Charles Pugh, a TV reporter turned politician, made history in 2009 as the first openly gay elected official in the city of Detroit. In an overwhelming show of support, Pugh won a seat onto Detroit city council and replaced Cockrel as council president.

Born and raised in Detroit, Pugh rose up from what some might call insurmountable circumstances. Pugh’s mother was murdered when he was only 3 years old. Four years later, Pugh’s father committed suicide when he shot himself in the head just across the hall from Charles’ bedroom, leaving him to make a 911 call no child should ever have to make. Raised by his grandmother, Pugh went on to become an honor student in high school and eventually left Detroit to attend the University of Missouri on a journalism scholarship. He did a stint as a reporter in Virginia and Indiana before returning to his hometown to join the Detroit Fox 2 News team.

Pugh is known for being a very public and positive figure in the LGBT community. Unapologetically gay, Pugh Read the rest of this entry »

After a long-fought battle for inclusion of gender identity and expression in Cleveland’s anti-discrimination laws, LGBT activists in that city finally get to see the fruits of their labor. On Monday, the City Council expand existing anti-discrimination law to include its transgender citizens. The city code will now prohibit businesses from denying jobs or housing to citizens for reasons of age, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The measure was pushed through with the help of the council’s first openly gay member, Joe Santiago.

According to The Plain Dealer, “the unanimous vote was the Read the rest of this entry »

The West Hollywood City Council plans to unveil a plaque in honor of gay marriage, inscribed with a quote from continued activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela.  The plaque will be unveiled at its meeting on September 8th and then permanently installed at West Hollywood Park off North San Vicente Blvd.  The plaque will read: Read the rest of this entry »

Broadcaster turned politician Charles Pugh has become Detroit’s first openly gay person to win a major election in the city’s political history.  Pugh, formerly a broadcaster for Fox 2 news, received the most votes in the Detroit City Council primary qualifying him to move forward to the November 3 general election.   He’s up against 17 other candidates vying for one of nine available council seats.  Pugh told The Detroit News, Read the rest of this entry »