Recent studies show that the public’s perception of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals is closely tied to whether or not respondents actually know someone who is L,G, B or T. The better they know us, the more they tend to support policies aimed at advancing LGBT equality.
The studies may be new, but the idea that we must be out in our communities is not. Harvey Milk knew it would work, which is why he urged LGBT people to come out and run for office like he did. That was still a radical notion in 1977.
Today, openly gay and lesbian mayors govern Paris, Berlin, Hamburg and Zurich--major cities with millions of residents who looked beyond sexual orientation and chose leaders they believed were capable of serving with distinction. Earlier this year Johanna Sigurdardottir became the world’s first openly LGBT head of government when Iceland voters elected her Prime Minister. These are stunning achievements unmatched in the U.S. so far, but that could change this year.
Houston City Controller Annise Parker is running for mayor and she’s a leading contender. Her main opponents, all men, have nowhere near her experience. Annise has been elected citywide six times, and as City Controller has deftly steered Houston’s finances through an extremely tough economic environment. She has the highest name identification in the race, and the highest favorable ratings. Houstonians know Annise, and pollsters say she can win if she’s able to match the resources her opponents have.
Why is this election important? Because Houston is the fourth largest city in America. If its 2.2 million citizens choose the most qualified mayoral candidate, who also happens to be an out lesbian, it will send a remarkable message about how far our country has come. It will also signal to young LGBT Americans that their futures are not limited because they choose to be honest about themselves and live authentic lives.
Annise is a talented and dedicated public servant—she believes deeply in the responsibility of local government to provide for communities. But she’s also one of the most self-effacing and down to earth elected officials you’ll ever meet. She considers herself a worker, which is why you see her in every neighborhood, working for every community. She leads by example, and helming the fourth largest city in America will speak volumes about the leadership potential in the broader LGBT community.
This is how we will advance. This is how we can persuade the persuadable. When they see an elected leader who is honest about herself and her family, who is working for them and their families, who is unafraid of and undeterred by intolerant people who cannot be persuaded—then we will move more swiftly down the path to full equality for all Americans.
I hope you will join us in supporting Annise Parker’s historic campaign. She needs our community at her back, and we need a leader like her.
Make a donation directly to Annise Parker’s campaign today at http://www.victoryfund.org/anniseparker
Chuck Wolfe is CEO and President of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
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