François Hollande, Président

For those of you in North America (who have more than likely not been following French politics) - the second (and deciding) round of the French presidential elections was held today.  The run-off pitted incumbent president Nicolas Sarkozy against Socialist party candidate François Hollande.  It's been interesting following the politics here, as left and right are not nearly as clear-cut as in the States.  This election was fought along many lines, including but not limited to the economy, immigration, and social policies.  As we couldn't vote, we were only able to observe as the French citizens cast their ballots that would determine our future here alongside theirs.  Of primary interest to us was the impact that the next president would have on our lives in France: right to immigration, right to marriage, right to both legally parent our kids.  

And tonight, in our own quiet apartment, with little F's head resting on my shoulder, far from the parties in Paris and around the country, we celebrated.  A victory by François Hollande means, for us, the possibility of our marriage being recognized and of my parental rights being upheld.  For countless gay and lesbian French couples who did not have the privilege of marrying abroad, this victory may mean the right to marry, to seek reproductive assistance, and to build their own families.  Of course, time will tell - but as I sit here with my glass of cider, listening to Hollande give his victory speech, I am filled with a hope similar to what I felt on the night I watched Obama win the presidency.  While I feel that in the States we still have a long way to go, I am hopeful that relatively rapid social change can take place here.  In a pre-election document addressed to the LGBT wing of the Socialist party, Hollande lays out pretty straightforward answers to some questions that carry enormous weight for my family, and for other GLBT families and individuals:

(Note: these are my translations, and I have shortened the answers for clarity - the original text can be found at http://ddata.over-blog.com/xxxyyy/0/46/85/86/questions_HES_reponses_FH_2012.pdf)

Will you open civil marriage to all couples?  If yes, when? "Yes, in 2012."

Will you open second-parent adoption to same-sex couples? If yes, when? "Yes, in 2012."

Will you open assisted reproduction to all women - by anonymous donor or by known donor - without discrimination? If yes, when? "Yes, starting in 2012."

Will you align legislative and legal texts so that "gender identity" is equivalent to "sexual orientation" when it comes to discrimination or violence? If yes, when?  "Yes, in 2012."

Will you end the exclusion of gays from blood donation?  If yes, when? "Yes, starting in 2012, because it is a discrimination that has no scientific justification, and rests upon the confusion between 'sexual orientation' and 'sexual behavior'."

No president has been, is, or ever will be a perfect candidate.  But tonight, when it comes to my family, Hollande comes pretty damn close.  And tonight, pretty damn close is good enough for me.

- E