Petra De Sutter was born on June 10, 1963, in Oudenaarde, Belgium. She pursued a career in medicine and became a highly respected gynecologist and fertility specialist. De Sutter studied medicine at Ghent University, where she later earned a doctorate in biomedical sciences. Her research focused on reproductive medicine, leading to her specialization in gynecology and fertility treatments.
As a professor at Ghent University, Petra played a crucial role in the field of reproductive health, contributing to advancements in fertility treatments and ethical discussions surrounding assisted reproduction. She also worked as the head of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at Ghent University Hospital, where she was involved in both clinical practice and scientific research. Beyond her medical career, De Sutter became increasingly engaged in ethical debates on bioethics, reproductive rights, and medical ethics. Her expertise and advocacy led to her involvement in policy discussions at the national and European levels.
Before 2014, Petra De Sutter also began her political journey. She became involved with the Belgian Green party (Groen) and took an active role in political discussions related to healthcare, bioethics, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her dedication to social justice, gender equality, and healthcare ethics positioned her as an influential figure in both medical and political spheres.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Petra De Sutter, a distinguished Belgian gynecologist, academic, and senator. She is a Professor and Head of the Reproductive Medicine Department at Ghent University, an Executive of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and a member of the Royal Belgian Academy of Medicine. Petra has also served as a former member of the Belgian High Health Council and the French Biomedical Agency and is the author of over 300 journal articles. Welcome, Petra!
Petra: Hi Monika!
Monika: When it was announced in July 2014 that you had been appointed to the Belgian Senate as a Green Party nominee, what emotions ran through your mind? Did you anticipate the impact you would have in politics?
Petra: I was very happy and proud. I hope I can contribute to a more equal and just society, and although the Green Party is a small party (just under 10%), we can influence things and make our world greener, more sustainable, and also more equitable. It was also a moment of reflection for me, as I knew this role would come with great responsibility and the opportunity to drive meaningful change.
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| On the poster for the European Parliament elections. |
Monika: That wasn’t your first step into politics. In 2014, you were placed second on the Green Party list for the European Parliament elections. What motivated you to pursue a role at the European level, and how do you see Europe’s future evolving?
Petra: Yes, because I strongly believe that the European level is the level of policy that really matters. All member states depend on each other, we have a common history and a common future. I am in favor of a strong, united Europe, not just an economic union, but also a more social Europe. The latter, however, is still far away… Yet, I remain hopeful that with continued effort and collaboration, we can push for policies that prioritize social justice and human rights across the continent.
Monika: As a senator and a dedicated advocate, you have a broad range of interests. What do you consider the most important elements of your political agenda, and how do you see them shaping the future of society?
Petra: I am a doctor and a scientist. So public health, health care organization, science, and education are my topics. We need to invest more in innovation toward a sustainable world, renewable energy, and smart cities, and make sure that everyone has access to good quality health care. Green issues such as the influence of the environment and food safety on public health also need much more attention.
On top of that, I am also fighting for more rights for the LGBTI community and against discrimination. Finally, because I am a specialist in reproductive medicine, all bioethical issues regarding gamete donation and surrogacy, oocyte freezing, uterus transplantation, and artificial gametes are of great interest to me. I firmly believe that ethical policymaking in these areas can help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and societal acceptance, ensuring that progress benefits everyone.
Monika: Aside from Georgina Beyer of New Zealand, Vladimir Luxuria of Italy, Anna Grodzka of Poland, and yourself, very few transgender women have held parliamentary seats. In your view, what unique contributions can transgender women bring to politics, and can they shape more inclusive policies?
Petra: Of course they can. In most countries, they are still subject to some degree of discrimination, so they know what it is to belong to a minority. Minorities must be protected, this is a sacred duty of all politicians. Also, having traveled an often painful personal journey makes you strong and gives you the ability to be smart and strategic in obtaining your goals. It simply gives you a lot of perseverance.
Finally, transgender women understand, as no one else does, the sensitivities of both genders and can therefore be good diplomats and, hence, politicians. Their visibility in politics also serves as a beacon of hope for younger generations, proving that representation matters and that real change is possible.
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| Actua-Kandidaat: Petra De Sutter - Groen (YouTube) |
Monika: The transgender cause is often advocated alongside the broader LGBT community. However, as the last letter in this abbreviation, do you think the transgender community has enough visibility and influence to effectively promote its own cause within the movement?
Petra: I have never experienced any problem whatsoever in being associated with LGB people. You forgot the I, which usually comes even after us. :) Of course, there are differences, but also similarities. I used to be transgender, but for the past ten years, I have been a lesbian, so I changed from a T into an L. :)
That said, while the transgender community has made progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that trans-specific issues, such as healthcare and legal recognition, receive the same level of attention as other parts of the LGBT spectrum.
Monika: In the 1960s and 70s, Harvey Milk became an iconic figure in the fight for gay rights in the United States. Do you see anyone in Belgian transgender activism whose influence could be compared to his, or do you think activism for trans rights has taken a different path in Belgium?
