interview conducted by Sylvia Rhue
First please introduce yourself, indicate where you live, who you work for and what your position is.
My name is Leslie Herod, I live in Denver, CO, and I am the Human Services Policy Advisor to Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.
You work for the Governor of Colorado. How LGBT friendly is the Governor and how did you get the job?
Our governor believes in equal rights for all citizens. In 2007 he signed both the Second Parent Adoption Act, which allows a second legal parent to adopt a child, and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which added protections to LGBT individuals in Colorado’s nondiscrimination statutes. In 2008 he signed legislation that furthered the protections for LGBT individuals and their families to all nondiscrimination statutes including housing, credit transactions, jury service, issuance of a license to practice law, and public accommodations.
How did I get the job? I worked with the Governor during his election campaign as a liaison to the African American and also the LGBT communities. Additionally, my background is in legislative policy. After the Governor was successfully elected, I applied for an opening in his Office of Policy and Initiatives and was honored to have been appointed to his team.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
There really isn’t a typical day in the Colorado State Capitol. At some moments you can find me explaining to legislators and advocates the rational behind a particular policy statement, and other times I am at my desk drafting memos and talking points for the Governor. I also serve as the governor’s designee to many state boards and commissions. But my primary duty is to advise the Governor on issues impacting human services including anti-poverty initiatives, behavioral health, child welfare and juvenile justice, and non-discrimination policy.
Is there any LGBT centered legislation due this year?
Currently, there is one particular measure in the legislature that directly impacts our community. SB 09-088 would extend state group benefits to domestic partners of state employees. Also, while not specifically a LGBT bill HB09-1260 concerning designated beneficiary agreements is one that has the potential to have a significant impact on our community.
When did you come out?
I came out officially while I was attending college at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Where there any difficulties with your family, relatives, friends or work place resulting from your coming out? Any good stories?
Not really. I tend to surround myself with a diverse group of people, so it really wasn’t an issue. Even my boyfriend at the time was ok with it (we are still good friends).
Do you plan to run for office?
I’m not sure. Right now, my focus is on working with the Ritter Administration to craft meaningful public policy.
What do you think about our new President? You were in Denver at the convention, how was that for you?
I am very impressed by President Obama and inspired by his bold strategy to restore our nation. He has inherited quite a burden. We are in the midst of two wars, and the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression. However, in his first few weeks in office he has sent a clear message that he will take a pragmatic approach to ending the wars and working to ensure a swift economic recovery.
Denver was awarded the Democratic National Convention because the DNCC recognized Colorado’s importance to a winning electoral strategy. As the host Governor, Ritter had to carry out various duties including organizing multiple panels, policy discussions, and events around key issues. As apart of the Governor’s team it was my job to ensure that the Governor and the First Lady were fully briefed and prepared. So, needless to say, there were many days of little sleep. But what an honor is was to be here during this time in history. Due to my active involvement I was able to participate in various events. One of my favorite events was Tim Gill’s reception where I was able to meet people I had only read about. And of course, the best part of the Convention was attending Obama’s acceptance speech at Invesco.
What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?
Keep and eye on what is going on around you politically at the local, state, and federal levels. Even the most minor changes at any step in the process can have a major impact on our community. Also, get involved in issues that aren’t typically considered “black” or “lgbt” issues. Once you have a seat at the table it is more difficult to deny your participation on the basis of your race or sexual orientation alone.
What do you see yourself doing 5, 10 years from now?
Hopefully I will continue to be active in shaping policy that will have a positive benefit on our communities.
Anything else to add?
Don’t sell your elective leaders short. It is not the case that all Black leaders are homophobic and intolerant. We are members of the black community and our leaders are accountable to us. However in order for them to understand our issues, they must hear our story.
