Gay Woman Democratic Mayor--in Texas
Among the factors that go against a candidate for public office in the American state of Texas are these: being a Democrat, being a woman, and being gay. Somehow, Annise Parker managed to beat the odds and get elected mayor of Houston. She will become the first openly gay mayor of one of the United States' biggest cities.
Her primary opponent, Gene Locke, is male, but is also a Democrat in the non-partisan race. Also, he's black.
Admittedly, things are changing in America. A year ago, the top president-vice president candidates were a black and white man running for office with a white man, and a white man running with a white women. And Texas has had two woman governors, the most recent being Anne Richards, who was elected to office for 1991 to 1995 as a Democrat.
But the image of the typical conservative southern Democrat was already fading then, and she was replaced as governor by none other than relatively conservative turned ultra conservative Republican George W. Bush.
Right now, Texas is a state where it's very difficult in most areas to get elected as a Democrat, even as a judge. Travel through a small Texas town when elections are nearing, and you'll see many campaign signs proclaiming Republican in big letters, and maybe a few whispering Democrat in much smaller letters (many Democrats don't even put their party affliation on their signs).
Woman; maybe have a chance in a small Texas town. But gay? Highly unlikely.
But Houston is a big city, the fourth largest in the United States. And large cities draw people from all over the country, and even from other countries. Large U.S. cities are almost by definition cosmopolitan, more open to accepting people who don't fit the stereotypical "proper type." Even though it was a city, there was a lot of anti-homosexual rhetoric.
But still, this is a very significant election. Let's hope things go well for Annise Parker, the city of Houston, and ultimately for Texas.
Comments
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Posted by: The Loveshade Family | December 14, 2009 07:04 PM
I think this is great. There used to be a time when announcing that you were gay could get you killed. I think we progressed a long ways from that time. This is a milestone. Especially in Texas. Congratulations Texas!!!!
Posted by: Vernon Avaritt | December 16, 2009 02:36 PM
This is not great. This is another sign of how America is sliding into sin, deeper and deeper. Our politicians are supposed to set a good example for us. This is nothing but bad.
Posted by: Christian Andy | December 16, 2009 09:09 PM
I'm sorry you feel that way Andy but this is America and you have a right to your opinion. I think times have gotten a lot better since the 80's when we had roving bands of gay-bashers. I am not gay, incidently, but I know a lot of gay people.
Posted by: Vernon Avaritt | December 17, 2009 05:25 PM
Houston has a mayor that's gay,
For this I'll say a big hoorah!
Posted by: MJ Lover | December 17, 2009 09:34 PM
People should get elected because you think they'd do a good job, not because of their sex or sexual preference. I'm glad to see Texas has come around.
Posted by: Marie Gilbert | December 19, 2009 03:12 AM
What difference does it make who you sleep with as long as you aren't doing it in your office?
Posted by: Uganda Man | December 19, 2009 08:07 PM
Let's hope she's a good mayor so she doesn't screw it up for other gay women Democrats.
Posted by: The Mighty George | December 20, 2009 01:35 PM
Bad is as bad does. Live your life as you will or just get out. Gay is gay and straight is straight and bi is bi. Do what you will homeys.
Posted by: Shakirus | December 23, 2009 05:43 AM
Maybe Texas is finally getting out of the Dark Ages. But I doubt it. Houston is a really big city; really big cities tell you nothing about the rest of the state, where it's still beat the kids and dog and wife into submission, pass the cheap American beer, watch the Cowboys on TV, and talk about how stupid and alien California is.
Posted by: Rev. Bootie | December 25, 2009 09:29 PM
Texas is about 20 years behind California, and California is about 100 years behind Europe.
Posted by: Organism | December 27, 2009 05:55 AM
What part of Europe? I think some is ahead of America but some parts are behind.
Posted by: Marie Gilbert | January 1, 2010 05:07 AM
There is nothing to celebrate here. Nothing.
Posted by: Amy Pruitt | January 10, 2010 02:52 PM