Thilo is probably the first open HIV-positive Mayor of Germany. The long-time HIV activist and IWWIT campaign team spokesperson was elected mayor of Brandenburg on Sunday. Municipality of Sieversdorf-Hohenofen elected
Thilo, born in 1964, moved to the 700-strong community of Sieversdorf-Hohenofen with his husband René 20 years ago. It lies on the border between Ostprignitz and Westhavelland. The couple also got married in church there in 2009 - the second gay couple in the Neustadt/Dosse district and the first in their church district. Thilo was elected as a community representative five years ago. Last Sunday, an absolute majority of voters voted in his favour. This made the trained master confectioner the first openly HIV-positive mayor in Germany.
Thilo, you were able to beat your opponent with 54.5 per cent of the votes. How does it feel to be the newly elected mayor?
I'm still a little speechless, but also overwhelmed with joy. Last night, when I received the projection, I couldn't even imagine what the term "absolute majority" actually meant.
Was your HIV status in the village in the run-up to the election?
My husband René was mistaken for me and approached by a parishioner on the train. He asked how he could have the audacity to run for mayor as a "gay AIDS patient". I was also told by members of my voter groups that there had been some statements below the belt in recent weeks. But ultimately, the fact that I am gay or HIV-positive was not a decisive factor in my decision to vote.
What do these experiences mean to you?
My husband and I feel that it was the right decision to buy our little house here. And it's proof that - especially after the results of the European elections - there are colourful spots in Brandenburg after all. Even as a minority, you are accepted and supported here.
I see my election as encouraging. But also as a signal, for example to people with disabilities, to get involved in politics or to stand for election.
What will be your most important topics in the next five years of your term of office?
As a local councillor, I was already able to help transform our former school into a barrier-free residential project with an attached day care centre. I will now continue to support this project as mayor.
Another major issue is insect mortality, which affects us all here and where we need to work together to find solutions. In addition, the street lighting needs to be renovated; with our tight budget, this will be no easy task. I want to encourage people to become active in our voluntary fire brigade and thus secure its existence. I would also like to revitalise cultural village life.
