Leo Varadkar Becomes First Openly Gay Minister in Irish History

We know someone talking about their sexuality shouldn't be headline news in 2015.

Nevertheless, we have to give credit to Leo Varadkar for having the courage to stand up and become the first openly gay Minister in Irish history. But to be honest, it was the fact that he has just turned 36 that caused jaws up and down the country to drop.

It was in an interview with Miriam O'Callaghan on national radio RTE Radio 1 that Minister for Health Leo Varadkar made the announcement. And with the campaign for Marriage Equality beginning in earnest, Varadkar said that he didn't want to be accused of having a hidden agenda.

Vardakar, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Sunday, said that wants to be an "equal citizen" in his own country.

The Minister contacted Taoiseach Enda Kenny prior to taking part in the interview to give him the heads up.

"It was awkward and just a little bit embarrassing. I rang him and told him I needed to talk to him about a personal issue. He really was absolutely fine about it. He was really sound about it."

So, from all of us here at Beaut.ie, fair play to you Minister Varadkar for speaking up.

Now get back to work and sort out the hospital trolley crisis.

Did you listen to Leo's interview with Miriam? Do you think Ireland is close to having our first gay Taoiseach? And will this help the yes campaign in upcoming the same-sex marriage referendum?