Minister's Efforts } Recall Pro-Gay Mayor John Cook Fail Spectacularly

Fuerte Men:
 

Being gay is not something a lot people talk about openly. Being Latino and gay adds another string of complexities into the mix as well. For many, it is kept quiet in the workplace, social venues, and even in family circles. Reason being, it is still not openly accepted, and sometimes it is just easier to stay quiet than be subjected to mistreatment or odd stares. But those days are getting further and further behind us. Why – because of people like Zach Adamson. This Latino is making strides in a way that will make this world a better place. Not only did Zach Adamson run an openly gay campaign for City-County Councilman of Indianapolis, but he won and won big.  Zach was told that one voter decided his vote should go towards someone that had his city’s best interest in mind.  This voter said it was time he got over his feelings and did what was best.  His vote was just one of the many that chose Zach.  Indianapolis now has its first gay man on their council and Adamson has impressed the town so far.

His platform was based on community development and neighborhood stabilization. Adamson started running his campaign in 2009 and stated that his openly gay campaign was never a question or confronted during his run. At least not until the last forum on the last day, did someone even mention sexuality. Adamson was asked his feelings on marriage. Did he think a marriage should consist of one man and one woman? Immediately an elderly African-American man on the council backed Adamson by answering, stating this was a nonissue for a city council forum – that answer ended the evening.

“I was trained ahead of time on how to run as an LGBT candidate without making it an issue, said Adamson. “I was taught how to turn a conversation around and focus on the topic at hand and not on being a gay candidate,” he added.

The funny thing was that he rarely had to talk about being gay, until reporters asked him if he had to talk about being gay. Adamson feels this is part of his victory, focusing on topics and not his sexuality.

After running his own salon for 15 years, he understands that small businesses need to thrive, not just exist. He stated that the recession taught how critical it is that municipalities diversify employment base and evenly distribute it between the small and large businesses. This is something he is working toward and he has a wonderful support system that has been there every step of the way. Zach’s partner was probably one of the hardest working spouses on the campaign. They just celebrated a victory in Indianapolis and a victory at home, their seven-year anniversary.

Zach is also of Latino descent (grandmother is originally from Mexico). He says he wants to uphold the strong traditional work ethics instilled by his family and apply them to help make Indianapolis economically and socially successful.

So this LGBT councilman is winning in many areas of his life. His family is more than proud of all his accomplishments. Being himself and not hiding who he really is helped him get this far. He is taking small steps for the gay and lesbian world. He isn’t afraid to show the city of Indianapolis what an LGBT City-County Councilman can do for their city. But what is more exciting is that this city isn’t afraid to show the country what a gay man can do for them.

About the Author Vicki Gamble is a graduate of Loyola University. She is a freelance writer and author of the children's book, Kindergarten Colors. She is married with two children. www.vmgbooks.com.