It’s hard to believe that it was ten years ago that the GLBT community saw one of its own elected into office here in San Diego. Christine Kehoe made San Diego history by becoming the first out lesbian elected to public office, leading the way for others like San Diego Councilmember Toni Atkins, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Coronado City Councilmember Frank Tierney. The GLBT community will come together on Sept. 18 at Holiday Inn on the Bay in celebration, and it isn’t going to be just another party.

“We originally submitted plans and there were going to be people who had helped her over the ten years but then it looked like it was going to be just another boring dinner,” dinner committee chair Bill Beck told the Gay and Lesbian Times.

So those plans were scrapped, and the idea of a roast was suggested. Kehoe initially balked, but after some thought she finally came around to the idea.

“She decided it would be a lot of fun,” Beck said. “I think she had gone to a roast for Bob Filner and saw that it could be done tastefully. I know that she has been writing some fun stuff and some interesting stuff, so I am sure it’s going to be a fun evening.”

Four to five hundred people are expected at the event and Kehoe’s diverse supporters will be on hand, including labor representatives, republicans, democrats, representatives from minority communities and of course the GLBT community. The roasters will include Toni Atkins, who will be emceeing the event, local GLBT community activist Nicole Murray-Ramirez, and Ron Roberts and Bonnie Dumanis will be teaming up for the finale. Of course Kehoe will get to follow up with some parting shots at them all.

While the goal of the evening will be to poke fun at Kehoe, it will also be a testament to her accomplishments. In addition to being the first out politician elected in San Diego, Kehoe has gone on to serve in the State Assembly, most recently as the Speaker pro Tempore of the assembly. During her tenor in the Assembly, Kehoe has seen some of the greatest advances for the GLTB community, including 15 pieces of legislation that protect the community from hate crimes and expand the rights of domestic partners. Recently Kehoe was one of the backers of AB 215, which rewrites the state constitution to grant domestic partners most of the state level rights of marriage. The legislation was approved by the State Senate and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

The roast will also serve as a fundraiser for Kehoe’s race for State Senate next year. Tickets for the event are $125 per person, and are selling quickly. For more information or tickets to the event, call (619) 795-1659.