In a speech I almost gave at the 62b DFL endorsing convention, I intended to make a passing reference to a not famous enough activist, Steven Endean, now dead. If someone is building a list of famous and not so famous Minneapolitans for statuary or a hall of fame, he should be on it. In my opinion, he was the individual most responsible for coordinating the passage of Minneapolis' gay rights amendment. While he was well recognized by the community at his funeral some years back, I'm not aware of any permanent tribute to him.
Minneapolis was ahead of the times, and has benefited from its leadership by becoming a more diverse and dynamic community than may have otherwise been the case. During the period there were other leaders in the gay community who were more notorious. None were more effective. And that is why Steve deserves recognition. The early 70's were years of dynamic change. But as dynamic as the times were, gay rights was pretty far done the list, and almost certainly a political "third rail." While many activists went the "Act Out" approach, Steve worked with the city council over an extended period of months (not years) to provide consistent respectful lobbying. The net result was an eventual vote to approve the ordinance by a 12-0 vote. The vote was scheduled to occur on a day when Russ Green, 12th Ward Alderman was out of town. This provided unanimity for a few, who while convinced, feared public reaction. The final ordinance lists all twelve voting aldermen as authors, but I have always taken pride in being the original chief author. At the time Minneapolis was only the second municipality in the United States to pass such an ordinance.(after Berkeley, CA) This early leadership set the stage for the significant and dynamic gay community that now enriches the city in a multitude of ways, culturally, economically and politically. You know, some of us old farts did some good. In the coming election it wouldn't hurt to remember a few of the other leaders who played key roles to make our city and state a bit above average. There is a lot of knowledge and understanding in this city's cadre of political has beens. Fresh faces must always be welcome and given every support to succeed, but I predict the coming decades will become an "age of wisdom." As baby boomers proclaim our experience as valuable. I sense a change in perceptions. I fear the counter wave of "know nothingness", but that has been rampant for years. Sorry for the digressions. I merely wanted to suggest Steve's name to any keepers of lists. Earl Netwal Nestled in the urban forested community of Minnehaha, in the twin cities economic city state. A vibrant multi-racial, multi-cultural community soon to be linked by light rail to the world. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
