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The Statesman just reported via Twitter that longtime Austinite and frequent political candidate Jennifer Gale has passed away.
Gale had already filed to run in next spring's mayoral election. In various campaigns both here and in Dallas, she fought valiantly under a banner that included everything from "no kill" policies at the animal shelters and city-funded healthcare for all to environmental preservation efforts and the expansion of bus routes (of which she was a frequent rider).
Ever the underdog, Gale nevertheless drew several thousand supporters to the voting booths at each race during her ten-year quest for higher office. A local figure as recognizable and wholly "Austin" as Leslie, she will be missed by many.
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Whether I saw her walking around UT, or on Channel 6, it was always a pleasure to have her in the local political mix. She will be missed.
I lived a block away from that church for three years. Jennifer Gale slept in Adams Park, just across 30th Street from the Lutheran Church--I passed her every single day on my way to class or work. She always gave a very friendly "good morning" and I would often times hear her singing to herself as I walked by.
I took a picture once: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickdentler/2859975361/
Terrible! I saw her all the time near campus as well. I don't know what's worse, if it was the cold weather or something malicious. I hope that it was something painless, but still such a shame. She will be missed.
Much respect.
My job has me watching Commissioners' Court every week, and Jennifer Gale has always been a bright spot. Her earnest and persistent desire to help others, her positive disposition, and her fearlessness were true and apparent, even in the face of her, well, wackiness. I will sincerely miss her, and I am sure I am not alone.
People should not be die on the street in our, or any, city. That she is gone means one less person willing to say so, day in and day out.
Rest in peace.
All-
The Dallas Morning News' article has a long list of really disparaging and hateful comments about Jennifer. If you are inclined to speak up in that forum, please do.
This is a sad day. Rest in peace Jennifer.
I had a long conversation with Gale at the Yarborough branch library a while back...where she reminded me to vote for her in the next election. I'm sad that won't be an option.
This is really sad. RIP, Ms. Gale. This is a reminder of the important service that our shelters provide for the homeless population when the weather turns cold.
Assuming this is a case of hypothermia, I agree with trza that cases like Gale's would be far more common were it not for our homeless shelters & churches willing to take in hundreds of homeless people during cold nights. It doesn't have to be below 32 for the body temp to sink below safe levels.
Like others, I used to see Gale frequently at the Yarborough library, with her sacks of food. She was also quite fond of Taco Bell, and Longhorns football.
What terrible news, and what a great loss. Gale brought sincerity and humor to Austin's political and media scene.
RIP Jennifer.
Whether it was seeing her on channel 6 or at city hall during the transgender day of remembrance vigil, she will always be one of my political heroes.
My uncle told me once that when a habitat is undergoing significant changes, it's the most unique, colorful, and interesting creatures that die out first.
Seth
taken from a friend off of facebook, really important info concerning the trans community needing shelter: "Everyone is talking about this as a homeless issue, but I want people to realize and be educated on that this is more than just a homeless issue. Something Jennifer would never talk about, but was a reality for her is that she is a transwoman living in a transphobic society. Homelessness in the trans-community is a really big problem, and one that goes ignored. There are no laws in Texas protecting transgendered people, whether from job-discrimation, housing or hate crimes. There was really no where for Jennifer Gale to go to protect herself from the cold last night. The Salvation Army (the only shelter in town that takes in women) would not let her in there unless she was grouped with the men (which includes sleeping with and showering with other homeless men). They would make her use her birth male name and completely disregarded, and disrespect, her identity as a (trans)woman. There is so much to be learned from Jennifer Gale, and so much to be worked on in our community."