both are a very interesting dicussion.

Anonymous said...

A couple of posts on DL that sadly seem to be right on target:

One poster:

tiresome and boorish, both Reeke and their miniscule cabal of fans

Jake has redecorated the Closet at least three dozen times he's been in there so long, and it seems that he'll continue to reside in shame

Another DL poster:

Jake is lost to us. He is ensconced in the closet for the rest of his short period of looking hot.

By the time he reclaims his dignity, he will no longer have much sex appeal.

destiny said...

I forgot to say earlier that I think Klaus sort of looks like Alec Baldwin.

Wicked said...

Great song, too, love how it starts out, speaking of cabarets.

Pugwash reminds me of XTC. I like some of the songs, but some are just okay.

Thanks for this Out Spotlight, Spesh. I've been talking to a German guy on one of the skate forums and he told me the mayor of Berlin is gay. Nice to learn more about him. They make a really nice looking couple.

Anonymous said...

Transgender banking

Could such a commercial air in the US or Europe?

Anonymous said...

Wicked, I looked them up and some of the songs were collaborated on with Andy Partridge. :) I like this one a lot.

Wicked said...

Wicked, I looked them up and some of the songs were collaborated on with Andy Partridge.

Thanks for looking that up. That would explain it, now wouldn't it? :) I loved both XTC and Dukes of Stratosphear.

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful to see someone out and free to be with his partner. Also saw some pics of TR Knight with his boyfriend on ONTD at some event. They make a nice couple despite the age difference. His boyfriend has a beautiful smile.

I don't visit datalounge but those comments are sure on target. I do expect that Ted will be armed and dangerous this week after having viewed all these staged photos.

Hubby and I will be celebrating 30 yrs with a trip to Northern Italy. Milan, Venice, Lake Como and points in between. Working on the details now so that is cutting in to my web time.

Florida Tom said...

Wow congrats m. 30 years. Thats awesome. Sounds like a great trip.


Go Nova! #3 seed. Not too shabby.

NOVA NATION RULES.....

Red Sox Nation. Boo Hoo....

Wicked said...

Hubby and I will be celebrating 30 yrs with a trip to Northern Italy.

That sounds fabulous, M. Mrs. and I will hit 10 years together in May. We are thinking about a trip to St. John. :)

Anonymous said...

I loved both XTC and Dukes of Stratosphear.

Oh, so did I! Love them.

Congrats, M! :)

Clarity said...

"In general I feel that the American work force is not appreciated anymore. Corp America is much more concerned about it profits than its employees."

So true Tom. Kudos to PG for pointing out how much she appreciates efficient but caring service. Sometimes we forget that were all in this world together and we depend and rely on each other everyday.

I liked today's spotlight and music. They both seemed to go together perfectly. Klaus really does look like Baldwin doesn't he?

30 years M - awesome : )

prairiegirl said...

m, that's great! 30 years, wow. That is incredible and a real feat. And that trip sounds fantastic.

Was able to take my time tonight and read the Out Spotlight. I get lost in all the political talk, but I get the coming out & his reason loud & clear. That's great. They make a cute, charismatic looking couple. I like those last 2 pictures.

I forgot to thank Meg for that link she did this morning. That was really interesting. That young gal wrote a great piece there. Now I may have to torture myself & watch that Olsen Twin movie, lol. I really enjoyed reading it, though.

Thanks DataLounge at 13:51. It is sort of sad and I have to agree with those 2 comments. They are both spot on, especially if the bearding goes on through the summer of 2010. What will really clue me in, though? Is when he starts to do his own promotional interviews when his movies do come out. Maybe it's a naive comment to make, but I'm hoping for "reversible damage".

destiny said...

Congratulations M. That sounds like a great trip for celebrating.

I always hope for reversible damage too PG. I do believe it is never too late to change, even if it means you have to work harder to make up for the damage. Unfortunately not everyone thinks that way, and sometimes I think Jake bearded in part in order to make it difficult, in his mind, to come out, so I'm fully prepared for the possibility that Jake will live his life never being honest with himself and his fans.

And on that heavy note, I'm going back to my Friday Night Lights marathon, I am just now catching up on most of this season, 3 more episodes to go before I'm all caught up. I'd rather think about Taylor K. then get all down about Jake.

Anonymous said...

Destiny, have you seen the pics of Taylor K in Men's Health? They are all over the web. He is a certified trainer in addition to a former hockey player. He changed his workout routine for his role as Gambit. His abs are unequaled and a sight to behold. The arms are not bad either.

destiny said...

I'm back, had to watch an episode on Hulu because I couldn't find it one of the many dvds floating around my house. It cracked me up that the main advertiser for the episode was Grey Goose. M I did see those somewhere, maybe at FCC?? Someone has started a thread on him over there. Besides being so good looking, he does a really good job on FNL. I'm curious to see him in something else, I may to go see Wolverine.

I"m not usually a fan of muscles like that, but he sure does look good. I just really like his face and hair, he has the kind of looks I went for when I was in school many moons ago.

Anonymous said...

Did everybody see this?

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/33183541.html#cutid1

Anonymous said...

Did everybody see this?

DL would say: Major pussy hound. Used to be a big Bush supporter.

Special K said...

Hey going to combine everything in one post.

Loved today's music too.


Hubby and I will be celebrating 30 yrs with a trip to Northern Italy. Milan, Venice, Lake Como and points in between.

Congratulations M! And what a beautiful place to celebrate.

I agree Tom about the medical community. I wonder if American could understand the trade offs if medicine moves to a more of a universal healthcare plan giving everyone affordable healthcare.

Austin looks like he is having a blast meeting and greeting fans. And charming them all.

Oh London, I loved your comment about Tuesday and Belgium! What a fun movie too. But it does seem like they are a bus tour. I wonder if they all get one of those matching travel carry on with a logo on it and big ass luggage tag. And someone yelling Roll Up Roll Up Roll Up.

All this Paris talk, funny how it all comes together. Paris, Je t'iame was on today. What a great gem of movie.

It's a collection of of 18 vignettes about love in the city of love by 21 directors including directors include Gurinder Chadha, Sylvain Chomet, Joel and Ethan Coen, Gerard Depardieu, Wes Craven, Alfonso Cuarón, Nobuhiro Suwa, Alexander Payne, Tom Tykwer, and Walter Salles.

And one I love is this one from
Gus Van Sant.

Gus Vant Sant's Le Marais

Special K said...

Friend of mine who does the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, told me to check out the main website and see I notice a difference.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Wicked said...

Now I may have to torture myself & watch that Olsen Twin movie, lol.

Don't laugh, PG. I have this film courtesy of Special K and am more than willing to torture you with it. And in Surround Sound too!