In the 1960s and ’70s the San Diego Police Department was headed by a racist, homophobic and sexist police chief. Our bars were raided and LGBT people were harassed and treated like second class citizens. People of color and us gays referred to the downtown police station, then on Market Street, as “Gestapo Headquarters.”
Recently, the Human Rights Campaign named San Diego as one of the best cities in which to live for LGBT citizens, and one of the reasons is Chief of Police Shelley Zimmerman and the San Diego Police Department. Chief Zimmerman and the San Diego Police Department will be receiving the prestigious Mayor George Moscone Memorial Humanitarian Award at the upcoming 41st annual Nicky Awards Nov. 13. There are now not only gay and lesbian police officers, but transgender too, and an LGBT Advisory Board to the police chief. The department and Zimmerman received high praise for the outstanding protection of the LGBT bars and Pride parade after the Orlando nightclub killings.
Patrick Smith (Mr. International Leather 2015) will be receiving the annual Harvey Milk Civil Rights Award (founded in 1979.) The entire community is invited to the Nicky Awards Nov. 13 at the Handlery Hotel. Tickets and tables are being sold now. For further information call 619-501-6793, or visit nickyawards.org.
Mara Elliott for city attorney
During the primary, I got to meet Deputy City Attorney Mara Elliott and let me say that she stood out immediately to me; a down to earth, no nonsense and compassionate public servant. She is a strong woman who would make history as our city’s first female city attorney. Mara has been endorsed by Chris Kehoe, Todd Gloria, Chris Ward, Toni Atkins, GLBT Vote 2016 and almost all of our community leaders. After the eight year, right wing reign of Jan Goldsmith, it’s long overdue for a level headed, moderate, articulate and true public servant for all San Diegans. The choice is clear: Mara Elliott.
Ricardo Flores for City Council
The Ninth District is one of the most ethnically diverse and sadly, poorest districts in San Diego. This district badly needs a champion, an advocate, a fighter, a voice for the many who feel voiceless and dismissed. Ricardo Flores has spent all his life as an advocate for social justice and equality; he has been endorsed by almost every major Latino leader, GLBT Vote 2016, as well as Congresswoman Susan Davis and Councilwoman Marti Emerald. He is the son of two educators. While I respect his opponent, I believe that Ricardo Flores is the most experienced and qualified candidate to fight for the citizens of the Ninth District.
TransNation and Caitlyn Jenner
I traveled to Los Angeles for the TransNation Festival, and the 15th Annual Queen USA Pageant to benefit the St. John’s Well Child and Family Center’s, Transgender Health Program and the Nicole Murray Ramirez L.A. Scholarship Fund. My fellow judges and special guests were Caitlyn Jenner, Kelly Osbourne, Candis Cayne, Betty Cantrell (Miss America 2016) The Prancing Elites and Alexandra Billings (Transparent.)
These events were some of the most uplifting and prideful transgender events I have ever attended. Bravo to Jim Mangia, Ernesto Barahona and Karina Samala. After photos of Caitlyn Jenner and me were posted, I read a lot of hateful and ugly remarks. Well, let me say that I found Caitlyn to be a very nice and sincere individual. Every LGBT person’s journey is different and challenging. Yes, we talked politics and yes, I don’t agree with all of her political views, but she has become a strong advocate for the transgender community, and does not in any way deserve all these ugly, vicious attacks. What happened to agreeing to disagree with respect?
This is America and our LGBT community is very diverse – we are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, etc. I wish everyone could get to meet Caitlyn Jenner, then you would better understand her and know her heart is in the right place. Thank you for listening.
