By Dan Murphy
On June 24, Yonkers firefighter Devon Chisholm married Giuliano Turitich in the walled garden of Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. The wedding was officiated by Mayor Mike Spano and more than 60 friends and family members attended and celebrated the union.
We spoke to Firefighter Chisholm, who has been a member of Yonkers Bravest for 8 years and serves on the Executive Board of the Yonkers Firefighters Union, local 628, about his life experiences, and how the public can learn from his story.
“I came from a foster family in Yonkers. I grew up in Runyon Heights. I’m a black, gay firefighter in the City of Yonkers,” said Chisholm, who has been “pleasantly surprised” by the support he has received. “Yes, I wanted to marry the person that I love, but I was not sure how that would affect my relationship with my fellow firefighters and the administration.”
“But everyone has been more than supportive, and the fact that Mayor Spano officiated our wedding I think means a lot and says a lot, about how far we have come.”
How the Mayor came to be at Untermyer Gardens officiating at the wedding of a gay Yonkers firefighter came about with the help of City Councilwoman Shanae Williams. “As a member of Local 628’s Executive Board, I have attended many political functions in the city, and I met Councilmember Williams, and she suggested that I ask the Mayor to marry us. When he said that he was more than happy to do it, we ran with the idea and with the help of Parks Commissioner Steve Sansone, we were able to walk the grounds of Untermyer Gardens and decided to have the ceremony in the amphitheater section.
Even though the wedding was held on a Thursday, Chisholm was appreciative that “all of my friends dropped whatever they had going on and came at a moment’s notice and showed their support. And two of my family members who are my half-brothers, they met at my wedding.”
“And many of my fellow firefighters were not afraid to congratulate me. Many came up and shook my hand and congratulated me; others wanted to know why I didn’t invite them.
Giuliano Turitich is from Paraguay, a country that is very catholic and still very conservative when it comes to Gay Marriage. His mother flew up and attended the Yonkers wedding, but the couple is hoping to have a ceremony in Paraguay for the rest of Giuliano’s friends and family.
Giuliano is also a “semi-celebrity” in Paraguay, from his appearance on a noted game show, and becoming an Instagram sensation. “He is known, and this is going to be big news when it comes out there. It has already generated a lot of buzz because we livestreamed the wedding for those who couldn’t be there-the next day 2,000 people watched,” said Chisholm.
So why is this event important? “I think one of the big fears is having to be judged in a male dominated profession like a firefighter. The fact that the Mayor married us is important because it sends a message that the Mayor of our City has helped bridge the acceptability of the fact that we have a gay firefighter working for the citizens of Yonkers, and that this is OK. Mayor Spano performed a small act of kindness which spoke volumes and reverberated to the gay community and even the fire department,” said Chisholm.
When Chisholm returned to work the following week, “It was an avalanche of well wishes and smiles, I couldn’t have asked for a better reaction. As a gay many I have experienced the negative side and the negative reaction, so I’m guarded, and I was prepared for it. But the positive takeaway from the Fire Department was that this is alright, he is one of us, and he’s gay. I understand that everyone may not agree with your lifestyle, and that’s OK, as long as its not malicious. People are entitled to their opinion.”
“The Yonkers Fire Department has long been known for their lack of diveristy. I am proud to say that the diversity amongst the department has slowly but surely grown. For example, we will have our first female firefighter who just happens to be a woman of color and you have me, as the first openly gay firefighter in the City of Yonkers. These are all positive things but there is absolutley room for growth and things that can be done to enable diversity within the department so that we can reflect and serve our city better.”
Chisholm also wanted to send a message to young people who may be unsure about coming out with their sexuality. “I’m 36, so it can take a lifetime to find yourself. But when you find someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with and they balance you out, whether you are straight or gay, then you should take that opportunity to be happy and have a pleasant life.
“Things are changing, either hop on board or get left behind. If anyone is scared about coming forward, look at me and know that a person like me exists in Yonkers, we have to put forward change.“
Congratulations!
