Sly James is many things: a musician, a great cook, a veteran; however, you may know him better as the mayor of Kansas City.
James took office in 2011, and is an Independent. He's been incredibly progressive with his city, both economically and socially. He has helped to advance legislation to offer protections for the LGBT community in the workplace, and has helped the city to achieve a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index (MEI).
In 2012, Newsweek listed James among its "Most Innovative Mayors" for his work in fostering entrepreneurial and technological development in Kansas City's "Silicon Prairie." We recently sat and chatted with Mayor James about his work with the LGBT community, his plans for the future, and who is going to play him in the inevitable biopic about his life.
Q: You assumed office in May of 2011. Can you tell me about the state of Kansas City's LGBT community around that time?
A: The state of Kansas City's LGBT community in 2011 was strong. I was thrilled to receive the endorsement during the elec-tion from LGBT political groups and their efforts and support of my agenda was vital to building the coalition that allows me to work hard for the City. Kansas City is blessed with an LGBT community that is active and participates constructively in not only the political dialogue, but also represents a vital presence in the business, arts and civic communities.
Q: And since then, you've helped the city achieve a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI). What would you say were the three most important steps your city took to earning that score?
A: We were grateful for the HRC MEI process that allowed us to both celebrate our successes and evaluate where we can continue to improve — I am always looking for ways to continue to make this City even better. This was not a challenge my office assumed on its own. My staff provided me with astute guidance throughout this process. When assembling my team, I was careful to consider diversity. The perspective that diversity lends my decisionmaking was instrumental in pushing this project forward, in particular.
Additionally, on May 20, 2013 the entire City Council passed Resolution 130439, which expresses our collective support for the Human Rights Campaign's important work and affirms the City's commitment to the active participation and progress towards a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index. Our City Council has been and continues to be a vanguard of public servants on matters of equality. This commitment and attention to the issues of our LGBT citizens has created a level of engagement that will allow us to keep improving the living and working environment for KC LBGT citizens.
Q: Has your city's LGBT community been influenced, either positively or negatively, by St. Louis? I know that KC vowed to get that perfect MEI after St. Louis received theirs.
A: Acknowledging and putting in place policies to address the needs of LGBT citizens is not a contest. We are committed to equality because we value the contributions and lives of all citizens.
Q: Where do you see Kansas City in five years, in terms of the LGBT community? How about Missouri? The United States as a whole?
A: It is my sincere hope that a collaboration at all levels of government has taught us all to listen to our citizens and that translates into progressive legislation honoring, welcoming and creating the necessities that allow for all citizens to love and create the families they desire. I also believe we will see more LGBT officeholders.
Q: You played in a band in the '60s that opened for Jefferson Airplane in KC. Which Airplane song is your favorite and why?
A: "Volunteers" because it is essentially a protest song.
Q: Complete this sentence: "Most people don't know that..."
A: I love to make beef mushroom risotto. It's a tradition in my family and now I make it every year for my staff when we gather for our office holiday party.
Q: If someone were to make a movie about your time in office, who are your top 3 actor choices to play yourself, and why?
A: My top three choices have to be: Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, and Will Smith. What's not to love about these actors who have an envious amount of talent, charm, charisma, good looks, and passion for social justice?
Q: What do you want people to remember the most about your work in the LGBT community after you've left office?
A: That part of my work to make Kansas City best included the idea that we are ONE Kansas City. A forward-thinking city embraces diversity and looks past our differences in order to focus on our common interests — like ensuring we have safe and healthy neighborhoods with excellent schools and well-paying jobs. Every resident deserves those things.
Q: How do you think that Vital VOICE expanding into Kansas City can help increase awareness of LGBT issues?
A: A key component to social change is advocacy. The addition of this publication to Kansas City will expand the reach of local LGBT advocacy efforts and help educate our citizens.
Article written by Brent Peterson