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Updated Monday, April 18, 2011 11:00 am TWN, The China Post news staff

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The role of sexuality in politics

As progressive as we all claim to be, it is undeniable that the issue of sexual orientation continues to be a casting mold into which people are immured; a reshaping of first impressions reflective of a heteronormative and cis-gendered society.

We are quick to celebrate gay rights, as evidenced by the jubilation surrounding the annual gay parade lovingly hailed, “Taiwan Pride.” We know in our hearts that a person's sexual identity does not play a huge role in enhancing or hindering their ability to execute rational thought, form policies and yes, to potentially head and lead a nation.

Yet this knowledge hardly ever overrides the subconscious affirmation we seek from public figures like celebrities and famous entertainers, let alone political leaders. On top of party affiliation, social platform and legislative policy, a politician's public image plays heavily into the polling process. In other words, an election candidate with a professional, cis-gender veneer better not throw us off with revelatory news of surprising and alternative lifestyle preferences.

Incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen's sexual identity came into question on Thursday, a topic brought up by someone from her own political party -- ex-DPP chairman Shih Ming-teh. Tsai is currently running for the DPP primary with eyes set on the 2012 presidency.

Shih, in demanding that the single DPP chairwoman directly address her sexual orientation to the public, has all but “outed” her in so many words -- a practice that is irresponsible, disrespectful and abominable in terms of basic human rights, whether Tsai is gay or straight.

We will not comment on something of which we have no factual knowledge, and that includes Tsai's sexual orientation. However, Shih's controversial framing of the situation begs discussion and understanding. Does it arrive from a place of genuine concern or is it merely an inopportune challenge, as Tsai's spokesperson suggests?

Furthermore, the ensuing uproar (and at times, dubious advice) from gay and women's rights groups as well as fellow DPP members show that as a nation, we are far from enlightened and compassionate in regards to gay rights and political correctness, as well as to the private lives of public figures.

There are many issues at play here, some of them contradictory and repressive, even as it appears to come from a good place. First, let's try to see things from Shih's standpoint. The DPP chairman from 1994 to 1996 was reportedly upset that the topic has turned so “ugly,” claiming that if Tsai wanted the presidential seat, she will face greater challenges and questioning than one about her sexuality.

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