Petra: I don’t think so. Many transgender men and women have come out in the last ten years and have shown how to be successful, but we do not have “icons.” Maybe it is also not necessary anymore to be an activist, since we have very good laws in Belgium protecting us against discrimination. Also, Harvey Milk was assassinated in the end, I hope we would not have to see that happen in Belgium in 2014…
On the other hand, we are still far from where we would like to be. For instance, we are still under a law forcing sterilization before legal gender change, but we are working on this. So progress has been made, but true equality requires ongoing effort and vigilance.
Monika: How do you perceive the current situation for transgender women in Belgian society? While legal protections have been put in place, do you think there are still challenges they face in everyday life?
Petra: At a general level, transgender people are well accepted. They are protected by law, can live normal lives, and have ample access to health care. However, there is still a lot of transphobia (and homophobia) in the streets. So, even if our government protects us, our environment may not. This highlights the need for continued education and public awareness to ensure societal acceptance matches legal progress.
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| Swearing-in in the Belgian Senate. |
Monika: At what age did you realize you were transgender, and what was the process like for you? Was it a difficult journey, or did you find it more of a gradual understanding of who you are?
Petra: I knew I was “different” from the age of 8, and for sure during adolescence. I tried to hide and correct things until I was 30. Then I started talking to people, met others (it was the beginning of the internet), and it took me another ten years to fully understand I was transsexual and needed to move on. I was 40 by then, and this was ten years ago. It was a challenging process, but it ultimately led to a deeper sense of self-acceptance and peace.
Monika: During your transition, were there any role models or figures in the transgender community who inspired you or provided guidance? How did their influence shape your journey?
Petra: When I was an adolescent, I only had the biographies of Christine Jorgensen and a few others to read. You can imagine… Later in life, I was impressed by the people I met, who were active at the Harry Benjamin Society (now WPATH). I started to go to scientific meetings, I started publishing myself, etc… If you need a name, one of the people I admire is Lynn Conway. Her work in technology and advocacy for transgender rights has been particularly inspiring to me.
Monika: Coming out can be an incredibly challenging experience for many. For you, what was the most difficult part of that journey, and how did you navigate through it?
Petra: Losing my partner and her children. It was not possible to stay together, and this has caused me a lot of grief. Fortunately, ten years ago, I found a new partner and am now happily married. The experience taught me the importance of resilience and the capacity to rebuild one’s life with love and support.
Monika: Do you believe transgender rights could become the next major frontier in the global human rights movement? How far do you think we still have to go for true equality?
Petra: Probably yes, it would for sure serve as a good case. Looking at how transgender people are treated in most countries in the world, there still is a long way to go. Achieving full equality for transgender people requires international collaboration and a deep shift in societal attitudes.
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| During a LGBT pride. |
Monika: How do you feel about the portrayal of transgender individuals in Belgian media, such as films, newspapers, or books? Do you think these representations have changed over time?
Petra: Only recently, transgender people are portrayed as “normal,” as it has been for gay people for almost twenty years. We are twenty years behind… Before, trans people were always shown as freaks, as abnormal, or at least as curiosities.
This is now changing. But what happens on television or in the media does not translate in the streets yet. There is still a significant gap between media portrayals and the reality that transgender people face in everyday life.
Monika: How significant is love in your life, and how does it influence your outlook on the world? Can you share how it shapes your personal relationships and worldview?
Petra: Love is very important. What can I say? I love my partner, my friends, my animals, nature… but I also try to live a little bit as a Buddhist, and love everybody and everything. Only in this way, the world can become a better place for all of us. Love helps me stay connected to others and fuels my hope for positive change in the world.
Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Petra: It is already written. :) I am just hesitant to publish it, because I hope to live many more years, and so I keep rewriting it all the time…
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Petra: Continuously. Right now, we are working on a legal frame for surrogacy in our country, because we don’t have one. Also in my research group, we are preparing a project on stem cell derived (artificial) gametes. For the rest, I see a lot of infertility patients and keep travelling to Brussels for the political work. I am a 7/7 working person, but happy about it.
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria?
Petra: Do not hesitate and go for it. A better life is waiting!
Monika: Petra, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Petra De Sutter.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
1 Ocotber 2020
Petra De Sutter made history on October 1, 2020, when she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, becoming the highest-ranking transgender politician in the world. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in politics, not only in Belgium but globally. With a distinguished career in medicine, bioethics, and politics, De Sutter's rise to such a high-ranking government position was a testament to her dedication and expertise.
As Deputy Prime Minister, she took on the role of Minister of Public Enterprises and Public Administration, focusing on government transparency, digital transformation, and improving public services. Her appointment sent a powerful message about diversity and inclusion, demonstrating that transgender people can hold leadership roles at the highest levels of government. It was a historic moment that resonated far beyond Belgium, inspiring many in the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. What a day! Congratulations, Petra!
