Jerry R. Birdwell | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of South Lake Tahoe, California | |
| In office 2008–2009 | |
| Succeeded by | Kathay Lovell |
| Judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court | |
| In office May 29,1992 –December 31,1992 | |
| Appointed by | Ann Richards |
| Preceded by | Joe Kendell |
| Succeeded by | John R. Nelms |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Baylor University (BA,JD) |
Jerry R. Birdwell is the former mayor of South Lake Tahoe,California and judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court. Birdwell was the first openly gay judge appointed in Texas. [1] [2]
Birdwell received a B.A. from Baylor University and a J.D. from Baylor Law School. [3]
On May 22,1992,Governor Ann Richards appointed Birdwell to be judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court. [1] [4] She claimed that his sexual orientation was not a factor in his appointment,but gay rights groups promoted his appointment as a historical milestone,while Republican politicians called it a "slap in the face" to voters. [5] Birdwell took office on May 29,1992,but was defeated for reelection later that year by John R. Nelms [4] [6] after a homophobic campaign. [7] Birdwell left office on December 31,1992. [4]
In 2006,Birdwell began a four-year term on the city council of South Lake Tahoe,California. [1] On December 9,2008,Birdwell was elected to serve a one-year term as mayor of South Lake Tahoe. [1]