My friend Rod Snyder is stepping down as president of the Young Democrats of America, but before he does this weekend, he had something to share:
But in the midst of all this historic progress, I’ve never taken the opportunity to tell my own story – that I am a Christian, an American, a West Virginian, a Young Democrat, a rural advocate, a singer-songwriter, a brother, a son, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, and a gay man.
Growing up in a conservative Christian family in rural West Virginia, my own journey to a place of self acceptance has been a long and difficult one. Over the past two years, now in my early thirties, I’ve finally found the courage to look in the mirror and insist upon honesty and authenticity, overcoming so many negative messages I had internalized as a child and young adult. I’ve reached a place where I believe my story can help increase understanding, provide encouragement and be a catalyst for change.
Rod has made West Virginia proud as he's crossed the country for the Young Democrats of America and traveled globally to promote democracy at seminars and forums.
Rod's the kind of man who when he sees you chasing after a loose dog, he stops to help, even if he's in a suit and tie.
A tall man, Rod has never stood taller than he did with today's stand.
I've known Rod for years. He's the kind of young man you want your son to grow up to be, hard-working, smart, funny, kind hearted.
Many times I'd pair up with young Democrats, who had traveled from far away to campaign in West Virginia. I'd ask them what brought them. The answer was always, because Rod had asked.
There are people you always answer their call to help because they never ask for themselves, they only ask when it benefits others. And those are the people who just show up to help when it is needed. Rod is one of those people.
This is a young man with a bright future. He was already a great advocate for equality for gays and I imagine he's going to be even more of a champion now.
While society is evolving at a breathtaking pace, there are still many places like my home state of West Virginia where I could be fired from a job or evicted from an apartment simply because of the person I love. I can’t sit by quietly and leave this fight for equality to others. This is my fight.
Opponent of equality should tremble at his news.