NORTHERN EXPOSURE
By Max Disposti

For the second year, the City of Oceanside has issued a proclamation to recognize October as “Diversity awareness Month.” However, for the first time Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood has added Pride@the beach! to his proclamation, stating “The North County LGBT Coalition has chosen to hold its annual Pride@the beach! event in our area, emphasizing their freedom of choice.”

Our freedom of choice? Well, I guess the city’s sensitivity training still needs an update, but we welcome the spirit and the effort of this proclamation where our LGBT families are finally acknowledged.

The month of October seems to be a great time to recognize everyone’s diversity. Since 1988, National Coming Out Day has been celebrated on Oct. 11 in the United States and Oct. 12 in England. It was founded after the success of the second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights, where more than 500,000 people marched for equality. Ever since, the goal of National Coming Out Day has been to raise awareness of the LGBT community among the general population. By the time this issue of Gay San Diego is out, Pride@the beach! will be just a day away, so make sure to stop by on Saturday Oct. 9, from11 a.m. to 6 p.m., just south of the Oceanside Pier (for more information, see page 2). If you missed it, you can always send a financial contribution to northcountycoalition.org, and the proceeds for “Pride@the beach!” will benefit our local high schools’ gay-straight alliances throughout the year.

Another significant North County event that is held this month is Amnesty International’s annual “Candlelight Walk for Human Rights.” This year’s walk will be on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oceanside Pier Plaza Amphitheatre (also just south of the Oceanside Pier). Hundreds of progressive citizens from all backgrounds will be there for the walk, and the North County LGBT Coalition has endorsed the event for the first time, in solidarity with those children that are still persecuted through human trafficking and slavery in many areas of the world, including San Diego County.

A few days later, on Oct. 20, our friends with the Palomar College LGBTQA will be hosting their second annual Coming Out Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes music and an open mic. If you can, please support their event by participating. You can find more information at palomar.edu/clubs/lgbtq/.

Finally, I want to introduce you to an “out” public servant here in North County who has created more acceptance by being visible as a husband and a father of five children. David W. Roberts, a current member of the Solana Beach City Council and board member for the North County Transit District, is sharing his experience with us. 

Northern Exposure: How important was it for you and your family to live openly in the community where you serve and has this visibility created any problems for you here in North County?  

David Roberts: Solana Beach is a warm and caring community that welcomes diversity. Since my first election to Council in 2004, my community has welcomed Wally and our five young children and has supported us through the years. Our community values its quality of life and I am known for my consensus style of leadership to bring out the best in every individual.

As an LGBT elected official, I strive to lead by example and be a role model for respect and acceptance of all diversity. Just today, I was working with another elected official from North San Diego County on public safety issues and ensuring that we are sensitive and inclusive of all people. I am pleased that my public service and visibility has not

created any problems for my family or me and I encourage all individuals to celebrate their diversity and not be ashamed of their own true self.

Northern Exposure: How important is the visibility and support of our LGBT families here in the North County?

Roberts: A community is only as strong as its citizens and I am so blessed to have so many LGBT families in San Diego County that encourage my public service and leadership.  Last year, I was selected as a (David) Bohnett (Gay & Lesbian Leadership) scholar to the Harvard Kennedy School where I was able to expand my LGBT contacts throughout our state and nation. At Harvard, I experienced diversity and learned the value of listening first, before reacting. Back home here in North County, our family has grown over the past 10 years to now include five wonderful children and my support structure is phenomenal to provide a venue for me to participate in so many civic activities. And groups such as North County LGBT Coalition are critical to our success in expanding tolerance and understanding. Without this tremendous support, I would not be able to be an LGBT role model and elected official. I hope to see you all at Pride @ the beach! 2010 on Oct. 9!

Tags: Dave Roberts, diversity, gay, Jim Wood, LGBT, LGBTQA, Max Disposti, Oceanside, Oceanside LGBT Coalition "North County" Pride "Dave Roberts "Solana Beach" "Jim Wood" Escondido "San Marcos" Palomar College LGBTQA, Palomar College, San Marcos, Solana Beach