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data-page-title="Annise Parker Raises Houstons Coolness Factor | Advocate.com"
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In an interview withBusiness Week, Houston mayor Annise Parker says her position "has given me a fantastic opportunity to change how people think about my city."
"When I was sworn in as mayor of Houston, the media attention worldwide was overwhelming," Parker said. "'Houston elected a lesbian? Houston?' I was even on the front page of the Times of India. It has given me a fantastic opportunity to change how people think about my city. I take a lot of credit for raising Houston's coolness factor."
Of her orientation, Parker said, "Being gay isn't tough -- it's who I am. What's been tough is learning how to be social, and how to adapt to public life."
Read the interview here.
