Members of the LGBTIQ+ community in the United States have taken to social media to reflect on Pete Buttigieg's historic presidential campaign, with the openly gay former mayor suspending his campaign today.
While Buttigieg faced ongoing criticism from LGBTIQ+ activists for numerous reasons including his opposition to Medicare for All, his candidacy was seen by many as a trailblazing moment for US politics, and his rise in a crowded pack of democratic candidates topped early expectations.
Buttigieg's withdrawal from the presidential race came after the veteran from Indiana scored poorly in in South Carolina primary, coming fourth with just eight per cent.
Still, many prominent members of the LGBTIQ+ community were eager to celebrate the 38-year-old's success.
"I love that we live in a country where an openly gay man can run for President," out singer Brandy Clark tweeted.
"I think whether Pete Buttigeg was your candidate or not, that’s a win for civil/equal/human rights in America. Right or Left, we’ve all got a lot of freedom to be thankful for."
Soap actor Greg Rikaart added: "Whether or not he was your dude, the campaign of #PeteButtigieg was historic.
"Unlike Trump’s hateful, divisive and often incoherent rhetoric, #MayorPete sought to bring the country together. We need more people like him. Congrats on a great run!"
Buttigieg, who last year married his partner Chasten, was the first openly gay person to run for president with one of the two major US political parties.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump weaponised Buttigieg's withdrawal against fellow running mate Bernie Sanders, tweeting: "Pete Buttigieg is OUT. All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden."
He added: "Great timing. This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play - NO NOMINATION, AGAIN!"
