Chicago Public Schools' new CEO Ron Huberman comes out of the closet with no fanfare. . .

[wndycty]

. . .a lot of folks in political circles and Chicago's gay community new this open secret but it never got into the the MSM. Well in today's Chicago Sun-Times Huberman mentions that he came out to his parents when he was 15. The amazing and refreshing thing about the way the Chicago Sun-Times handled it is that it is not in the headline and its not mentioned until the 11th paragraph.

Ron Huberman: The mayor's man
RON HUBERMAN | Daley's teacher's pet takes charge of Chicago Public Schools

January 31, 2009

BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter/[e-mail]

If there was any doubt Ron Huberman was the teacher's pet, Mayor Daley eliminated it last week.

"I have utmost faith in him," the mayor said. "I can go to sleep at night, just close my eyes. I don't have to worry about Ron Huberman."
-snip-

At 15, while attending Lyons Township High School, Huberman made a declaration that, at first, was difficult for his parents to accept: He's gay.

"It's always difficult for kids. It was difficult for my parents at first. But they've become very accepting and very supportive," said Huberman, who lives with a partner who's a friend from college. They reconnected four years ago.

"It has given me a great sensitivity for the need to be inclusive. If I didn't grow up being part of a group that was viewed differently, I may not have that sensitivity. It makes me in tune to individuals, groups and others who are not fitting in and may need extra support."

While he has an unusual perspective on the issue, Huberman refused to say where he stands on the stalled proposal for a gay high school.
-snip-
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1407380,CST-NWS-huberman01.article

[HillbillyBob]

1. Having come out years ago when it was much less acceptable

was difficult, I lost jobs, got harassed and had violence visited on me
and that was from kreestains.
I am glad this was handled well.
It will only be a matter of time before the reichwing nutjobs find out and start working to get him fired.
I don't understand what is wrong with them, they always seem to equate us with molestors(I have had more unwanted passes made at me from preachers than I can count) and various other unsavory types.

[dsc]

2. It simply amazes me in some senses how far we have come

while in others, we are so far behind. The man in charge of the third largest school system in the nation is openly gay which is honestly amazing, but at the same time, gays can't do the most trivial of things like get married. I hope this guy does well he has a tough job to say the least.

[wndycty]

3. He has done an excellent job in all of his positions. . .

He headed the City's Emergency Response system

He was the Mayor's chief of staff, he ran the Chicago Transit Authority now this. I personally think the Mayor is grooming him to run for Mayor someday.

[dsc]

4. He could walk on water and it still would likely not be enough

the schools there are a total and complete mess and have been for decades. He has his work cut out for him and then some.

[wndycty]

5. Monday morning kick

:kick: