MA: First out black lesbian mayor in the U.S., Denise Simmons, marries partner

[ccharles000]

Denise Simmons, America's first black lesbian mayor, yesterday married her long-time partner Mattie B Hayes at the historic St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

She said it has "been serving Cambridge's African-American community for over 100 years". Simmons, who made history last year when she became the first black openly lesbian mayor of an American city, believed it may have been the "very first" mainstream African-American church "to hold a same-gender wedding, and that's something that just wouldn't have happened years ago. But times are changing (and) people are becoming more accepting of their fellow citizens."

The couple was married by frequent guest poster on the Blend, Rev. Irene Monroe. Rod 2.0:

In June, Simmons was one of the honorees the historic White House reception for prominent LGBTs to the 40th Stonewall anniversary. Simmons was also named to the Out 100.

More on Simmons:

On January 14, 2008 Simmons was elected the nation's first black, openly lesbian mayor. She says being "in" with a higher-than-average number of social groups helped her get started in politics, and it continues to aid her in a public office where connecting with widely varied constituents is key.

"By being a member of a diverse number of communities, I am them and they are me," Simmons says. "I am serving as a woman, as a lesbian, as a parent, as a business woman. I remember being a young mother applying for housing, and watching the owner walk by me when he realized who I was. I've been through all that, and I know what it was like."

...One of her first acts after the election was to testify before the Massachusetts state legislature in favor of a bill strengthening the rights of stalking victims. Her argument: Her own terror after being harassed years ago showed her that strong legal protection was necessary.

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/12740/ma-first-out-black-lesbian-mayor-in-the-us-denise-simmons-marries-partner

[ccharles000]

1. kick

[fasttense]

2. It has always struck me as strange that the KKK, Fox News, and skinheads

are all up in arms because We the People voted in a black (really half white too) president. If the Republicons get any worse and We the People really desire major change, we may next vote in a black, Jewish lesbian.

That will give those racist something to scream about.