Gay Group Pleased by Riordan Attention

Even before he was elected mayor, gay and lesbian leaders in the San Fernando Valley say Richard Riordan was showing more interest in their issues in the Valley than Mayor Tom Bradley did during his 20 years in office.

The feeling is based on then-candidate Riordan’s decision to attend a mayoral forum in May sponsored by the Valley Business Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Professionals. Bill Robinson, president of the alliance, said Bradley had never attended an alliance function.

“I never felt that (Bradley) gave us very much attention,” said Robinson, whose 160-member organization promotes business, provides a forum and raises funds for issues important to the gay and lesbian community.

Robinson said that Riordan’s appearance at the May forum showed “a willingness to learn” about the AIDS crisis and other issues such as gay bashing, which Riordan did not seem to know much about. “I sense he is not homophobic. He is homoignorant,” said Robinson.

Since the forum, Riordan has reached out to the gay and lesbian community by riding in the 23rd Annual Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade, held June 27 in West Hollywood.

Although Robinson said the Valley Business Alliance will not pursue a direct dialogue with Riordan’s office or his appointees, the forum provided gay and lesbian individuals in the Valley with the hope that Riordan can be educated through other channels.