Openly Gay New York City Council Speaker Appointed

"Let me end on a personal note. My father was watching the local news at my office two days ago and the reporter came on to talk about my selection as Speaker. The reporter talked about my being the first woman speaker…and the first openly gay speaker. And without missing a beat, my dad stuck out his chest and proudly yelled at the TV -you forgot Irish, you bum! Let me say that I am incredibly proud that in the most diverse City in the world, that diversity is seen as a strength - not an impediment." New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, January 4, 2006