LGBT change to Philly City Charter moves forward in Council

Making the Philadelphia office of Lesbian Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Affairs permanent is the aim of a charter change before City Council.

Even though about five percent of Philadelphia residents identify as LGBT, the office serving them is not official within the city charter.  It is set up by the mayor’s executive order.  Rue Landau of the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission says keeping the office in place is important.

“Communities in which they live are not accepting of LGBT people and a staggering 92 percent of LGBT youth hear negative comments in school, the Internet and their peers,” she said.

Office director Nellie Fitzpatrick says much work remains to insure inclusion.

“As we move forward we can continue the process of holding those accountable who discriminate against one of our citizens because of who they love or who they are,” Fitzpatrick said.  “We must work to have our city lead by example.”

The resolution now goes to the full council for consideration.