Curve magazine, which touts itself as “the best-selling lesbian magazine,” has named Metro Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh one of its “10 Powerful Lesbian Politicians.”

Ward-Pugh, D-9, who was elected to city council in 2002 as an out lesbian (and major advocate for fair housing, which is a little more important), is recognized for helping pass the Fairness Ordinance, which prohibits sexuality-based discrimination, right out of the gate.

She helped open the minds of five Republicans who opposed the ordinance by participating in the discussion as an out lesbian, thus putting a human face on the issue. ‘It made it very uncomfortable for those five Republicans [Ward-Pugh said]. When folks are educated, and have a face on any issue, they become more comfortable with it.’

We haven’t found an online version of the piece yet. If we do, we’ll post it.