Mayor Annise Parker
Time magazine wants to know who its readers think are the 100 most influential people in the world. The gays (and the lesbians and the allies) are doing quite well.
In spot number 83 (as of this writing) is Houston Mayor Annise Parker. This is her first appearance on the list. Parker won election in January making Houston the largest city in the United States with an openly gay or lesbian mayor and the largest city in the world with a lesbian mayor. (Only Berlin, which is slightly larger than Houston, is a larger city with a gay mayor).
Before becoming mayor, Parker served three terms on the city council and three terms as city controller. Before entering elective office, she headed Houston’s Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.
To vote, go to her page, click on the rating, move it up or down and enter the capture words that prevent spam.
Other interesting choices:
Adam Lambert is in fifth place.
Neil Patrick Harris is #12, two spots ahead of Barack Obama.
Ellen Degeneres is 39th.
Also in the running are David Boies and Ted Olsen. They are the attorneys in the Prop 8 case in California representing the dump-the-ban side. They are currently at #114.
Bristol Palin is at 162. Her mom, Sarah, is at #29. Levi Johnston doesn’t show up.
And in the top spot? Most influential person in the world? Really??
At the time of this writing, Lady Gaga is in the top spot. As a native of Yonkers, I have to campaign against her. Love her music, but she’s been going around denying she’s from Yonkers, without revealing where she’s from. New York City? Well, just say it, then. Us Yonkersites are a proud bunch. I’ve called Dallas home for more than 30 years, Gaga, but I don’t deny my Roosevelt High School-Nathan’s Famous-P.S. 28-Colonial Heights roots.
