Only On KVIA.Com: El Pasoan Recounts White House Visit
El Pasoan Eddie Gutierrez was selected to attend a White House reception with President Barack Obama Wednesday afternoon.
Gutierrez is well-known locally and nationwide for his work with national gay and lesbian rights organizations. It was that background as a communications expert and business leader that snagged him the exclusive invite, which he received earlier this month.
ABC-7 spoke with him before he flew to Washington, D.C., where he said he hoped to talk about how the El Paso reinstated health benefits for gay and unmarried partners of city employees, promoting the Sun City as an inclusive and welcoming environment for businesses and all communities.
Gutierrez wrote an email to ABC-7 one day after the reception, talking about his experience:
“Yesterday was certainly a time to re-energize and see a snapshot of real people in their respective communities trying to making a difference. From community leaders to students helping to combat bullying, there is still great trust and commitment that the administration will stand on the right side of equality.
“There were also moments of humility and laughter. The president emphasized that the work to help the community is not done, and he was frank and a bit bold to say that,” wrote Gutierrez, quoting the president as saying, ?There will be times you are still frustrated with me. … I know there will be times you will be frustrated in the face of change. I understand that. I know I can count on you to let me know.?
Gutierrez’s email continued: “During conversation, I was able to briefly highlight our community?s progress with the city benefits decision, and the growth of our community to remain open and inclusive to all communities and businesses, including the gay and lesbian community.
“On a personal level, this was a surreal experience,” Gutierrez concluded. “To meet the president, have eye contact, and shake his hand is something that will go down as one of the most lasting and memorial experiences of my life.”
