Let's stick to the truth

For those of you who really value the truth, you need to know that some of the press coverage over the issue to name a space on 3rd and Promenade in honor of Harvey Milk is not factual -- either deliberately or laziness in researching the issue.

ISSUE:
I understand that a news caster stated that the City Council voted unanimously to approve the naming of the space in honor of Harvey Milk and that I voted against it.

FACTS:

• I have never opposed the naming. I just didn't co-sponsor the item because (gasp..) I thought we should expand the concept and include local LGBT heroes. (And apparently so did others on facebook. Councilman Garcia even posted to say he appreciated the discussion.)
• I wasn't at council because I left earlier due to bronchitis that triggered coughing I had a hard time stopping. 
• Only five council members remained.
• The agenda item was NOT the approval of naming the space but to refer a recommendation to two committees that will have public input on the item.
• I would have voted for the council agenda item to send it to committees because I do think we should have discussion.

ISSUE:
I understand that the discussion of any thing less than naming the area for one specific person and expanding the concept to include local LGBT heroes in any dedication, is being characterized as a "fight."

FACTS:

• Really? There is no "fight" going on -- just a healthy discussion. I know it is more dramatic to frame this as an "us vs. them" fight -- but that is not what is going on. There isn't any "them."
• I understand no one came to council to oppose the issue -- so where is the "fight."
• The lesbian and gay community is diverse and has diverse opinions and ideas.
• Many people fought very hard against City Hall to have a Gay Pride Parade and Festival -- that was a real "fight" and should be acknowledged and honored.

ISSUE:
Is Gerrie Schipske "gay enough?"

FACTS:

• Heard this for the past 25 years in local politics if I ever dare raise questions or another view point.
• On the other hand, I have been the target in many political mailers because I am gay.
• My partner Flo and I have been together for 31 years and have worked on so many issues.
• I subscribe to the Harvey Milk theory of being gay and a public official: Milk was quoted about his work on non-gay issues: "All over the country, they're reading about me, and the story doesn't center on me being gay. It's just about a gay person who is doing his job."