Mexico has appointed an openly gay man as Foreign Minister for the first time. Roberto Velasco will head the SRE, becoming the highest-ranking LGBTQ+ official in the history of the Mexican federal government. The appointment of Roberto Velasco Álvarez as head of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE) is unprecedented in recent Mexican diplomacy. In addition to his experience in foreign policy, the new minister has been identified as an openly gay figure in public service, which has generated reactions in both political circles and civil society organizations. Roberto Velasco himself has publicly recognized his identity and his role within diversity in public service. His technical and political profile has been noted as an element of continuity in the country's international strategy. Velasco's arrival at the Foreign Ministry comes after the departure of Juan Ramón de la Fuente, which was officially attributed to health reasons by President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to this version, the former official will return to the government project once his rehabilitation process is completed. However, former official Simón Levy proposed a different interpretation. "He's leaving because he knows what's coming with the United States. He was never comfortable," he affirmed. Velasco Álvarez's appointment is pending Senate ratification. Velasco Álvarez has extensive experience in foreign policy, especially in North America, where he has led key negotiations on security, migration, and the economy. In June 2023, he wrote: "We are the highest-ranking LGBTQ+ officials in our respective governments," in reference to a meeting with U.S. Secretary Pete Buttigieg during Pride Month. Organizations such as It Gets Better México highlighted the fact as a historic moment, pointing out that it is the highest-ranking LGBTQ+ official in the history of the Mexican federal government. The message was accompanied by recognition of his diplomatic career.
