PHOTO: Tracy Baim/WCT
Some pleasant news on Mona Noriega, the veteran Chicago Latina lesbian activist who was considered for a vacant city council post in 2010. Noriega would have become Chicago's first openly lesbian alderman but was not chosen.
Noriega has been appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as commissioner of the Chicago Department on Human Relations, reports Tracy Baim at Windy City Times.
CHR oversees the city's work on diversity and human relations, including through eight advisory councils such as the Advisory Council on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. Bill Greaves is the director the LGBT council, and as of now he appears to be keeping the post under the new mayoral administration. "I'm delighted to welcome Mona Noriega as our new commissioner and look forward to working with her," Greaves said. [...]
"The appointment of Mona is excellent," said long-time activist Rick Garcia. "She has such a stellar reputation and she will be great for the City of Chicago. I was a strong supporter of her when she wanted to serve in the City Council because of her impeccable credentials and her strong commitment to fairness for all. This is a perfect position for her and she will do our community and the whole city proud."
More on Emanuel's other LGBT apointments at WCT.
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 and her long-time partner, community activist Evette Cardona. are both in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. Cardona was one of the honorees at President Obama's LGBT Pride reception in June 2009.
Si si puede. Brava.
You May Have Missed:
Chicago Latina Lesbian Considered for City Council
Update on Mona Noriega, Latina Lesbian Activist
Mona Noriega Not Selected as Alderman
Emanuel is proving an intriguing Mayor, making several wonderful choices for his administration. Proving quite progressive. Good for him!
Posted by: Dan Collier | 20 May 2011 at 05:34