Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County Supervisor Looks to Advance LGBTQ Rights

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An East Bay man made history last year as the first openly gay supervisor in Contra Costa County’s history.

“For many years, growing up here, I never though that’d be a possibility,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, who is a lifelong resident of the county.

On the first day of Pride Month Thursday, Carlson raised the pride flag in front of the administrative building in downtown Martinez.

Carlson had already made history as the first openly gay city councilmember for the city of Pleasant Hill. And before that, he worked as a Concord police officer for nearly three decades.

Carlson said he's seen the county’s stance on LGBTQ issues change over the years and he hopes it continues to move in a positive direction.

Pete Suratos has more in the video above.

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