Tag Archives: Angela Eagle

What You Need to Know About Angela Eagle, The Challenger For The Labour Leadership (And Potentially The First Lesbian To Become PM)

This week, Theresa May set to become Britain‘s second female prime minister. But out lesbian lawmaker, Angela Eagle has also launched her bid to head the rival party.

And if she defeats current leader Jeremy Corbyn, it would be the first time in British history that two women lead the top two political parties.

Eagle said in announcing her candidacy.

I am a person who brings people together, I don’t drive them apart. I will unite, I will not divide. I can bring our party together again. A kinder politics must be a reality, not just an empty slogan. The Tories may play out their game of thrones. But they have nothing to offer on the questions this country now faces. I love my party and I love my country. We are at a crossroads. I am ready to lead.”

Eagle, 55, was first elected to represent her town of Wallasey in Merseyside in 1992, came out in 1997 as only the second openly lesbian minister of parliament and has served in several governments.

She has a twin sister, Maria. They became the first twin sisters to sit on the government front bench in parliamentary history.

Her politics are liberal: she supports same-sex marriage, banning of fox hunting and assisted suicide for those with terminal illnesses.

Eagle voted against cuts to welfare, but did support the UK’s involvement in the Iraq war, supported air strikes in Syria, and the Trident nuclear weapons system.

She is known for championing women and minority rights, and campaigning for the U.K. to remain in the E.U.

Analysts describe Eagle as popular among her fellow lawmakers but lacking in the support and name recognition of her rival, Corbyn.

Eagle is from the “soft left” of the Labour Party, as opposed to Corbyn’s position on the far left.

Her challenge has angered supporters of Corbyn, who became leader after being backed by 60% of the party membership.

Eagle’s leadership challenge threatens to split the party between its MPs who have no confidence in Corbyn and party members who voted for him in 2015. A member of her local party hinted that she might also face a vote no confidence from her constituency.

Top 11 Inspirational Queer Heroes

As queer women, we have a particularly rough time finding role models that fit our lifestyle. Up until very recently, there were relatively few “out” women in the spotlight – leaving us only a small sampling of celebrities to idolize. But as we enter into 2016, we would like to take the time to acknowledge these 11 women who have done wonders for increasing lesbian visibility and inclusion.

Thank you so much, ladies! Keep it up!


Anna Grodska

Anna Grodska

When Anna was appointed to the Parliament in Poland, she became the very first transgender member in the world – which is a huge accomplishment for the trans community at large. She has founded an organization dedicated to the advancement of LGBT+ rights, including issues facing the trans community in Poland. Thank you, Anna!


Tammy Baldwin

Tammy Baldwin

Tammy was a big deal to lesbians with dreams of politics in the United States – being the first openly gay senator as well as the first woman ever elected to represent the state of Wisconsin. You are truly an inspiration – maybe someday you’ll run for president! Thank you, Tammy!


Sarah Gilbert

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For the creative tomboy types, Sarah Gilbert has been an icon since her early days on Roseanne – but after she came out of the closet and opened up about her marriage to Linda Perry (of 4 Non Blondes fame), she reminded every single lesbian that had a crush on her in the early ‘90s that she really was one of us. Thank you, Sarah!


Jane Lynch

14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards With Presenting Sponsor Lacoste - Arrivals

This sassy-mouthed goddess embodies so many life goals for me, and she is another one of the faces that helped make mainstream Hollywood lesbians a real possibility. Thank you, Jane!


Laverne Cox

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Laverne Cox is one of the first transgender actresses to make it to super-mega-mainstream fame. More than just becoming a household name, she has also taken huge steps in support of the LGBT+ community at large. Thank you, Laverne!


Sue Sanders

Sue-Sanders

Sue is a leader in the LGBT activism community, and the socially-involved among us will aspire to create as much change as she has. Since 2004, she has been the chair of Schools Out, an organization that deals with LGBT people in education professions. Thank you, Sue!


Julie Bindel

Julie Bindel

For our representation of lesbians in the print medias, Julie is an active journalist covering the complex topics of transgenderism, violence against women, feminism, sex workers, and even radical lesbianism, among other things. Her voice represents many who cannot find their own. Thank you, Julie!


Ellen Degeneres

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No list of lesbian heroes would be complete without Ellen. She is collectively our lesbian mother, and someone we all wish we could have on speed dial. Being one of the first openly gay comedians, she helped pave the way for mainstream acceptance of “out” Hollywood faces. Thank you, Ellen!


Sarah Kate Ellis

Sarah Kate Ellis

In terms of making strides for the gay community, Sarah is one of the leaders – specifically the President and CEO of GLAAD. One of the most widely-known companies helping to put a stop to issues of discrimination, Sarah has fostered a relationship to help dispel homophobic slander in the mainstream media. Thank you, Sarah!


Angela Eagle

For those in the UK with political dreams, consider Angela Eagle – she was the first openly gay Parliament member when she came out in 1997. She maintains an active membership with a recent appointing to Jeremy Corbin’s first Shadow Cabinet in September 2015. Thank you, Angela!


Mary Lambert

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Mary is well-known for her big opening bringing lesbian topics into mainstream country (and rap!) music – something that hadn’t really been done before her. She openly speaks about her feelings, mental health, and body positivity – three things that received a huge amount of attention in 2015 (and we hope the trend continues in 2016). Thank you, Mary!


What heroes do you look up to? We are always looking to recognize influential faces in the gay community, especially those who inspire others to live up to their full potential. This world is full of too much doubt already – let’s appreciate the women who have overcome it.

Will the Labour Party be Brave Enough to Appoint a Lesbian MP for their Leader?

Ever since Ed Milland resigned as party leader, rumours have been circulating about who will step forward to take the Leadership.

One MP being considered is Wallasey MP Angela Eagle, who happens to also be a lesbian.

Mr Miliband resigned as party leader after the Conservatives won an absolute majority in the General Election.

Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman – who is serving as acting leader until a new leader is chosen – has also announced she plans to step down, leading to a second leadership vacancy.

Ms Eagle sits on the centre left of the party and has represented the Wallasey constituency since 1992. She has also served as a Minister under Gordon Brown and is currently Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, is one of just three out lesbians currently in Parliament.

Ms Eagle, who was re-elected with a 38-point lead in her Wallasey constituency, is thought to be considering a run to replace Labour leader Ed Miliband, who resigned yesterday.

A source told the Liverpool Echo:

Angela’s thinking about running the Labour leadership or deputy leadership. She’s popular with members, the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party), and unions.”

The source said her experience as former chair of the party would stand her in good stead, as would her current positions as chair of Labour’s national policy forum and shadow leader of the House of Commons.

She would face stiff competition from rumoured front-runners Chuka Umunna, Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Dan Jarvis – making a run for deputy leader more plausible.

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Ms Eagle’s twin sister, Maria Eagle, is also an MP.