Local Hero

Paul James (PJ) Sedillo Paul James (PJ) Sedillo is a native from Albuquerque, received his BA degree in Elementary Education from Highlands University, Las Vegas NM., Masters in Special Education from UNM (University of New Mexico), and is currently working on his Doctorate in Special Education with an emphasis on the gifted and talented. He has been teaching within the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) for the past twenty-one years, and is currently a Resource Teacher assisting newly hired teachers of the Gifted to APS. PJ has been an active member in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered community. As an "out" positive role model he has been an activist for many issues pertaining to human rights for all of Albuquerque's citizens. As an advocate for human rights in Albuquerque some of the various accomplishments include:

• In 1990, PJ Sedillo with the assistance and leadership of Neil Isbin secured job security for all APS employees with a non-discriminatory policy with sexual orientation written into all Albuquerque Public School employee contracts.
• Served on the Board of Directors of Common Bond (Albuquerque's Gay & Lesbian Community Center) for three years and President of the Board for three years.
• Assisted in the creation of the Albuquerque Gay & Lesbian Teacher's Forum for the Albuquerque Teachers Federation.
• Coordinated the Albuquerque Gay & Lesbian Parade and Pridefest for the past 20 years.
• International Gay Rodeo Association Spirit Award (1996)
• Founder of Sinatra-DeVine. Sinatra-DeVine is a non profit 501c3 corporation, and with the assistance of Tony Ross they produce the famed Come Out Show to benefit local charities. This organization has given over $50,000.00 dollars to various non-profit organizations.
• 2003- Legally married in Canada and charged discrimination against APS (Albuquerque Public Schools) to ensure that Tony Ross (Spouse) would receive spousal benefits. Together this first same-sex couple received spousal benefits from APS, which opened the door for domestic partnership benefits within the Albuquerque Public School System.
• Owned Albuquerque Beat, the first Gay & Lesbian Dance troupe in Albuquerque. PJ also choreographed their routines which were performed in various venues including Caught in the Act, NM AIDS Walk and as back up dancers at the MC Hammer All Star Jam Concert.

All of PJ's accomplishments were only achieved by the assistance of the many past and present GLBT leaders who have been that guiding light for PJ. He especially is in deep gratitude to his spouse of 17 years (Tony Ross) who has made PJ the man that he is today.