Thread by @chrisgeidner

Do you all want me to watch and live-tweet the CNN LGBTQ Town Hall? (I will if you want. Ten-minute poll.)

OK, so we’re doing this ...

First question to @CoryBooker from Twitter Gay™️ @tombellino, asking Booker about the his college column addressing prior “disgust” about gay people. (see: politico.com/story/2013/01/…) Booker mainly talks about how he was getting people to think differently about gay people.

Booker asked about Pulse nightclub shooting aftermath and how to address anti-LGBTQ violence. He talks about DOJ addressing hate crimes and Education Dept changing policies.

Booker asked by @GavinGrimmVA about suit against his school district, which denied him right to use the bathroom of his gender identity. Booker says he will return to Obama policy for LGBT coverage, fight w “the same ferocity, the same sense of urgency” as for racial equality.

Booker asked about Truvada and its $1,600 cost.

Booker talks about taking back patents from companies that unjustly raise prices or charge less overseas, ensuring OTC availability of PrEP, and removing insurance barriers.

Booker asked about religious liberty. Booker says religion shouldn’t be allowed to be used to justify discrimination.

Booker is asked whether religious entities should lose the tax exemption if they discriminate. He dodges, says there should be a price for discrimination but that the tax-exempt system is a “process.”

Booker asked about how parental leave laws discriminate against gay men. He talks about paid family leave, adoption and more. Says policies will apply equally to everyone.

Blood ban question. Booker asked whether he’d fight to end the 1-year blood ban. “Absolutely yes.”

“One town hall down. Eight to go.”

THIS IS THE PROOF THAT I LOVE YOU ALL.

Representation! @andersoncooper opens the 8p hour by talking about recent changes, talking in the first person and saying “we” didn’t have the right to marry until recently, etc. There were repeated “we” and “us” mentions, and I just felt it still, today, sounded notable.

Now up: Joe Biden. His first question comes from @WyoJudyShepard, asked about the continued need to address violence against and negative attitudes against LGBTQ people. He talks about the Equality Act first, then DOJ tracking (“constitutionally!”) extremist groups.

At one point Biden is saying the Civil Right Act covers LGBT people, but then he’s also saying he would tell people that you can be married on Saturday and fired on Monday (which isn’t so if Title VII covers LGBT people).

He’s telling the story about how he was raised, the guys he saw kissing. “For real.” Biden said “it never even crossed my mind” to be opposed to marriage equality. He says Obama kissed him the Monday after he told MTP he supported marriage equality, physically showing Cooper.

Biden asked about trans service members ban. He talks about how he would change it and people wouldn’t need to choose between serving and coming out as trans.

Biden asked about DADT. (I think his answer needs to be fact-checked bc he said Barney Frank was in the Senate, for one.)

Biden asked about aid for countries that oppose LGBTQ rights, criminalize LGBTQ behavior. He says we should deny aid.

Asked about Saudi Arabia, Biden gets in Cooper’s face and says, “They have very little redeeming social value.”

Biden asked about health disparities among Black LGBTQ people. He starts with hospitals, saying they should not be allowed to discriminate. Next goes to education.

Oh, god. The gay waiter story. HE IS STILL TELLING THIS. Biden says six or seven years ago you could have made fun of your waiter in California for being gay and no one would have said anything. 😞

Well, the Biden segment ended with the former VP saying that decades ago the talk was all about bathhouses and “round-the-clock sex,” so if you had that on your Bingo Card, CONGRATS! (He went on to say that gays get married now! 😬)

From bathhouses to Buttigieg: “Only in America!”

“Trans people are dying!” protest with people going up front with a trans flag. Some in the audience join in a “Trans lives matter” chant. Cooper gives a moment to talk about the history of protest in the LGBT community.

Buttigieg asked about being “the right type of gay.” He starts by talking about violence against black trans women and the need to address it. Then talks about the broad diversity of the LGBTQ community and the need for all to feel welcome.

Anderson Cooper asks Pete Buttigieg about coming out, and about when he knew he was gay and what it was like. He says it was “a civil war.” Then Buttigieg goes on to talk about his coming-out story. Quite a scene.

Buttigieg is asked about the #TitleVII cases. He notes that regardless of the outcome in the cases, we still have public accommodations and housing discrimination questions, which is why he’ll push to pass and sign the Equality Act.

Pete Buttigieg talks about double-discrimination faced by Black gay men and the harm and cost that leads to in health care and with HIV treatment — both on the prevention and treatment side.

