Opinion

Ex-councilwoman Ozuna calls for resignation; Chan apologizes

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Former District 3 Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna is calling for the resignation of District 9 Councilwoman Elisa Chan, who was captured making disparaging remarks about the LGBT community in a secret recording of a May staff meeting.

Chan and aides were strategizing how to oppose a pending update to the city's nondiscrimination ordinance, which would add protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Former Chan aide James Stevens released the recording to the San Antonio Express-News last week.

In the recording, Chan discusses Ozuna's family life. Ozuna, who lost re-election in May, is married to Sophia Parafina, a transgender woman; they have two children.

The Express-News had previously withheld that portion of the recording to protect Ozuna's privacy. Ozuna agreed this week to address the portion regarding her family.

“I am terribly saddened to learn that me and my family were used as subjects of ridicule and criticism by Elisa Chan and her staff,” Ozuna said in a statement.

Leticia Ozuna with her children Ben Parafina, Nina Parafina, along with a photograph including their father, Sophia Parafina who who underwent sex reassignment surgery. Leticia Ozuna with her children Ben Parafina, Nina Parafina, along with a photograph including their father, Sophia Parafina who who underwent sex reassignment surgery. Photo: Robin Jerstad Photo: Robin Jerstad Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Ex-councilwoman Ozuna calls for resignation; Chan apologizes 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

“No words can adequately express both the anger and sadness our family feels as we deal with this disclosure. She has unequivocally disrespected all LBGTQ families, including mine,” she said.

“We wholeheartedly believe that the public trust has been compromised,” Ozuna continued. “I believe that Elisa Chan should no longer remain in a position of making prejudiced, ill-informed decisions that could cause irreparable harm to the good people of San Antonio.”

Friday morning, Chan released a public apology to Ozuna.

“I apologize profusely to Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna and her family for referencing their lives in our private conversation,” Chan said. “I did not address the withheld minute of the recording earlier because it was never my intention to hurt anyone.”

bchasnoff@express-news.net