Joel Burns

Date of Birth: February 4, 1967

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Joel Burns is an American politician best known for his service on the Fort Worth City Council. Burns gained national attention in 2010 for his emotional “It Gets Better” speech, addressing the issue of bullying and the struggles of LGBTQ youth. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Burns has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights, urban development, and public safety. Burns attended Texas Wesleyan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He later obtained a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Before entering politics, Burns worked as a city planner and served on various boards and commissions, fostering his commitment to community service. Burns was elected to the Fort Worth City Council in 2008, representing District 9. During his tenure, he focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, improving city infrastructure, and advocating for inclusivity. His 2010 speech, which went viral, highlighted his personal experiences with bullying and aimed to provide hope and support to LGBTQ youth facing similar challenges. After serving on the City Council, Burns continued his advocacy work and became involved in various non-profit organizations. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to social justice and community development.

5 Interesting Facts about Joel Burns

1. Joel Burns’ “It Gets Better” speech has been viewed millions of times and was praised by numerous public figures, including President Barack Obama.

2. He has been a keynote speaker at various conferences and events focused on LGBTQ rights and anti-bullying initiatives.

3. Burns has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and the Trevor Project.

4. He was the first openly gay elected official in Fort Worth, Texas.

5. Burns has received several awards for his public service, including the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joel Burns

1. “My hope is to reach anyone who feels alone, to let them know that they are loved and valued.”

2. “It is our responsibility to stand up against bullying and to support those who are vulnerable.”

3. “Public service is about making a difference. It’s about improving the lives of the people in our community.”

4. “Change starts with each of us. We must be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

5. “Equality is not a privilege; it is a right that must be fought for and protected.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Joel Burns has maintained a modest net worth, primarily derived from his public service career and speaking engagements. The highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $1 million.