Cheryl Chow calls life in closet a 'waste' - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

Cheryl Chow calls life in closet a 'waste' - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com:

Cheryl Chow calls life in closet a 'waste'

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By Josh Kerns
MyNorthwest.com Reporter

Former Seattle City Councilmember Cheryl Chow recently disclosed her sexuality after learning she has terminal brain cancer. (Photo courtesy Cheryl Chow)

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listenListen: Life spent in closet called "waste"

Former Seattle City Council and School Board member Cheryl Chow is dying of cancer and coming out of the closet.

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Cheryl Chow has a legacy of service to Seattle. But the former teacher, principal, Seattle City Council member and School Board member says the past 60 years have been a waste because she couldn't come out as a gay woman.

"Parents and kids, don't be afraid of saying that you're gay. I was afraid for over 60 years and those 60 years were wasted," she told KING 5 .

Now, the local leader says she has brain cancer and doesn't have much time left, so she wants others to know it's OK to be open about her sexuality.

Chow, 66, said she feared the reaction of the Chinese community and her mother, restaurateur and King County Councilmember, Ruby Chow, whom she wanted to please.

In addition to all of her other public service, she also