As a gay man who is happily married and raising children, voting is a responsibility I take very seriously. It’s not just about taxes, jobs, or healthcare (although those are critical too); for me, voting is a way to safeguard my family's future, our rights, and the progress we've made as a community. LGBTQ+ issues might seem like just one slice of the political pie, but they impact every aspect of life — especially when you’re raising kids in a society where equality can still be questioned.
Here’s why it’s so important to keep LGBTQ+ rights front and center when heading to the polls.
Protecting Marriage Equality
Marriage equality wasn’t granted overnight. It took years of advocacy, court battles, and the bravery of couples standing up for their right to marry who they love. My husband and I have the legal right to be married, but there’s no guarantee that this right is permanent. Politicians and judges have the power to either uphold or erode this hard-won progress.
When you vote for candidates who support LGBTQ+ rights, you are voting to protect not just your marriage but the marriages of countless others who deserve the same respect and recognition. It’s about ensuring our families have the same legal protections as any other family, from hospital visitation rights to joint tax filing.
Fighting for Anti-Discrimination Protections
As parents, we want to raise our children in a world where they aren’t judged by who their parents are. We want them to go to school, play sports, and grow up knowing that our family is just as valid as any other. Unfortunately, without strong anti-discrimination protections, LGBTQ+ people can still face prejudice in housing, employment, education, and healthcare.
Voting for leaders who will champion anti-discrimination laws ensures that my family—and all LGBTQ+ families—can live without fear of being treated as second-class citizens.
Inclusive Education for Our Kids
As a parent, I think about the kind of world my kids will grow up in. Will their schools teach them to be inclusive and respectful of diverse family structures? Will LGBTQ+ history be part of their education, helping them understand the struggles and triumphs of the community? Or will they grow up in a system that erases or ignores LGBTQ+ identities?
By electing leaders who prioritize inclusive education, we can ensure that our kids learn about the importance of diversity, including LGBTQ+ contributions and history. It’s about fostering a generation that values respect, empathy, and equality for all.
Access to Healthcare
For LGBTQ+ families, healthcare access can be uniquely challenging. Some politicians seek to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to access certain types of care, whether it’s gender-affirming treatment or reproductive healthcare for same-sex couples. As a dad, I want to know that my family will always have the care we need, without fear of being denied because of who we are.
When you vote, you’re choosing leaders who will shape the future of healthcare. It’s critical to elect candidates who believe in accessible, equitable healthcare for everyone, including LGBTQ+ families.
Ensuring a Safe Future for Our Kids
As a parent, one of my top concerns is making sure my kids grow up in a safe and accepting world. This means electing leaders who will fight to prevent bullying, harassment, and hate crimes. It means supporting laws that protect LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they have access to affirming care and mental health resources.
When LGBTQ+ issues are on the ballot, I think about the kind of world my kids will inherit. Voting for candidates who support these protections isn’t just about today—it’s about building a future where our kids can thrive without fear or discrimination.
Advancing Transgender Rights
While marriage equality is a major achievement, the fight for full LGBTQ+ rights continues, especially for the transgender community. Transgender individuals face disproportionate rates of violence, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare. Supporting candidates who are committed to advancing transgender rights is crucial for creating a society where every LGBTQ+ person, regardless of gender identity, can live freely and authentically.
As a gay dad, it’s important to me that my kids grow up understanding the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences. Voting for candidates who actively support transgender rights is part of the broader mission to create a world where all people can be who they are, without fear of persecution.
Conclusion: Voting with Pride
At the end of the day, voting is an opportunity to stand up for my family, my community, and the values of love and acceptance that I want to pass on to my children. Every vote is a voice in shaping the kind of world we want to live in—a world where LGBTQ+ families are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
When LGBTQ+ issues are on the ballot, it’s not just about politics—it’s about our lives, our marriages, and our kids. That’s why I vote with my family in mind, and I hope you will too. Let’s ensure that the progress we’ve made doesn’t just hold, but continues to grow, for the sake of all families—ours included.
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