Houston, We Have a Lesbian Mayor: Annise Parker Makes History

by Michael Jones · 2009-12-12 23:30:00 UTC
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Annise ParkerHouston, the fourth largest city in the entire United States, made history this weekend by electing Annise Parker as their next Mayor. Winning over Attorney Gene Locke with about 54 percent of the vote, Parker becomes the highest profile LGBT mayor in the country, and the first out politician to take the reins of a top ten U.S. city.

And it didn't come easy. Though Parker has been elected citywide numerous times, most recently as City Controller, she faced a mayoral campaign laced with anti-LGBT activity by some darlings of the Texas religious right.

But not even religious wingnuttery could rain on Annise Parker's parade. And she's well aware of the history that was made tonight. Check out how she channels a little Harvey Milk-esque tone with her victory remarks.

"Tonight the voters of Houston have opened the door to history," Parker said to supporters. "I acknowledge that. I embrace that. I know what this win means to many of us who never thought we could achieve high office."

Parker was a candidate championed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, an organization that helps raise money for and promote LGBT candidates running for office. For their part they were ecstatic, electing what might be one of the highest profile candidates they've ever endorsed.

"This is a watershed moment in American politics.  Annise was elected by fair-minded people from across the city because of her experience and competence, and we're glad Houston soundly rejected the politics of division," said Chuck Wolfe, the Victory Fund's CEO. "This victory sends a clear signal that gays and lesbians are an integral part of American civic life, that we're willing to lead, and that voters will respond to candidates who are open and honest about their lives."

If anything, Parker was open and honest about her life. She never hid her sexual orientation, nor did she hide the fact that she has a long-term partner of 19 years, with whom she has two children.

Tonight's victory for Parker isn't just a victory for a candidate. It's a victory for LGBT families, too. Congratulations, Houston. One of the biggest cities in the country now joins Portland (Oregon), Providence, and Cambridge (Massachusetts) as cities led by LGBT politicians.

(Photo courtesy of Parker4Houston's photostream on Flickr.)

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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