Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano was just elected mayor of the small Texas border town of Del Rio.
Del Rio is located about 150 miles west of San Antonio and sits prettily along the Mexican border. It has a population of around 41,000.
Lozano, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, will not only be the youngest person ever to be elected mayor of the Del Mar, he will also be its first openly gay mayor.
Out in SA reports:
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Most surprising for a mayoral race in a such a small municipality was the fact that Lozano’s sexual orientation did not seem to have an much of an effect on his campaign, even when he decided to march in the city’s Veteran’s Day parade in high heels last year. The only backlash came in the form of a single Facebook post from a non-supporter who labeled him a “faggot with AIDS.”
“I am not ashamed of who I am,” Lozano tells IntoMore. “Stonewall happened because drag queens and a minority group stood up to animosity, and I had to go back in the closet [while in the Air Force] because of that same hatred.”
He continues, “I know what that was like, and it translates to today’s campaign. I’m not going to bow down. I am who I am. Accept me or not.”
And accept him they did. 35-year-old Lozano won 62 percent of the 3,500 ballots cast in the election.
Posted by Elect Bruno "Ralphy" Lozano for Mayor on Tuesday, April 3, 2018
kevininbuffalo
If an openly Gay man, in heels, can get elected mayor anywhere in Texas then the times really are changing. About time too!
Navalator
Unless, of course, some evangelical nut case decides to pop him in the name of god. And do not get to optimistic because Texas is still a homophobic redneck state. Times are changing but only at a snail’s pace. Trump has set the mood that enables morons to eagerly kill a queer for christ.
SiamSam
This is obviously fake news. Who can forget the recent Homocaust when Trump rounded up all the gays and marched them into the gas chambers?
Kangol
Congrats to Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano, and many thanks to him for his service on behalf of this country!
djmcgamester
I don’t think it’s a surprise when it’s a small community. People all tend to know one another and can’t be bothered to dislike someone who’s “different”.
RCrystalWolfe
Thanks for stepping up in the great State of Texas to show how important it is to have LGBTQ people in office living openly.
Aires the Ram
Congratulations to him. Looks like Del Rio just got themselves a good Mayor!
jdr11201
Well done Mr. Mayor,
Not only have you launched Del Rio into a new era you are opening up minds in acceptance and equality. From the city of NY I salute you.
Semper Fi
scotty
well done your Honor.
plus, you look stunning.
vbear
As a former Del Rioan and an openly gay man, I could not be prouder of my home and it’s new Mayor.