Openly lesbian Annise Parker was sworn
in as mayor of Houston on Saturday.
Surrounded by about two dozen close
friends and family members, Parker became Houston's 61st
mayor in a private ceremony officiated by longtime friend Judge
Steven Kirkland. Parker's partner, Kathy Hubbard, held the family
bible used to administer the oath, CultureMap
Houston reported.
Houston is the largest city in the
nation to endorse an openly gay mayor. With a half-million
residents, Portland, Oregon previously held the title, electing
openly gay Mayor Sam Adams last year. Houston, however, only trails
behind New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Parker, 53, seized 53.6 percent of the
vote in a December 12 runoff election to best her opponent, Gene
Locke, an African-American lawyer and former city attorney. Anti-gay
rhetoric marred the campaign's final lap as social conservatives and
religious leaders attempted to make sexual orientation an issue in
the contest.
“This election has changed the world
for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities, just as
this election is about transforming Houstonians' lives for the
better,” Parker said in a statement released shortly after her
victory.
A public swearing in ceremony will take
place on Monday, but the city charter mandates the mayor be installed
on January 2. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore will
ceremoniously swear in Parker, who will then swear in the 14-member
city council. A free concert headlined by Jennifer Holliday will
take place at 6PM.