France elects first transgender mayor

Marie Cau has made history as the first trans person to be elected as Mayor in France. 

The business manager with a background in agricultural and sustainability was unanimously voted in as mayor by the council of Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes, in northeastern France on Saturday May 23. 

Commenting on winning the election, Ms Cau said she is “not an activist” but just wants to focus on municipal politics.

The 55-year-old who ran on a platform of ecological sustainability and building the local economy, said; 

“People didn’t vote for me because I was or wasn’t transgender. They voted for a programme and for values. The social bond has disappeared. The inhabitants wanted change..

“[I have a] blank sheet, an almost non-existent budget, a school that hasn’t been reopened yet and many other coronavirus-related challenges.”

Her election was welcomed by France’s gender equality minister, Marlène Schiappa, who tweeted:

“Trans visibility, and the fight against transphobia, also depends on exercising political and public responsibilities. Congratulations Marie Cau!”