Openly Gay San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria Heads US Conference of Mayors

Todd Gloria, the mayor of San Diego, California, has been elected president of the United States Conference of Mayors, an organization that unites leaders of American cities. Gloria became the first openly gay person in its history to hold this position. The presidential term lasts one year, and the office alternates between political parties to maintain bipartisan dialogue.

“At a time when members of the LGBT community are wondering about their place in the country and society, my fellow mayors from across the political spectrum are willing to let me be their voice and leader,” Gloria stated in an interview with The Washington Blade. “I hope this reaffirms that we are moving forward and that the political process still works.”

According to the organization’s new president, the Conference of Mayors often allows finding common ground on issues that cause deep divisions at the federal level in Washington. Gloria noted that cities have historically acted as centers for defending civil rights — from the fight for equality to supporting people with HIV/AIDS during periods of severe stigma.

Gloria named housing affordability as the main civil rights issue today. He emphasized that although LGBT people can now legally and openly live in cities like San Diego, rising housing prices are forcing many to move. As president of the Conference of Mayors, he plans to elevate the issue of housing affordability to the national level, encouraging local authorities to increase construction and lower prices. Among his other priorities are public safety and urban economic development.

Along with Satya Rhodes-Conway, the mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, Gloria serves as co-chair of the “LGBTQ+ Alliance” at the Conference of Mayors. The alliance has developed a practical guide for municipalities to help implement policies that take into account the interests of LGBTQ people: from proclaiming Pride Month to protecting against discrimination and ensuring equal access to housing.

Todd Gloria began his political career in 2008 by getting elected to the San Diego City Council, and he headed it in 2012. From August 2013 to March 2014, he served as acting mayor following the resignation of his predecessor. In 2016–2020, Gloria represented San Diego in the California State Assembly, holding leadership positions in the Democratic Party.

In 2020, he won the mayoral election in San Diego, becoming not only the first openly gay person in this position but also the first Native American and the first Filipino American to lead a US city with a population of over a million people.