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I know this is the first time many of you have heard me say that I am a black, gay male.

Nevada state Sen. Kelvin Atkinson, who publicly declared that he's gay for the first time during a hearing this week where lawmakers voted to repeal the state's ban on gay marriage.

Nevada state Sen. Kelvin Atkinson, who publicly declared that he's gay for the first time during a hearing this week where lawmakers voted to repeal the state's ban on gay marriage.

Brian Peteritas is a GOVERNING contributor.