Recently two long time GLBT activists/leaders passed away – Jose Julio Sarria and Gloria Johnson. Both very different but yet so much the same. Jose, a World War II veteran, drag queen and the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in North America (1961). Gloria, a feminist, hard core Democrat, anti-war and early AIDS clients supporter. They were both friends of mine.
The 90-year-old Jose was a mentor, friend and father-like figure for me. Gloria, I knew since the 1970s and though we could disagree, I respected her greatly. She is one who taught me and educated me on women’s issues that I, in the 1970s, was totally ignorant about. I am proud that I got then Mayor Filner to honor her with a San Diego Legend award as it was well deserved. I visited Gloria while she was in a senior home. She could not walk but still was in good spirits. My heart aches as I lose more friends and fellow activists. Jose and Gloria enriched my life and made our GLBT community and society as a whole a better place than they found it. God take care of both of you ’til we meet again.
The mayor’s race
The top four candidates are friends that I respect and like. I’ve worked and, yes, supported all four in past campaigns. Mike Aguirre, I’ve known the longest. An attorney for civil rights icon Cesar Chavez, and a progressive with a brilliant mind, he has learned from his past mistakes and is focusing on his people skills – but will San Diegans take another chance?
I supported Kevin Faulconer in his last re-election campaign. He is a good and decent man, a true gentleman and a great father and husband. He loves our city and the conservative Republicans are supporting him. I believe he can be independent and has proven he can work with Democrats.
Nathan Fletcher I’ve called the “Gavin Newsom of the South” and he has that young “Kennedy” appeal. I’ve gotten to know him since he was in the state Assembly; the Republican Party and its unfortunate radical right wing stands left of Nathan’s outlook on life – he is a uniter and I believe could be the future of our state; a true visionary and proud Marine veteran and father of two wonderful little boys.
David Alvarez is a new friend who I supported in his first race for Council. A young Latino who has a bright future; I am, though, disappointed in his continuing swipes at fellow Democrat Fletcher. They both will need each other’s support in a general election. Four good men; please get to know them. I believe all four are decent men and our city will continue to move forward with our soon to be 36th mayor.
Welcome Bishop Cirilo Flores
We San Diegans have a new bishop and he is a former public school teacher. Some who know Bishop Cirilo Flores say he is a lot like our new beloved Pope Francis; I pray so. In all due respects our last Bishop Brom was so cold and uncaring of us gay Catholics and the controversy of refusing to bury two local gay Catholic men who owned gay bars hurt their families and our community deeply. I know that for now the church will not change but it could be more caring and accepting that we are all God’s children. I wish Bishop Flores God’s blessing and extend my hand in friendship and Christian love.
The other side of Lorie Zapf
Recently, I have gotten to know Lorie Zapf; not the councilmember, but the person and I just love her. There is a side of her that more people need to know that she is too modest and quiet about. Lorie is half Latina and her mom ran a taco stand. She grew up in a most difficult childhood at times and lost close family members and, yes, she was even in foster care. Look at her now – a survivor and a true “American Dream” success story. Like Obama, she has evolved when it comes to issues of GLBT equality. I wish she would tell her life story more often as it has made her who she is – a true caring public servant. Yes, I am proud to call her a friend.
Carl DeMaio attacked by radical right-wingers
Never in the history of gay candidates running for public office in San Diego has one of our own been attacked and slandered as Carl DeMaio has. Many of us may not agree with Carl’s political stands but these attacks should outrage our entire community and all the citizens of San Diego. Homophobic and anti-marriage equality leaders and organizations have now sent out emails viciously attacking Carl and yet almost all of our GLBT leaders remain silent. Would they be if Chris Kehoe or Todd Gloria were subjected to this kind of hate? No, I don’t think so. I hope fellow GLBT and decent San Diegans will begin to speak out. Thank you.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for more than 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com
Memory loss or H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.T.E?
I guess it was ok for you to launch an endless tirade of slanderous and vile attacks on Carl De Maio prior to the last mayoral election.
Given you were so close to Filner and still supported him, why would anyone follow your judgment or endorsement of any candidate?