Annise Parker Raises Houston's "Coolness Factor" 

In an interview withBusiness Week, Houston mayor Annise Parker says her position "has given me a fantastic opportunity to change how people think about my city."

"When I was sworn in as mayor of Houston, the media attention worldwide was overwhelming," Parker said. "'Houston elected a lesbian? Houston?' I was even on the front page of the Times of India. It has given me a fantastic opportunity to change how people think about my city. I take a lot of credit for raising Houston's coolness factor."

Of her orientation, Parker said, "Being gay isn't tough -- it's who I am. What's been tough is learning how to be social, and how to adapt to public life."

Read the interview here.