What’s tough about pride for Emeryville’s gay mayor – San Francisco Chronicle
While it’s a happy time, John Bauters says it can be an exhausting one for the few out LGBTQ political leaders even in progressive California
June 24, 2022
California has long been a pioneering mecca for LGBTQ politicians. But in some ways, things haven’t changed much since Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.
John Bauters, one of just eight out mayors in the state, says Pride month can be exhausting as the few leaders like him face attacks and threats on both themselves and their communities while also being asked to respond to every LGBTQ-related issue.
On this episode of It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission, host Joe Garofoli sits down with Bauters to talk about those tensions and how he’s trying to use his platform to help younger LGBTQ people.
Photo above: Mayor John Bauters rides his bike along Bay Street in Emeryville in March.