Bay Area Reporter publisher Thomas E. Horn (on the right in photo) was in the news this week for more than his comments about the demise of Window Media. He also garnered headlines for being named Honorary Consul for Monaco in San Francisco.
Horn met with Prince Albert II, the sovereign prince of the European Country, in Los Angeles October 24 in order to be introduced as the newest Monegasque official in the states. Along with its Ambassador, the country has six honorary consuls in the U.S.
“He is very dignified, very charming, and very smart,” said Horn, who succeeds Paula Escher in the diplomatic post. “I told him I published a gay newspaper.”
Horn’s appointment became official November 6. His duties will include greeting the prince and other Monegasque dignitaries who come to San Francisco, planning receptions in their honor, and overseeing cultural or other exchanges between the city and Monaco.
“And, of course, I’ll have to go to Monaco from time to time to consult with his Highness on Monegasque projects in San Francisco. I think it will be most interesting,” said Horn.
When he was approached this summer about filling the vacancy, Horn said he researched Monaco’s stance on LGBT rights. While the principality does not recognize LGBT relationships, it legalized homosexuality in 1793 and banned workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2001.
“They do not have marriage or, as best I can tell, a form of registered domestic partnerships in Monaco but maybe one day,” said Horn.