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Running Gay: Being an openly gay political candidate

by Shaun Hittle

Anonymous flyers warn voters that their city might become another "San Francisco" if they elect an openly gay mayor. Leaflets distributed to church goers implore them not to vote for "sinful, gay candidates" being called "anti-family" and "anti-American" for their sexuality. These highlight just a few of the smear tactics that LGBT rights organizations have seen used against openly gay candidates when running for office.
While these incidents dot the national political landscape, here in Michigan there usage has not been a large factor for candidates running in recent elections. However, even in gay-friendly areas there are numerous things openly gay candidates can do to neutralize potentially negative personal attacks.
For the recently elected gay Mayor of Ferndale, Craig Covey, the political process was a "wonderful experience."
"Most people are not prejudiced and homophobic these days," said Covey describing his constituency. He said he was not subject to any smear tactics.
Tom Zerafa, an openly gay candidate who was defeated in his run for the Mayor of Oak Park, echoed Covey's positive experience running in his district. "It wasn't an issue here," said Zerafa.
Another openly gay politician, Seth Chafetz, said that being gay did not effect his campaigns in the city of Birmingham. Chafetz was the Mayor of Birmingham from 2002-2003, as well as a city commissioner prior to that.
"There was no issue with me being gay," said Chafetz who called the whole experience running for office "refreshing." Chafetz said the only negative tactics used against him during his numerous campaigns were utilized by other gay people who did not agree with some of his views.
In contrast to the positive experience of gay candidates in southeastern Michigan, those who work with candidates on a wider national spectrum see numerous instances of special interest groups and individuals who attempt to make an openly gay candidate's sexuality the issue during the campaign.
Sean Kosofsky from Triangle Foundation's Political Action Committee stresses that the right-wing will attempt "to distract voters with the issue of sexuality." Kosofsky said that those opposed to a gay candidates will call them anti-American, anti-family, and anti-Christian. "Homophobia is still a wedge," said Kosofsky, who added that campaigns "use homophobia at every level."
Vice President for Communications Denis Dison of the Victory Fund, an organization which endorses openly gay candidates across the country, (including Covey and Zerafa this year,) has seen some of those ugly tactics used in various cities nationwide.
Dison said anti-gay groups are getting more sophisticated. The Victory Fund has received reports of groups sending out flyers to voters that highlight how proud an openly gay candidate is of being gay and how involved they are in the gay community. They use this tactic as a way to remind voters of a candidates' sexuality.
While these tactics will likely continue, advocates and gay politicians say there are many things a gay candidate can do to neutralize smear tactics and turn the campaign into a debate about the issues voters care about.
The Victory Fund runs training programs throughout the year that prepare candidates for the experience of running for office. Dison said the training can be a first step in running, especially if you are a first time candidate. He advises candidates to get their name out in the community and be forthright and honest when asked about their sexuality.
Covey encourages those considering running for public office to do their political "prep work." He said new candidates need to become a part of the community they are running in. For him the prep work includes demonstrating community service and building a base with senior citizens and the working person.
Zerafa's advice to gay candidates is to look local into your neighborhood and community. He said a good start in politics is running for city commission to build your reputation. Getting your name out there is especially important for gay candidates. "Out of the blue, that's (a gay candidate's sexuality) all they will focus on," said Zerafa, adding, "let people get to know you first."
In the end, Dison said he feels sexuality is not a big topic for voters, who he feels care more about the practical issues affecting voters' lives. "There's no gay way to fill a pothole," said Dison.

By the Numbers

-The Victory Fund reports that they endorsed 71 openly gay candidates this year, 41 of whom have won their election with several still pending
-In 2006, the Victory Fund endorsed 88 candidates, 67 of whom their elections
-The Victory Fund lists 16 openly gay persons holding office in Michigan, and 518 nationwide.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.victoryfund.org

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