KPRC Weatherman Frank Billingsley to Speak at Marriage Equality Rally Monday Night

Frank Billingsley is used to answering tough questions. He predicts the weather for a living. The longtime weatherman for KPRC channel 2 is one of the most capable and well liked meteorologists in the city. But when he came out as openly gay and even married his partner in a ceremony in New York City recently where same-sex marriage is legal, it ruffled some feathers. Still, Billingsley doesn't really consider himself an advocate.

"Whenever any public figure speaks out on any topic, they put a face on the subject," he told Hair Balls via e-mail. "So for those who don't know anyone seeking marriage equality, then perhaps my face is as good as any -- but more and more people are realizing that someone in their life is gay. I think that's why there's been such a positive shift of support so quickly."

Monday evening, Billingsley will be the featured speaker at an event on the steps of City Hall in support of marriage equality -- quite a distance from reporting the weather, particularly in Texas. But, as Billingsley explains, Houston is rather unique.

"Houston is a city with such diversity that as a group we mostly just all want to get along," he said, "and the public appreciates authenticity in people -- they respect honesty."

More at http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2013/03/kprc_weatherman_frank_billings.php .