Since winning the countywide election for Hillsborough County Commission District 6, Kevin Beckner has received tons of news coverage. Most of the stories have been about his grassroots campaign that began nearly two years before the actual election or focused on his position as the first-ever openly gay elected official in the county.
But sitting quietly on the side, but never hiding, is Gil Sainz, Beckner’s long-time partner. The two have shared a home for 10 years and are becoming a common fixture at community events.
While Beckner works as Hillsborough County’s District 6 Commissioner, Sainz has continued his 23-year career as a sergeant with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Beckner’s campaign lasted nearly two years before the election and while Sainz helped with the effort, the two have rarely been profiled as a couple.
The two men managed to answer some questions for Watermark in preparation for Beckner’s turn as Grand Marshal in this year’s St. Pete Pride promenade.
Are either of you concerned about being so out at work or is it finally a non-issue?
Kevin: Since I have taken office, I have always felt that my colleagues, staff and constituents that I have interacted with have treated me fairly, equally and with mutual respect. I have never experienced any overt discrimination or harassment because of my sexual orientation.
Gil: During my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, I have had the honor of working for three sheriffs. All three have promoted and embraced diversity within the work force. I have found that if you are a good employee and conduct yourself in a professional and appropriate manner, most people accept you for who you are.
County commissioners often take their spouses to different events. Are you as comfortable at those events as you are in your offices?
Kevin: Gil has attended numerous commission and public functions with me and I have attended numerous Sheriff Office functions over the years with Gil. We have always felt comfortable attending events with one another.
Kevin has received a lot of press over the past two years and for the longest time you weren’t mentioned. Was this a joint decision and was it difficult to stay quiet for so long?
Gil: I was very visible and active throughout the entire campaign. We just made the conscious decision not to distract people’s attention away from the real issues and the purpose of the campaign by promoting me or placing a spotlight on our relationship in the media.
What do you two do for fun during your down time, if there is any? You’ve both experienced St. Pete Pride before, how would you describe it to someone who’s never been?
Kevin: We both start our days by working out at the gym. Whenever possible, we enjoy quiet evenings at home watching movies and socializing with friends and family.
How did the two of you meet?
Kevin: We met at a Christmas-in-July party at a mutual friend’s home.
Kevin, you are the Grand Marshal of St. Pete Pride 2009. What does that position mean to you?
Kevin: I am humbled and honored to be the Grand Marshal of St. Pete Pride 2009. I am proud to march and lead the way for progressive change and prosperity in our community. Each of us has a responsibility to do our part to make our community a better place for all people. Until the day comes when every person and every law in this great nation lives and breathes the principles of our constitution that every individual shall be treated equally, fairly, with human dignity and respect, we all must march on.
Gil, will you be appearing with Kevin at Pride events?
Gil: Yes. I’m very proud of our community’s accomplishments and the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. This celebration has many happy and sad memories for me, especially when I think of the many friends and loved ones we’ve lost along our journey toward equality.
Kevin: St. Pete Pride is a melting pot for diversity; where everyone is welcome and free to be who they are.
What does the future hold for the Beckner/Sainz household?
Kevin: We both look forward to continuing to serve our community in a capacity where we can always make an impact and difference in someone else’s life.
