As Rob has pointed out, there is a gay man of color
running for city council. The acceptance of racial
diversity within and without the glbt community still
needs alot of work in our community. My favorable
impressions of Minneapolis have been tempered by the
relatively racist climate compared to other places I
have lived. I say this having lived in Michigan, New
York, and briefly in Texas.
I believe Minneapolis has much further to go in
combating racist attitudes and problems as exemplified
by ranking 25th out of the top 25 metro areas in the
racial disparity of income.
That said, I think far more could be done by the City
of Minneapolis(not to mention the state) in addressing
the concerns of the glbt population.
1.Many other cities have passed ordinances requiring
contractors with the city over a certain size to offer
domestic partnership benefits to their employees. New
York, San Franciso, and Atlanta are examples.
2.The city could also require contractors with the
city to include sexual orientation and gender identity
in their nondiscrimination policies. Employers in
Minnesota are required not do disriminate on these
basis under state law in Minnesota. Outside Minnesota
nondiscrimination policies providing protection on the
basis of sexual orientation do not cover gender
minorities as they do in Minnesota. More and more
corporations are adding gender identity to their
corporate nondisrimination policies along with sexual
orientation.
3.The city could expand health care coverage for
municipal employees to cover gender identity related
health care. This would have minimal cost but send a
strong statement that such health care needs are just
that--health care.
Their will always be new issues arising, such as the
school board action concerning the discriminatory
policy of the Boy Scouts. But many issues facing our
community can only be dealt with at the state and
federal levels. We should expect more of all our
representatives at all levels when it comes to
addressing the concerns of the glbt community in
Minneapolis.
We should be proud to live in one of the most
affirming communities in the country for glbt people.
But we shouldn't rest on our laurels either. We
should not lose sight of being a leader in affirming
positive action by our community and it's
representatives at all levels of government on behalf
of minorities, regardless of their personal sexual
orientation, gender identity, sex or race.
Thanks,
David Strand
Ward 7
Loring Neighborhood
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