I know this sounds harsh or hyperbolic or like an exaggeration. But think about it for a sec…
What is the biggest issue facing the LGBTQ Community? Inclusion. This is not something new. This has been the fight since before the Stonewall Riots.
So, forget about the candidates. Let’s talk about the platforms of the two major parties. This is where the rubber meets the road. What you won’t be able to say is that you don’t see a difference between the parties.
Here is what the Democrats have agreed to when it comes to LGBTQ Rights.
“We believe in protecting civil liberties and guaranteeing civil rights and voting rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights, LGBT rights, and rights for people with disabilities. We believe America is still, as Robert Kennedy said, “a great country, an unselfish country, and a compassionate country.” “
“We recognize that there are vulnerable communities within our immigration system who are often seeking refuge from persecution abroad, such as LGBT families, for whom detention can be unacceptably dangerous.”
And finally, a whole section of the platform dedicated specifiaclly to the plight of the LGBTQ Community.
“Guaranteeing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights. Democrats applaud last year’s decision by the Supreme Court that recognized that LGBT people—like other Americans—have the right to marry the person they love. But there is still much work to be done. LGBT kids continue to be bullied at school, restaurants can refuse to serve transgender people, and same-sex couples are at risk of being evicted from their homes. That is unacceptable and must change. Democrats will fight for the continued development of sex discrimination law to cover LGBT people.
We will also fight for comprehensive federal nondiscrimination protections for all LGBT Americans, to guarantee equal rights in areas such as housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, jury service, education, and federal funding. We will oppose all state efforts to discriminate against LGBT individuals, including legislation that restricts the right to access public spaces. We support a progressive vision of religious freedom that respects pluralism and rejects the misuse of religion to discriminate. We will combat LGBT youth homelessness and improve school climates.
We will support LGBT elders, ensure access to necessary health care, and protect LGBT people from violence— including ending the crisis of violence against transgender Americans. We will also promote LGBT human rights and ensure America’s foreign policy is inclusive of LGBT people around the world.”
Now in contrast, here is what the GOP has in their platform.
Unlike the Dem Platform, there is not a whole section regarding the LGBTQ Community but what I was able to do is take their pdf and do a word search for LGBT and Transgender. On a search for LGBT, nothing. They do not use the initials LGBT anywhere in their platform. Not once. Same for the word Transgender.
They have basically embedded their anti-LGBT agenda within the platform and in essence kind of hid it. Here are the parts that I could find that relate to LGBTQ issues.
“Our laws and our government’s regulations should recognize marriage as the union of one man and one woman and actively promote married family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society. For that reason, as explained elsewhere in this platform, we do not accept the Supreme Court’s redefinition of marriage...”
“We oppose government discrimination against businesses or entities which decline to sell items or services to individuals for activities that go against their religious views about such activities.”
“We support measures such as the First Amendment Defense Act to ensure these entities do not face government discrimination because of their views on marriage and family.” (aka, they want the right to discriminate against LGBTQ folks)
”They [the Left Wing] are determined to reshape our schools — and our entire society — to fit the mold of an ideology alien to America’s history and traditions. Their edict to the states concerning restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities is at once illegal, dangerous, and ignores privacy issues. We salute the several states which have filed suit against it.”
As far as I can tell, that’s it. That is all they said on the subject but what should be painfully clear to you is that they want to make it so anti-LGBTQ folks can discriminate against our community without fear of legal redress by folks they discriminate against. In other words, we will not be able to sue them.
So look. I get it. All the LGBTQ Republicans out there, they want a better economy (so do Dems) and better education (so do Dems) and better this and better that (so do Dems). And let’s suppose for a second that their path forward will bring about those things. But you have to ask yourself, what good is all that if I am denied access to healthcare? What good is it if I am denied employment? What good is it if I am denied a place to live? Even if you think Dem policies are the worst things ever, what the hell good is it going to do you if you are openly discriminated against and have no legal recourse?
Donald Trump has publicly stated he would sign a Religious Freedom Restoration Act if it landed on his desk. Just like the one his running mate signed earlier this year. Just think about the pro-LGBTQ executive orders President Obama put in place. They would be wiped away. And forget about peeing in the bathroom you are most comfortable in. The list goes on...
And I have heard the argument that, “I am not a one issue voter.” Well, to be perfectly frank, you sure as hell need to be when it comes to your civil rights! This should be the overriding factor in making a choice as to who to vote for.
Now this brings me to my original statement. If you are LGBTQ and are supporting Trump and the GOP, you are a traitor to our community because why? If these folks are allowed to do what they say they are going to do, soooo many LGBTQ folks are going to suffer and some are even going to die. Their current agenda, if implemented, will set the LGBTQ Movement back decades. By supporting their agenda, you are, in essence, aiding and abetting the persecution of your entire community. And I personally find that to be traitorous. If you truly care about your LGBTQ siblings, the choice should be crystal clear. Plain. Simple. Truth.
Rachael Rose Luckey is an equal rights activist, with special emphasis on the LGB/Trans Movements, living in Los Angeles. She is an officer of the Stonewall Democratic Club, participates on varying community committees and is considered the highest ranking elected Transgender political figure in Los Angeles County. (The views expressed are solely her own and do not represent the views of any political party, organization or candidate/elected official)