Even though openly LGBT elected officials are vastly outnumbered by straight colleagues, their presence in legislative bodies leads to the adoption of more pro-equality laws, according to new research.  Political scientist Andrew Reynolds, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has published a paper entitled, “The Presence and Impact of Openly Gay and Lesbian Politicians in the Parliaments of the World.”

Politics.MyNC.com talked with Reynolds about his research:

“Gay members of parliaments have never been numerous enough to act as a voting block with leverage, but they can be legislative entrepreneurs who help set agendas and educate their colleagues on related issues,” said Reynolds, associate professor of political science and chair of the international and area studies curriculum. Familiarity appears to breed tolerance.

“When the gay person becomes a person with a name, human talents and foibles, aging parents and young children, sport team obsessions and opinions about the latest TV show, it becomes more difficult for their parliamentary colleagues to overtly discriminate against or fail to protect them through legislation,” Reynolds said.

For more information about where out elected officials are serving, visit the Out Officials map at www.glli.org.