Honoring our Diversity

Congratulations to the newly elected Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker. She ran an effective campaign centered mostly on fiscal responsibility and now she has the opportunity to walk her talk. Much has been and will be made of the fact that she is a lesbian and the first openly gay person to be elected mayor of a large city in the United States. From the standpoint of a marginalized and persecuted minority this is a day of great celebration, much like like watching an African American become President. I applaud Ms. Parker for not ever making her minority status the centerpiece of her public service or her campaigns. I believe she understands to lead effectively that we must honor and celebrate our differences, but recognize that we are all more alike than we are different.

I'm encouraged that we seem to be moving towards a place where what makes us different from one another no longer divides. We've spent too many years tearing each other down over superficial separateness instead of recognizing that we are all human, all children of the One, all valuable.

I recently had the opportunity to take part in an exercise that is meant to lead to a plan for community redevelopment. Inclusiveness was agreed early on to be a key part of the process to come. Every citizen should have the opportunity to say what is on their mind and contribute to a shared vision. I don't think it will take a crystal ball to know that most will want very similar things: safety for their family, good schools for their children, beautiful and accessible public spaces, abundant jobs and opportunities for advancement. I don't believe the color of anyone's skin or their sexuality will have any significant impact on the choices they would make for their community. We may have disagreement on the best way to get from the point we are at now to that shared vision, but that is a good thing and is the place we should be debating.

So, to Ms. Parker and all who aspire to bring their differences and their experiences to bear for the public good: thank you! It would have been easier to stay home or tucked away in a safer arena where your differences wouldn't be exploited as something to be feared. Instead you chose to fight the good fight and bring us a little closer to a time where any differences we have we be celebrated and not feared.