Though acceptance of homosexuality has increased, especially throughout the past two decades, there are still few openly gay politicians in office. Recently though this seems to be changing as more and more out and proud politicians are elected. These are the most influential openly gay men to have taken to the political stage.

HARVEY MILK

The most famous and influential of all gay politicians, Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. After many failed campaigns he finally became a member of the San Francisco Board Of Supervisors in 1977. During his short time in office he was responsible for passing a stringent gay rights ordinance in the city. Assassinated by colleague Dan White in 1978, Milk became an icon in San Francisco and his influence is still strongly felt today.

DAVID McREYNOLDS

The first openly gay man to run for the United State's Presidency, McReynolds is a socialist and peace activist.

BOB BROWN

Leader of the Australian Green party and the first openly gay member of the Australian Parliament, Brown is a big supporter of the LGBT community and has campaigned for gay marriage. He was also a fierce critic of the Iraq War and is a passionate crusader for the environment.

BERTRAND DELANOE

Delanoe became the Mayor of Paris in 2001 and may run for the presidency in 2012. A popular figure, Delanoe was nonetheless stabbed in 2002 by a man who said he hated homosexuals. He survived and has introduced many much-loved programs in Paris. In 2009 he ctitisized the Pope over his claims that condoms were not helpful in the fight against AIDS.

SAM ADAMS

The Mayor of Portland, Oregon, Adams is the first openly gay Mayor of a major American city. In 2007 as a challenge to the court, he and his former partner filed suit against the state of Oregon to dissolve their partnership and divide Adam's future pension.

BARNEY FRANK

One of the most prominent LGBT politicians in the United States, Frank is widely seen as one of the most powerful congressmen in office today. An outspoken advocate for LGBT issues, Frank is arguably the most powerful force for progress in the US right now.

GUIDO WESTERWELLE

Leader of the Free Democratic Party of Germany and widely tipped to be the new Foreign Minister, Westerwelle came out quietly in 2004, to little fanfare. Westerwelle's sexuality is pretty much a non issue in Germany.

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