Queen Elizabeth II named openly lesbian Carol Ann Duffy as Britain's national poet laureate on May 1. She is also the first woman to hold the post.

By Rex Wockner, Rex Wockner

Published May 14, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II named openly lesbian Carol Ann Duffy as Britain's national poet laureate on May 1. She is also the first woman to hold the post.

The job includes writing poems for royal weddings, funerals and other official occasions, but Duffy said she will do so only when inspiration comes her way.

The appointment lasts 10 years.

Duffy, 53, is very popular in the United Kingdom and her work is taught in schools. Prime Minister Gordon Brown called her "a truly brilliant modern poet who has stretched our imaginations by putting the whole range of human experiences into lines that capture the emotions perfectly."