Bonnie Bleskachek
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Bonnie Bleskachek was the fire chief of Minneapolis, Minnesota from 2005 to 2006. She was the first lesbian fire chief in a large metro city in the United States.
After four lawsuits against Bleskacheck alleging discrimination and sexual harassment, she stepped down as Minneapolis Fire Chief in November, 2006. Bleskachek's demotion was due in part to the lawsuits and the loss of support from Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. The lawsuits alleged that Bleskachek was promoting women who would sleep with her and denying promotions to women who refused to sleep with her.
A civil rights investigation found probable cause that Fire Chief Bonnie Bleskachek retaliated against a male firefighter and denied him advancement opportunities. It also found evidence the department gave preferential treatment to women, especially lesbians.
The 23-page ruling, signed by interim civil rights director Michael Browne, stems from a 2003 complaint filed by Elondo Wright, who claimed he was retaliated against after he displaced a female firefighter who was friendly with Bleskachek's lesbian partner.
[edit] References
- Chad Graham. "Blazing a trail for lesbians: Bonnie Bleskachek says being an out lesbian firefighter matters much less when you reach the rank of chief", The Advocate, March 1, 2005.
- "1st lesbian fire chief quitting after harassment lawsuits", Chicago Sun Times, November 29, 2006.
- Mpls. Fire Chief Accused Of Civil Rights Violation
