Joe Herzenberg, first openly gay N.C. official, passes away
Herzenberg a co-founder of Equality NC PAC
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Joe Herzenberg, North Carolina's first openly gay elected official and a founder of the Equality North Carolina Political Action Committee (Equality NC PAC), passed away at the age of 66 on Sunday, Oct. 28.
Herzenberg served on the Chapel Hill Town Council from 1987 to 1993 and was known for his work with the LGBT community. He served on the board of the Equality NC PAC for more than a decade. He also mentored many future openly gay elected officials, including Chapel Hill Town Councilmember Mark Kleinschmidt and Orange County Commissioner Mike Nelson
The November 2007 election marks the 20th anniversary of Herzenberg's election to the Chapel Hill Town Council.
Equality NC had planned on honoring Herzenberg at their Nov. 3 conference and gala. Instead, they will hold the event in his memory. Commissioner Nelson, a personal friend of Herzenburg's and member of the Equality NC board, will speak in remembrance of Herzenberg's life during the gala.
In lieu of flowers, Herzenberg's friends and family have requested that contributions be made to the Interfaith Alliance or the Equality NC PAC.
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