Charles F. Brydon
(1939 - living) U.S.A.
Gay activist, Seattle businessman
Charles F. Brydon, president of Washington Citizens for Fairness/Hands Off Washington, a statewide coalition organized recently to oppose anti-gay measures
The Dorian Group, a loose organization of prominent gay businessmen and activists led by Charlie Brydon, proposed a revision of the city's Open Housing Ordinance that would make it illegal for landlords and home sellers to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, much as it already was on the grounds of race. Sponsored by frequent Dorian Group ally Councilmember, the revised ordinance was introduced to heated debate that lasted for over a month, with strong opposition by the Seattle Apartment Operator's Association clashing against proponents like the Seattle Gay Alliance's Tim Mayhew.
The Mayor presented the first ever Pride Award to Charlie Brydon, an LGBT leader who helped bring gay rights to the forefront of Seattle and Washington politics. The Mayor also proclaimed June 25th, 2015 as Charlie Brydon Day in Seattle. Brydon persuaded then Mayor Wes Uhlman to commemorate Seattle's first Gay Pride Week in 1977, a tradition that will continue this Sunday.
He also established the Dorian Group, which sought to end housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and in 1978 Brydon rallied activists to join Citizens to Retain Fair Employment, which organized fundraising and educational activities to push back at national efforts to roll-back employment protections. Brydon's work with Hands Off Washington successfully fought discriminatory state ballot initiatives, established chapters across the state, and laid the foundation for future LGBT political organizations, initiatives, campaigns and public officials.
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