Petra De Sutter, Europe’s first transgender minister, leaves politics and convincingly wins the rector elections of Ghent University with 71% of the votes.

21 comments

1. Sources:

   [https://www.politico.eu/article/petra-de-sutter-transgender-deputy-prime-minister-milestone-progress/](https://www.politico.eu/article/petra-de-sutter-transgender-deputy-prime-minister-milestone-progress/)

   [https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/petra-de-sutter-herwig-reynaert-new-rectoral-team.htm](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/petra-de-sutter-herwig-reynaert-new-rectoral-team.htm)

   Be respectful please <3

2. She was the best choice, even if her opponent wasn’t neck deep in scandals, from turning a blind eye to sexual harassment/assault on campus, to defending Israel, and even accepting someone who murdered a student to “guide” students during their master theses, the dude made “arrogant dumbass” seem like a compliment.

3. Proving what, exactly?

4. And?

   If a transgender is the best, the transgender is chosen.

   Only skills matter.

5. Qaàà

6. Sad to see Petra leave, she was one of the best, Ghent university is lucky to have her.

7. American Tran person here. Can someone please explain this to me?

8. Ex-politician winning a high profile job at a university is neither uncommon, nor something to be proud of in my opinion.

   Universities should be separated from politics and allowing a politician to run one is contrary to idea of academic freedom (despite it being a widespread practice around the world).

9. So?

10. [deleted]

11. I am Belgian and didn’t even know she was trans… Not that it matters, but I realize I spend way too much time on Reddit and not enough in the real world…

12. Unbelievable! It’s amazing that transgender people can be so successful in politics! There has been a huge shift and progress in people’s eyes and awareness!

13. If she got there by merit then its amazing and actually a really big step ( i think for belgium not sure tough )

14. Why does it matter if transgender or not?

15. De Sutter is highly capable and intelligent, hoping she can salvage something in this complete joke of a club that pretends to be a university 

16. Good for h**

17. Omg so brave so modern

18. She has successfully transitioned! To Ghent University! What a legend!

19. Just wait till trump admin sends a letter of disapproval to the Ghent Uni…

20. The Green party has a hard time keeping its strong representatives around it seems. She definitely is a competent politician, level-headed, genuine, feels like they tried to put her at the forefront of the party near the end of the elections but it was too little, too late. They need a wakeup call asap.

    I’m sure she will do a good job as rector, but sad to see her exit politics.

21. She’s an icon. Absolutely wonderful person.

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