Yesterday was a big day for European politics, with Poland welcoming their first transsexual woman ever into its parliament. Anna Grodzka was born a man but underwent a sex change. She was also joined by Robert Biedron – the country’s first openly gay man to be elected to office.

Both Grodzka and Biedron belong to the progressive Palikot’s Movement (PM) party. The party became the third-largest in parliament in the October 9 election.

Anna Grodzka, centre, and Robert Biedron, far left.

Grodzka said she felt overwhelmed by emotion as the session opened with the national anthem, and when she later took her oath of office.

It is a symbolic moment, but we owe this symbolism not to me but to the people of Poland because they made their choice. They wanted a modern Poland, a Poland open to variety, a Poland where all people would feel good regardless of their differences. I cannot fail them in their expectations.

[Source: Global Post]