This is promising: Veteran Chicago Latina lesbian activist Mona Noriega is being considered for a Chicago City Council post that will soon be vacated. If appointed, Noriega would become Chicago's first openly lesbian alderman and the announcement could come as soon as this week, reports the Windy City Times.
Noriega would replace outgoing First Ward Alderman Manny Flores who was nominated by Gov. Pat Quinn to head the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Noriega has worked on LGBT and Latina issues since the late 1970s. She co-founded the Lambda Legal Midwest Office and later co-founded Amigas Latinas, the prominent Chicago-based Latina lesbian group. Noriega is an honoree of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
If appointed, Noriega would serve the remainder of Flores' term and have to run for reelection in 2011. The veteran activist says she was considering a 2011 run but has been prompted by friends to seek the appointment. Noriega tells WCT: "I want good government, with everyone represented... The alderman's job is not glamorous. It is about real issues, basic issues, like making sure the system works for everyone."
Mona Noriega is seen below at the White House with her longtime partner and activist Evette Cardona, who was one of the honorees at President Obama's LGBT Pride reception in June.
How is it I live near this neighborhood and hadn't even heard this yet! LOL
This is great news. I have met Mona and she is the consummate activist. She and Evette are a wonderful and inspirational couple...especially to Latino/Latina LGBTs. Good luck!
Posted by: Reuben | 26 January 2010 at 12:34
COngrats to her. Our communities need more representation. The more the better so I'm very happy to hear about this.
Posted by: DT | 26 January 2010 at 13:01
The Chicago Latino LGBT community can finally have a place at the table! Long overdue.......
Posted by: Robert | 27 January 2010 at 19:45
Muchas, muchas gracias, mi hija. You will continue to do us proud.
Posted by: Maria Luisa Munoz | 27 January 2010 at 22:57