As the Archivist and Historian at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Michael Housh (he/him/his) is responsible for maintaining historical records and information in the agency’s archives. Housh also regularly gives presentations regarding aspects of the agency’s history and provides support for scholarly research into aspects of the SFPUC’s history.

Every June we celebrate Pride Month, which is dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture and history, and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. We had a chance to talk with Housh about the importance of Pride Month and celebrating equal rights.

 

Question: What are your Gender Pronouns?
Answer: My Gender Pronouns are He/Him/His.

Question: What does Pride Month mean to you? 
Answer: “As a former San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Committee Chair - Gay History Committee 1980 - I will never forget the immense feeling of joy and optimism I felt on that day. I was marching with hundreds of thousands of people representing every segment of our communities and filling the streets of one of the world’s greatest cities in celebration of our lives. This provided, and still provides, an amazing sense that a fundamental social change has begun and that centuries of disparagement and erasure may, at last, be banished to the dustbin of history.”
 
Question:  Why are you proud to celebrate Pride Month? 
Answer: “Because when we as LGBTQIA+ people, despite all the tragedies, challenges, and obstacles that still exist, insist on our fundamental right to live full, honest, and authentic lives; we affirm that we will never allow a return to the darkness of the past. This honesty and integrity serve not only us but provide an example to society that other remains of past prejudices can be overcome for the betterment of everyone.” 

Question:  Why is representation in the workplace so important?
Answer: “It is a well-established fact that knowing and interacting with openly LGBTQIA+ people is the most effective disinfectant for ignorance and prejudice. Having known LGBTQIA+ people in a wide variety of roles from top leadership through every aspect of an enterprise truly eliminates stereotypes and replaces them with an appreciation of every individual’s unique ability. As Harvey Milk famously observed, 'The closet kills.’ Our invisibility has in the past allowed those motivated by bigotry to create false narratives to facilitate their desire to marginalize and eliminate LGBTQIA+ people from society. The reality of knowing us is the most effective means to have truth replace mythology.” 

Question: What advice would you give someone in the utilities industry who is LGBTQIA+? 
Answer: “Having several times in my professional life been the ‘first’ out gay person in a highly visible position, my best advice is simple: Be Yourself. There is no need to demonstrate that you are superhuman to prove you are worthy to be in a job. Have confidence in yourself that your abilities and past efforts have merited you to be where you are today.”

Question: Is there anything else that you'd like to add? 
Answer: “In our current world of increased and vocal attacks on our LGBTQIA+ communities, take time to celebrate your life and enjoy the many wonders of the world we live in. In short, don’t allow the willfully ignorant to rain on your parade. Happy Pride!”