Denise Simmons

Interview with Mayor Denise Simmons

mayorsimmomnsCambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons was elected last year by the city councilors in a unanimous vote, making her the nation’s first openly lesbian black mayor. However, she has spent most of her life breaking down barriers and advocating on behalf of Cambridge residents. Prior to entering political life, Simmons ran her own business, Cambridgeport Insurance Agency, where she learned firsthand the needs of local small business owners. She served for 12 years as executive director of the Civic Unity Committee, the first citizen rights organization funded by the city of Cambridge…She said that she hopes that the path she laid towards the top office in city hall will open more doors for those in the LGBT community, people of color and women.

See the interview here

Black gay couples in Mass. mark marriage anniversary

Cambridge Mayor E Denise Simmons, who is also a justice of the peace, shows pictures of both gay and straight couples she has married.  Photo by Talia Whyte

Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons, who is also a justice of the peace, shows photos of both gay and straight couples she has married. Photo by Talia Whyte

By Talia Whyte

The Bay State Banner

Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples across Massachusetts are celebrating their fifth wedding anniversaries this week and, while same-sex marriage remains a contentious issue, the state’s black gay community wants opponents to know that the lingering anger and confusion toward their unions are much ado about nothing.

Read the full article here.