Oh Rham.
Just weeks ago, Emanuel earned the endorsement of LGBT orgs Human Rights Campaign and Equality Illinois PAC. This in from the Windy City Times, Mayor Emmnauel is already making some Chicago gays uncomfortable:
Among the team are two former chiefs of staff to current Mayor Richard M. Daley, the influential pastor of a South Side church and, notably, no openly gay or lesbian individuals.
Local pastor and frequent Pam's House Blend contributor Rev. Irene Monroe is among those not impressed with Rham's choices so far. From the Windy City Times:Brazier's presence on the transition team is an eyebrow-raising choice, however. Brazier's father and the previous pastor of the Apostolic Church of God, the late Bishop Arthur, supported the Federal Marriage Amendment. Additionally, the church is affiliated with the Pentecostal movement, which generally condemns homosexuality as sinful. At press time, Brazier had not return Windy City Times' request for an interview.Rev. Irene Monroe, coordinator of the African American Roundtable of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion, said Emanuel's selection of Brazier while not including any LGBT co-chairs was an intentional, and troubling, choice.
"It is a great concern," Monroe said. "Why that particular church when there are so many progressive churches he can choose from?
Monroe added Emanuel's choice reminded her of President Obama's friendship with some anti-gay religious leaders.
"I think what bothers me most about that is that progressives like Rahm and Obama don't mind taking LGBT money for their campaigns and don't mind our vote, but when it comes to full-throated advocacy, they invariably either let us down or leave us waiting like this time is never the right time for them to hit these particular issues," she added.
Yes, it is sadly reminiscent of homophobic preacher number one and homophobic preacher number two. Isn't high level experience supposed to be a valuable learning experience?
Representatives from Equality Illinois and HRC downplayed their concerns in the Advocate and said they are working to "identify potential LGBT appointees for the new mayor’s administration."
I watched the election from afar thinking, "Caveat emptor, Windy City Gays."
Now, my experience in New York is one homophobic preacher with a little power can wreak a lot of havoc.