| Julia Boseman did fabulous, difficult work on the School Violence Protection Act in our state Senate, earning her Equality NC's Legislative Award this past weekend. I'm sorry to hear that she's not running again (she'd most certainly win), but being the only out member of our General Assembly has to be tough with all those good-old-boys in there. Family always comes first. (Q-Notes): State Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover), the only openly gay or lesbian member of the General Assembly, announced Thursday she will not seek re-election when her term ends in 2010. In a statement, Boseman cited family responsibilities for her decision to leave the General Assembly, according to Wilmington's WTKR News Channel 3. Boseman's domestic partner is expecting a child in January. Elected in 2004, Boseman was the first openly gay or lesbian North Carolinian elected to the state legislature. Prior to her service in the Senate, Boseman served on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. In her acceptance speech, she hinted that it was time to move along, and called for others LGBT North Carolinians to take the baton.  When I won this seat it didn't become my seat, it became our seat, and we've been able to accomplish a lot with our seat. And as Ian said, having a seat at the table has made a world of difference.
When I'm in that back room of the caucus and we're talking about the marriage amendment, it makes a difference that we're there. When we're talking about the bullying bill, it made a difference that we're there. When we have Republicans saying that comprehensive health education, sexual education means that you're going to teach all our kids how to be gay, it makes a big difference that we have a seat at the table. I won't always have this seat; and it's time for other people to step up. I'm asking you and your friends to please get involved, run for office, be on boards and commissions; it makes such a difference us being there. As it stands, this means that Republicans will have a chance to take this swing seat in 2010. Hopefully Dems can retain the seat; it will be difficult to fill Julia Boseman's shoes as "our" state senator. Here's to you Julia -- thank you so much for sharing "your seat" with the LGBTs of NC. 
Julia Boseman with your blogmistress at the 2009 Equality NC Gala |
