From Shadows to Spotlight: The Rising Tide of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Political Candidacies

Do we see an increase in political candidacies among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons in contexts where social attitudes toward this group become increasingly positive? Drawing from comprehensive administrative data encompassing the population of Sweden over four decades, this study analyzes long-term trends in access to political candidacy among Swedish LGB individuals. The results point to a rising proclivity among LGB persons to run for office, gradually surpassing that of comparable heterosexual individuals. The analyses also suggest that although left-leaning and liberal parties remain more receptive to LGB candidacies than their right-wing and radical right counterparts, the left-right gap in access to elected office among LGB candidates is waning. Finally, we find that Swedish political parties do not merely recruit rainbow candidates as sacrificial lambs. On the contrary, there is a positive sexuality gap in access to secure political candidacies. Overall, this study expands our knowledge of sexuality-driven disparities in access to political candidacy and underscores the significant role changing attitudes toward minority rights might play in propelling minority representatives into elected office.