Brunch speakers: You're changing American politics

Tue, May 1st 2007, 08:58

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund’s 7th Annual Champagne Brunch was the best one yet, according to attendees who sipped mimosas and dined on quiche and baked tomatoes.  The highlights, many said, were the two state legislators who spoke to the crowd of more than 400.  Far from delivering ho-hum political speeches, both Rep. Kathy Webb of Arkansas and Sen. Scott McCoy of Utah spoke eloquently about serving as openly gay elected officials in states that have not been exactly kind to their LGBT citizens. 

Webb told the crowd the support of Victory’s national network of donors helped make her Arkansas’ first out elected official, and that it’s changing hearts and minds in the capital.  McCoy, who was first appointed to his seat before he ran for election to a full term last year, recounted how his arch nemesis reacted upon hearing the news that the Democratic caucus had nominated an openly gay civil rights advocate to serve in the Senate.  Upon learning about the nomination from a reporter, Sen. Chris Buttars responded, “The gay?”  McCoy adopted the label and now sports a customized Utah license plate that reads, “THE GAY."

Both speakers told poignant stories about how the presence of openly gay elected officials in their legislatures means real change is now possible.  And both credited the Victory Fund with providing the support, advice, training and money required to run successful campaigns. 

Go here to help more courageous officials like Kathy and Scott.