TL;DR
- Jason Virgo comes out as gay in parliament.
- Thanks his Indonesian boyfriend of 11 years.
- Wants voters to hear his truth directly.
- Reflects on his journey from Labour to One Nation.
- Advocates for migrants while discussing immigration.
In a heartwarming moment that had the entire chamber buzzing, newly elected South Australian MP Jason Virgo took to the floor for his maiden speech and did something that’s sure to make history: he came out as gay. With tears in his eyes, he thanked his boyfriend, calling him “the love of my life,” and shared his journey of self-acceptance and political evolution.
Virgo, who represents One Nation, made it clear that while he has been out throughout his adult life, he wanted his constituents to hear about his sexuality directly from him, not through the rumor mill or political attacks. “Let them whisper all they want; it says more about them than it does about me,” he declared, showcasing his strength and resilience.
During the emotional speech on May 21, the MP reflected on his relationship with his partner, who hails from Indonesia and is a proud Muslim. Virgo’s words painted a picture of love and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of being open about one’s identity. “He is now a proud Australian,” he added, highlighting the beauty of their multicultural relationship.
But the speech wasn’t just about love; it also touched on Virgo’s political journey. He candidly shared that he came from a Labour-voting family but felt left behind by the mainstream political parties, leading him to join One Nation. “I love migrants,” he said, acknowledging his close friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, including China, India, and the Philippines, while also expressing concerns about rising immigration levels in Australia.
Virgo’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Before his political career, he ran as a candidate for the Australian S*x Party in the 2010 and 2013 federal elections. His experiences working at the Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre and Mount Gambier Prison have also shaped his views and advocacy.
As he stood before his peers, it was clear that this moment was not just a personal victory but a significant step for LGBTQ representation in politics. By sharing his truth, Virgo not only embraced his identity but also paved the way for others to feel empowered to do the same.
This emotional coming out moment is a reminder that love knows no bounds, and in a world where political identities can often overshadow personal truths, Virgo’s story shines a light on the importance of authenticity and acceptance. We can only hope this inspires more politicians to speak their truth and embrace the beautiful diversity that exists in our communities.