Arkansas’ first openly gay elected official, State Rep. Kathy Webb of Little Rock, was instrumental this week in quashing a vicious, anti-gay adoption bill that had already handily passed in the State Senate. The Arkansas Gay History blog said “(t)he efforts of Representative Kathy Webb could be seen throughout the session and were a cornerstone of the defeat.”

Kathy’s efforts were also hailed by Rita Sklar, executive director of the Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Sklar told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette that Kathy made a real difference, adding, “I think for a lot of people, it was the first time they actually ever met an openly gay person, and realized that she’s just another human being.”

Kathy Webb is an excellent example of what openly gay leaders can do when they have a place at the table and a voice in the debate. She’s a hero to the LGBT citizens of Arkansas, and an inspiration to me.