Official to Represent D.C.'s Gay Community

WASHINGTON - The D.C. government now has a cabinet-level official who will help improve services to the city's gay community.

Mayor Tony Williams signed a bill elevating the director of the office of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender affairs to the mayor's cabinet.

Williams formed the office in 2004, but the D.C. Council didn't pass legislation making it a part of the government last year.

Williams says the cabinet-level position recognizes that the gay community is an important part of the city.

Williams took time to recognize Wanda Alston, his first director of the office. She was murdered in her home last year during a robbery.

Councilman Jim Graham says the office will help resolve "the issues of homophobia" that exist in the city. He says the council has ensured that the position will survive after the mayor departs next January.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)