The struggle for LGBT equality in South America has been convoluted and uneven. While some countries like Argentina and Uruguay have forged a path forward that includes marriage equality, many other countries barely struggle to pass hate crime legislation that includes the LGBT community. In Peru, the struggle for acceptance and equality has just begun; however, one person has raised the ante just a bit higher.

On Sunday, Carlos Bruce came out as gay in an interview with the newspaper El Comercio. The congressman who represents the capital of Lima in the legislature made the announcement after years of speculation and support for Lima and Peru's beleaguered LGBT community.

"Yes, I'm gay and I'm proud to be part this groups of people that are so valuable to Peru," Bruce told El Comercio's Mariella Balbi. The exclusive interview covered LGBT issues, but Bruce's sexuality was not explicitly discussed. However, in a historic moment, Bruce became the first openly gay public official at all levels in all of Peru by coming out.

Earlier this year, Bruce introduced a civil union law that would allow same-sex couples to enter in a relationship similar to marriage. According to Peru21, the law has been slowly gathering more support among different parties in the Peruvian congress.

Talking to El Comerico, Bruce explained why he waited until now to come out and how it will affect the civil union bill. During the interview, he refuted stereotypes about gay men in particular. In a brazen question, Balbi said to Bruce that there's a stereotype about gay men that they cannot be trusted with the public charges and the affairs of state, and rather they all work as hairdressers.

Bruce acknowledged the importance of hairdressers to the nation, but also added that there are gay lawyers, doctors and, possibly, other members of congress. He said he is not worried about what other congressmen and women think.

"I don't know, nor do I care; it's not illegal," he said when asked how members of congress will react. "Some of my colleagues admire Egypt, Iran or Nigeria because they defend the family. Alarming."

Bruce, who is divorced, said that his sons and his family support him and his decision to come out. Despite whatever backlash may come his way, Bruce has begun to set a path for greater acceptance in Peru. The AP has recently reported that since 2012, 17 LGBT people have been victims of hate crimes. Many potential hate crime cases are not investigated due to the bias within law enforcement, the judicial system and Peruvian society as a whole.