Today in Gay History: Herbert Ruche Became First Openly Gay Member of the German Parliament

Meet Herbert Rusche, the first openly gay man appointed to the Bundestag, or the German Parliament.

Rusche was born in the small German town of Bad Neuenahr in May 1952 and moved around the country throughout his childhood. He was a member of the Protestant Church until 1970, when he left to become a Buddhist. In 1972 he helped found Homo Heidelbergensis, the first gay rights organization in Heidelberg, Germany.

From 1985 to 1987, Rusche served as a member of the Bundestag. While in office, he advocated for AIDS research and financial support for those seeking treatment. He also fought for the equalization of the German age of consent, whic was higher for homosexual male couples as opposed to straight ones.

After his time in office, Rusche continues to work with different AIDS groups supporting research, advocacy, and efforts to end stigma. A vocal activist for the gay community to this day, Rusche currently lives in Germany. If you speak German, check him out on Twitter.