Nutter Appoints New Liaison To Gay Community

NBC10.com

PHILADELPHIA -- For the first time ever, there will be a direct liaison working with the Philadelphia Mayor's Office who knows the issues important to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

At City Hall on Monday, dozens of LGBT community members repeatedly cheered for Mayor Michael Nutter's latest appointment.

Some were calling the event historic, NBC 10's Kristen Welker reported.

Even Nutter was emotional as he introduced Gloria Casarez for the post.

"Before I completely burst out in tears, let me have Gloria come up and say a few words. Gloria?" Nutter said.

"I see it as a responsibility for all of us to stand together to make Philadelphia a true City of Brotherly Love, and I pledge to represent us with authenticity, integrity and respect," Casarez said.

The city has had a liaison to the community before, but Monday's announcement meant an expansion of the role.

"For the first time, the LGBT liaison will actually be operating out of the mayor's office, working across city government to advocate for the needs of Philadelphia's LGBT community," Nutter said.

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