Aug. 7, 2002
All publications Front Page Nightspots Blacklines En La Vida Out! Resource Guide Current WCT Issue	PFLAG Chicago Welcomes New National Director Tseng becomes 1st gay man of color to lead group
	By D. Kevin McNeir   David Tseng, who recently became the executive director of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), will be introduced to the Chicago community Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, during a short program and reception held in his honor. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. A nationally recognized pension and healthcare expert, Tseng previously served in the Clinton administration as a senior policy advisor and staff director for the National Economic Council, and also served as a chief assistant treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco, a policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Labor and an attorney in private practice in Los Angeles. Tseng becomes the first gay man and person of color to lead PFLAG as the executive director. "I think the appointment is great, because he is a man of vision who holds the core values of our organization and wants to take us to a higher level of effectiveness," said John Cepek, national board of directors' member and a member of the search committee. Tseng's appointment officially began June 1 and since then he has been traveling to chapters throughout the U.S. And not only is he the first gay man to lead PFLAG, but with his Latino and Asian heritage, he becomes the first man of color to take over the post. "I'm delighted to come to Chicago because we have some outstanding chapters in the greater Chicago area that have been wonderful to many families," he said. "But I hope people won't focus too much on my being gay or a man of color. I'm qualified for this job because of my substantive policy experiences and ability as a manager and fundraiser. And I am just as experienced in building bridges to bring communities together. "I don't believe I was offered this position so I could serve as the designated Asian, Latino gay. I feel it's because of my qualities as a person and the achievements I've made in my life. I have demonstrated leadership in the community in which I belong and have always promoted a fair and just society." Tseng added that he became interested in the position because of the opportunity to help advance civil rights for the LGBT community, but said it must be done every day...step-by-step. But will a gay man of color make a difference, directing the helm of the almost 500- chapter national organization? Cepek believes it will. "We [PFLAG] need outreach to those who have been considered non-reachable in the U.S. and with David [Tseng] representing three minority groups we have a much better chance," Cepek said. "But it's more than his color or sexual identity...we are confident he'll bring new ways to help our members become greater advocates for LGBT people and will help us extend the organization in forming alliances with other groups along common issues. And his connections in [Washington] D.C. will get us into offices that we could not have before so we can make our point of view known. Above all, David Tseng is a man of substance...I knew that from his first interview." Tseng replaces Kirsten Kingdon, who retired May 15 after four years as the group's chief executive. Under her tenure, PFLAG grew from 416 to 486 affiliates nationwide. "In PFLAG, our advocacy for GLBT equality grows out of our strong family values," she said. "David's commitment to these values coupled with his experience in politics and government will serve PFLAG well in our goal of changing hearts, minds and policies." Tseng's selection has drawn praise from a wide array of leaders. "I am delighted that PFLAG has selected as outstanding Californian to be its next leader," said Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. "David's exceptional skills and knowledge, combined with his perspective as a gay Latino Asian American, equip him well to lead PFLAG in its vital mission of securing full civil rights for all Americans." Jackie Davison, a Washington, D.C., chapter member with three children...two who are gay...added her comments about the organization's new leader. She is also a member of PFLAG's Families of Color Network. "When I first heard about his appointment, I was greatly concerned," she said. "I had expected the organization to continue to be led by a parent/mother...especially since most of our volunteers are women. But I soon realized that was my own stereotype about who should lead PFLAG. I went to hear him [David Tseng] speak when he was hosted at a D.C. reception and I felt much better. He seems to know his way around this and other leading organizations, is skilled at raising money and has a certain integrity about him. I think he'll have a greater sensitivity being a man of color. My children have often struggled in silence because of the Black Church."
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