Brian White has a sizeable task ahead of him, as he has thrown his hat in the ring in the 49th Ward to unseat the current alderman, Joe Moore. White recently talked with Windy City Times about hate crimes, BEHIV and sensitivity training.
Windy City Times: What is your position regarding funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and education?
Brian White: I am in favor of fully funding treatment and education programs concerning HIV/AIDS. I believe awareness of HIV/AIDS should be encouraged early in schools, as part of comprehensive sex and health education programming. I also favor devoting funding to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and testing to high-risk communities, including communities of color. I would work closely with organizations seeking to meet the needs of persons seeking HIV/AIDS services and would invite those organizations to consider opening offices or centers in my ward, to ensure all residents have ready access to services.
WCT: Have you taken or would you take any steps to further HIV/AIDS treatment and education programs? If so, what are those measures?
Brian White: This is my first race for public office and my background is primarily in housing and community development. I do not have a record of working on this issue specifically. As alderman, I would encourage HIV/AIDS awareness education, support testing programs, and provide assistance to organizations working to reduce HIV/AIDS and assist those living with HIV/AIDS to operate in the 49th Ward.
I was disappointed to learn recently that BEHIV is closing its doors due to lack of funding support. As a community, we were strongly encouraged to rally for a local restaurant, when its finances took a hit due to fiscal mismanagement. I do not recall hearing the same kind of outcry for this very important community service organization. I believe that represents the kind of misplaced priorities, which I intend to correct as Alderman.
WCT: What are feelings regarding abortion?
Brian White: I am pro-choice. I believe the decision to have an abortion must be a very difficult one and as a man, I do not see myself as being in a position to tell that woman how to take care of her body. As a society, we should support a woman who makes this decision and respect the choice. I also recognize that while the decision to have an abortion has a significant moral dimension to it, the procedure itself is, and should be treated primarily as, a medical procedure. I believe that women needing abortion services should have access to safe and affordable medical services, including abortions.
We should also endeavor, as much as we can, to promote responsible sexual activity by making family planning services and contraceptives widely available. We know that our young people are likely to engage in unprotected sex and there is great peer pressure to begin having sex at an early age. As a father of two young boys, we have started to discuss sex with them now and to teach them responsibility and respect for themselves and others with whom they may have a relationship.
Finally, for adults who are engaged in high-risk sexual activity, contraceptives and education on practicing safe sex should be promoted through a multitude of channels and in a variety of culture- and language-appropriate media.
WCT: Have you started or would you start sensitivity training for your staff members regarding LGBT-related issues?
Brian White: In my workplace, we have a very clear policy and a culture embracing diversity. We have not scheduled sensitivity training, but I would be open to doing that and do encourage staff to attend training offered by the Illinois Department of Human Rights on discrimination, primarily in the area of housing and employment. My staff has also been encouraged to attend training on communicating with respect and sensitivity, as part of conflict resolution training. I would certainly ask my aldermanic staff to attend similar training and would support requiring such training for all city personnel. This has not been an issue in my campaign, which is extremely diverse and inclusive.
WCT: Do you favor same-sex marriage?
Brian White: I believe marriage should be between two people who love each other and are willing to make the tough decisions in life together. I see no reason why gender should determine the pairing of life partners and believe that marriage should be open to all.
WCT: What are your thoughts on a school that would be designed specifically for LGBT students?
Brian White: I would be supportive of that, though I would also want to be sure that ALL schools are open and supportive of all students, without regard to LGBT status. Childhood is full of all manner of petty cruelties. I believe we need to confront these cruelties and encourage children to embrace the diversity of the world.
WCT: Would you advocate for mandatory anti-bullying policies/training in Chicago public schools?
Brian White: Yes, especially for staff. I see bullying from adults as very harmful, yet many teachers and school personnel engage in bullying of children every day by the way they enforce rules and exercise discipline. I would also like to know that this training extends to all schools as part of a broader campaign against violence.
It concerns me that we encourage children to exercise their emotions through violence and physical confrontations by the exposure to violent video games, television, music and movies. In addition, while children are adept at separating reality from entertainment, especially with guidance, our city could do so much more to try to reduce violence by teaching children to embrace non-violent forms of expression. I would very much like to see programming in the schools to teach non-violence, alternative forms of dispute resolution, and other strategies, which reduce violence
WCT: Please list any and all experience you have on LGBT-related issues.
Brian White: I do not recall specific experiences I have had working on LGBT issues. In the five years I worked at the Leadership for Metropolitan Open Communities, I worked on a range of educational initiatives directed at diversity and inclusion. These included LGBT community outreach, but not exclusively to that community over others. In my work at Lakeside Community Development Corporation, we have been supportive of the work of the AIDS Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago in its efforts to increase and improve housing program services for persons experiencing HIV/AIDS.
WCT: What do you feel is the biggest problem facing the LGBT community today?
Brian White: I am not sure there is a single biggest problem. As with many communities, the LGBT community is not monolithic. Issues concerning family structure, for example, are very significant concerns, as evidenced by the questions raised in this questionnaire. Yet there are serious problems in the area of basic services, including access to affordable medical treatment and housing, which are especially pronounced in the LGBT community. As Alderman, I would be inclined to focus more on the economic issues, which I believe to be fundamental, if I had to choose between the two.
WCT: How do you feel that your work with non-profits will guide you as alderman if you are elected?
Brian White: Nonprofit organizations play a very vital role in delivering services beyond the reach of government to serve those who are not being served. They are typically more innovative, flexible and efficient, and can manage budgets with very narrow margins to get stuff done.
To find out more information about White visit www.brianwhite2011.org .