Paterson Hailed As Staunch LGBT Supporter

[Chovexani]

Paterson Hailed as Staunch LGBT Supporter
LGBT activists say soon-to-be New York governor David Paterson will be a boon for LGBT rights and a healer in Albany.

By Kerry Eleveld
An Advocate.com exclusive posted March 12, 2008

Lt. Governor David Paterson, who will assume the responsibilities of governor of New York on Monday, March 17, is viewed by gay and trans activists alike as the staunchest of supporters for the LGBT community. Paterson will be the first African-American and legally blind governor of the state.

“He has been there in every critical fight over the last two decades,” said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, naming hate-crimes legislation passed in 1987, the Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Act (SONDA) passed in 2002, and the ongoing fight to legalize same-sex marriage.

Though SONDA was not trans-inclusive, transgender activist Melissa Sklarz, director of New York Trans Rights Organization (NYTRO), said Paterson, who was the state senate minority leader at the time, labored to find a route for protecting trans people.

“When we tried to change the SONDA law in 2002, David Paterson was hugely supportive of us,” Sklarz said. More generally, she added that Paterson’s own personal struggles allow him to empathize with those who are sometimes considered outsiders. “He’s knows what it’s like to overcome adversity. He knows what it’s like when people are judged negatively at first impression,” she said.

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid52647.asp
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Paterson is a true fighter for equality, and I think will be a blessing among Dem governors. Maybe we've found the silver lining to this hot mess.

[dsc]

1. He does sound great

I hope that some good comes from this.

[Oleladylib]

2. Absolutely the truth..and I'm proud of all of our NYS legislators today

All the news channels looked for "sensationalism" reactions to the Spitzer tragedy but got none..the republicans could have taken shots as Spitz has been a "steamroller" as he puts it but they only offered empathy to those involved..Good job NYorkers. Paterson will be a plus as Govenor.

[Chovexani]

4. My home state has done me proud in this

As usual. :)

I really can't wait to come home.

[goclark]

3. Sounds like a good man

[Muttocracy]

5. I read a summary of him today (maybe NY Times) as more liberal, but more cooperative

more liberal than Spitzer, but better able to work with both parties to actually get things done, and know for civility rather than fights.

He used to be state senate minority leader.

[TheWraith]

6. Not to take away from Paterson, but so was Spitzer.

Recall Spitzer said he'd sign a bill legalizing gay marriage in NY if it could get past the legislature.