Swiss Tagesschau: Presenter Michael Rauchenstein comes out as homosexual
SRF's Tagesschau anchorman Michael Rauchenstein gave Schweizer Illustrierte an insight into his professional life, but also a little bit into his private life. The political science graduate also talked openly about his homosexuality. The presenter stated that he wanted to be a role model for other queers.
He is very pleased to be able to represent the queer community on Swiss television. However, he will not comment personally on some political topics, such as marriage for all. He draws a clear line here. At the same time, he reveals in the interview that it is often difficult, especially for people who live in the country, to come out.
The life and career of Michael Rauchenstein
Rauchenstein completed his master's degree in political science at the University of Lucerne in 2018. But even as a child, it was clear to him that he would eventually work as a presenter.
Last summer, his big dream came true and he took over the anchorman's position from Franz Fischlin at the Swiss edition of the Tagesschau. He quickly settled in here and was able to build up a broad fan base over time. Since then, he has also been recognized more often in private everyday life on the street. And many queers should be pleased that a person is now hosting the Tagesschau who comes from the scene and proves to everyone how "normal" it is to belong to the community.
In the interview, he revealed that although he was open about his sexuality, he did not want to live out his private life publicly, for example, dancing at Prides.
However, as an openly homosexual, he hopes to be a role model for many other homosexual people. And that is precisely what he has probably already succeeded in doing with his statement.
Many queers appreciate role models
Whether queerness is perceived as "quite normal" or as "not natural" is often a question of upbringing. The image that society has of homosexual people also has a significant influence on how they are evaluated in their own minds.
In some countries, it is even common practice to "treat" homosexual or bisexual children and adolescents. In Switzerland, people are comparatively open about homosexuality. It was not too long ago that marriage for all ensured that many people were allowed to start a new phase in their lives here.
What role do public outings play?
A look at the world of the rich and famous shows that many people are currently coming out of the closet here, too. Sometimes through interviews in newspapers, but often also on social media. The consequences of these decisions should not be underestimated - for queers as well as for heterosexual people.
Unfortunately, many barriers still exist in the minds within society when it comes to linking queerness with other areas, such as a "particularly masculine sport" or even the moderation of the Tagesschau.
However, outings like Michael Rauchenstein's show that a person's sexual orientation has absolutely nothing to do with his or her appearance, skills and competencies. Therefore, people who officially admit their homosexuality are considered role models for many. After all, they manage to stand by themselves and counter a possible fear of having to accept career losses.
The good news in this context is that said losses very, very rarely occur. On the contrary! Outings like Rauchenstein's increasingly ensure that the topic of homosexuality does not have to be lived behind closed doors ... and that more and more people manage to stand by themselves.
This year there is a bisexual farmer on "Bauer sucht Frau" for the first time