Meet the U.S.' First Gay Black GOP Mayor

Last week, Bruce Harris, 61, was sworn in as mayor of Chatham, N.J., and many believe that he is the country's first openly gay, African-American, Republican mayor, the Daily Record reported in a Jan. 4 article.

Chatham is a borough in Morris County, N.J., about 25 miles west of New York City.

"I have felt it is my duty to serve the community," Harris said. "I think that public service is interesting, and finding ways to meet the challenges facing a small community like Chatham Borough is personally rewarding."

The Victory Fund, a LGBT political organization that aims to increase the number of LGBT candidates in the U.S., claims that Harris is the first out-gay black GOP mayor in U.S. history. "I entered public service partially because of the example set by my parents, both of whom were always active in the community," said Harris.

Harris beat Nelson Vaughan, who was rerunning for mayor, last November. "Bruce ran a really smart campaign, and he is well-established in Chatham," said Leanna Brown, a former state and the first female Republican to be elected to the New Jersey Senate. "I think his election shows the breadth and depth of the Republican Party."

Harris has been involved in the Chatham community for 13 years by serving on several different boards and commissions and as a council member with Vaughan.

At Harris' swearing-in ceremony, Rev. Garvey of Stanley Congressional Church, which is known for accepting gay clergy, spoke and gave his support to the new mayor.

Harris said he is excited to lead the town and its future.

"I hope that we can continue to find ways to manage smartly and keep taxes and expenses under control so that Chatham Borough can maintain its identity as a distinct community," he said. "We've done a great job of this in the past, and I think that we have an outstanding team on the council, and in the administration, that can, through teamwork, continue to find ways to successfully meet the challenges before us."

LGBT Americans residing in New Jersey have some of the same rights as heterosexuals. Although same-sex marriage is not legalized, the state has been offering civil unions since 2006. The state also has extended benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2004.

New Jersey does not have a policy of denying adoption based on sexual orientation.

In 1991, the state amended its broad Law Against Discrimination to add "affectional sexual orientation" and in 2006 to include "gender identity and expression." The law protects the LGBT community against discrimination in the workplace and with public accommodations.

The state has also enhanced penalties for hate crimes based on presumed sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, anti-LGBT bullying is not allowed in New Jersey schools and schools must post and handout their anti-bullying policies.