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Under Siege, Mayor Makes First Public Appearance Since Allegations in Surprise Showing at San Diego Pride

Under Siege, Mayor Makes First Public Appearance Since Allegations in Surprise Showing at San Diego Pride
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Thom Senzee is an experienced-trained journalist with 20 years in print, online and broadcast media—founder & moderator of LGBTs In The News

Thom Senzee is an experienced-trained journalist with 20 years in print, online and broadcast media—founder & moderator of LGBTs In The News
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Although at least one local San Diego television news broadcast erroneously reported that San Diego Mayor Bob Filner showed up at Balboa Park with an entourage of staff and advisers in tow, the scandal-embroiled mayor came to Pride unannounced, escorted only by Nicole Murray Ramirez, co-founder of San Diego LGBT Pride. The two made a circuit walking around the festival, all the while receiving greetings and warm wishes from attendees of all ages, genders and (presumably) sexual orientations.

"I thought he'd get at least some negative feedback," said Ramirez. "But every single person, men and women, young and old, said 'you have my support.'" According to Ramirez, one celebrant told the mayor he voted for Filner and, given the chance, would do so again.

Filner has been accused by a leading voice in San Diego politics, former City Councilwoman Donna Frye, of sexual harassment against unnamed women.

In surprise showing at Pride festival, embattled San Diego Mayor Bob Filner makes first public appearance since mulitiple sexual harassment charges levied
Bob Filner with unnamed San Diego LGBT Pride celebrants(01 of03)
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It was a surprisingly ebullient, though clearly subdued Mayor Bob Filner (center) who was warmly received by festival goers of all ages and genders as San Diego LGBT Pride co-founder, Nicole Murray Ramirez (not pictured) escorted the former congressman through Balboa Park Sunday, July 14, 2013. (PHOTO: BIG MIKE PHILLIPS)
More warmth, support for Filner at San Diego LGBT Pride(02 of03)
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Mayor Bob Filner had announced that he would skip this year's San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and festival in order to avoid distracting from the historic nature of the city's first Pride since the fall of DOMA and Prop. 8. Yet, Filner did appear in a low-key, no-entourage (this mayor has always traveled with few staffers) walk through the festival grounds at historic and beautiful Balboa Park Sunday, July 14. Friday, the mayor had said in a statement released to the media, "... Although I have participated proudly many years in the past, I am concerned that the current controversy surrounding me could distract from the importance of what the whole Pride movement stands for. I have no intention of allowing such a distraction. Please know that I am there with you in spirit." (PHOTO: BIG MIKE PHILLIPS)
Smiles, Milk, pride and uncertainty(03 of03)
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L-R: San Diego LGBT Pride General Manager, Stephen Whitburn, Pride co-founder, Nicole Murray Ramirez, and San Diego community volunteer-extraordanaire/photographer Big Mike Phillips at San Diego LGBT Pride 2013, Sunday, July 14. Mayor Filner has been a vigorous supporter of LGBT equality, having been a vocal advocate for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The future of his administration, which began this year and was seen as strong and aggressive in its pursuit of a progressive agenda just two weeks ago, is now in doubt because of multiple sexual harassment charges.

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