For love and equality, we support Eileen Brady for Mayor
By Dwight Adkins, Karol Collymore, Robert Goman, Judge Kemp, Bob Speltz, Roey Thorpe of Portland, Oregon. All six are long-time activists for equal rights.
We are supporting Eileen Brady for Mayor of Portland because we trust her dedication to equality and diversity.
We're all proud that Portland is at the forefront of LGBTQ rights, and our city has a great tradition of supporting our community. Eileen will continue this tradition of progress by forging real partnerships between the city and the groups and programs that protect our vulnerable populations- groups such as Q patrol and the Q Center.
Eileen has a proven record of fighting for workplace benefits for all people - at New Seasons, she ensured that health care was offered to everyone - part time workers, domestic partners, and children. New Seasons boasts trans-inclusive benefits. Eileen will also work to ensure diversity in our city government - most of all, in our police force, but also throughout every bureau of the city. Her hiring practices for staff will be reflective of the diversity of the community.
Eileen will be a strong advocate for anti-bullying policies, and she will ensure that such policies are in place at all city-supervised programs, such as SUN schools. Eileen will fight prejudice in the city on every front, and she will support programs that help LGBTQ youth so that they understand that it does get better - and that there is no place for homophobia, whether in the classroom or the playground.
Eileen is committed to the cause of marriage equality. Eileen is personally distressed that her daughter, who is engaged to marry her girlfriend this summer, legally can't get married in Oregon. She will work closely with Basic Rights Oregon, Q Center, and other advocates to ensure that full rights are given to all Oregonians.
Together, we can make sure Portland remains a place where acceptance, fairness, and diversity are our guiding principles.
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April 26, 2012
Posted in guest column. |
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12:08 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
Anti-bullying is a quality of life issue, and a rights issue, for all children, regardless of orientation.
1:10 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
Having a up-front position on LGBTQ rights is extremely commendable, not to mention just plain smart and person-first, especially in Portland, but as far as I'm aware all the candidates have strongly positive positions on this.
If there's any light between the candidates on this issue, I can't see it.
2:04 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
Having worked on these issues since 1988 - going back to the OCA's first statewide anti gay ballot measure - I'm delighted that all three candidates for mayor, including Jefferson Smith (my choice in this race) share the same commitment to justice. Portland is a lucky place because in our city this doesn't have to be and shouldn't be a campaign issue. All three candidates are moral people who know what is right.
2:09 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
On this score, I think we can be glad to have three candidates who are strong on equity and equality. And LOVE.
2:33 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
All three get A's on this issue from me.
4:44 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
In Portland we are very fortunate to have three leading mayoral candidates who are all solid, reliable, heartfelt supporters of LGBTQ rights. This is one of the things that makes Portland great. The LGBTQ community has nothing to fear -- and plenty to take comfort in -- from the election of any of these candidates.
Including my candidate, Jefferson Smith.
7:18 p.m.
Apr 26, '12
When people think equality and diversity, too many people think only of the obvious areas - race, sexual orientation, etc. and others are forgotten. People with young children are a great example. We're pretty much forgotten until someone wants our vote.
Until recently Andy has always worked a schedule that almost made me a single mom most of the week. He'd be home only when Abby was asleep with the exception of two days a week. As such, anything I wanted to do I had to do with Abby in tow. Most political offices didn't want people with kids around - especially young kids. You might be tolerated for a bit, but you definitely weren't made welcome.
The only political office I ever felt truly welcome in with a young child was at the Bus Project. And it was Jefferson who did that. Heck, sometimes when I needed a break to get something done he'd play with her for 10 minutes so it could get done. To me, that's the kind of actions that show that your commitment to diversity and equality isn't just talk - it's something that you do without thinking about it. Equality and diversity is about making everyone feel welcome.