Wanted: a few good gays

The City of Cambridge's GLBT Commission, which grew out of an LGBT town hall meeting that current Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons organized in 2004, is looking for new members to advocate for equality for all Cambridge citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Commission works for City Manager Robert W. Healy to "advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity; promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of all persons who live, visit or work in the City with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity." The Commission has worked to reinstate gay/straight alliances in Cambridge schools and to incorporate LGBT sensitivity training into law enforcement training. Its current goals include working with the police department to improve hate crime definition and reporting. Commission members serve three-year terms that include monthly meetings and time spent liasing with schools, city departments and community groups. People who live or work in Cambridge are eligible. Applications are due Feb. 15.