Buttigieg is asked about youth LGBT suicide. He talks about hate crimes legislation, support for LGBTQ youth, inclusive homelessness services, and resources for mental health.

Pete Buttigieg on the gay blood ban: “My blood’s not welcome in this country, and it’s not based on science, it’s based on prejudice.” He says he would end it and direct science-based changes to the policy.

Buttigieg is asked by Cooper about HIV criminalization laws. Buttigieg says they need to be addressed (I missed the specific language, so check it), and talks about U=U (undetectable=untransmittable).

Buttigieg talks passionately about the need to end the trans service ban.

Buttigieg on the religious liberty question: “The right to religious freedom ends where [it] is being used to harm other people.” He adds, saying he’s speaking personally: “It makes God smaller. I think it’s an insult to faith.”

Asked about Pence, Buttigieg eventually got to a point where he referenced @Chas10Buttigieg and says his marriage moved him closer to God.

We are through three candidates! Only three hours left!

Now up: Elizabeth Warren.

SANS BOA. 😭

Zarda’s spouse asks the first question to Warren, asking how she’ll get the Equality Act passed. She starts out rough, suggesting that the Equality Act is only needed if SCOTUS rules against Zarda. (Wrong.) Says, “We gotta have some more Democrats in the Senate.”

(The Equality Act includes coverage beyond Title VII’s employment protections, as others have referenced.)

Warren doesn’t remember ever opposing marriage rights for same-sex couples, talking about her past. On those who oppose marriage equality still, she says, “By golly, those are decisions about you.” But says those don’t justify policy.

Next question from Matthew Rose about global health disparities. She backs increasing funding, then talks about addressing patents and affordable drug prices.

A trans child asks the next question, and Warren says she’ll have an education secretary who supports public education and supports making schools safe for all students. She names Betsy DeVos, and says she’ll be gone. She says she’ll have her Ed Sec pick meet the child first.

Warren supports teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. (Not a surprise in 2019.)

Warren asked about how many high-profile LGBT policies benefit primarily white gay people. She is asked about homelessness and hate crimes, specifically, and responds that she has plans on them, too. She’s going into great depth about youth homelessness.

Warren is asked if she regrets her prior answer in 2012 opposing transition-related health care for those in prison. “Yup. I think it was a bad answer,” she says. “Everyone is entitled to medical care that they need.”

Warren is asked about anti-LGBTQ countries and aid. Warren supports that tack, but then goes off on using trade to improve conditions across the globe, on LGBT issues and others. (You could tell it hit a sweet spot.)

Now up: Kamala Harris.

She comes out and says, “My pronouns are ‘She her hers.’”

Chris Cuomo actually responded with a “joke,” saying: “Mine too.”

WTF.

Harris is asked about the #TitleVII cases. She talks about opposing Prop 8, talks about supporting Zarda et al. now, and continues to press for equality needs.

Harris is talking about the first California same-sex weddings in 2004 in San Francisco. The Gavin Newsom weddings. And says that’s how she’d talk about it to folks who still question marriage equality.

Harris is asked about addressing HIV in the Black gay community and broader health issues. Harris talks about addressing drug costs, and referencing her history with people who taught her about hierarchies in the LGBTQ community. She also pledges to end HIV/AIDS in a generation.

Harris is asked about anti-trans violence and abuse. Harris talks about creating a division in her DA’s office to help provide support for trans people. (Would love to hear more about this answer!)

Harris is talking about addressing anti-trans violence and a woman speaks out talking about the need to address the attacks.

“You’re right,” Harris says.

Harris also talks about working to end the “gay and trans panic” defense when she was DA.

Harris is asked about LGBTQ youth suicide. “When I’m elected, Pence will no longer be Vice President.” She goes on to talk about the bully pulpit and “who you lift up” as president, and not tear down. “We have to create a safe place.” Another hit on DeVos.

Harris is asked about the “homeless crisis in America.” Harris talks about affordable housing and tax credits. She talks about Black families and home ownership, discussing redlining and more. She talks about mental health services and other housing incentives.

So Warren was asked about her comment about trans health care in prison but Harris wasn’t asked about her actual handling of a case addressing the issue while AG. 🤔 Cuomo was too busy making “jokes,” I guess.

Here’s coverage: washingtonblade.com/2019/01/21/har…

We’re in the 10 o’clock hour. It’s no longer Cuomo. Don Lemon is taking us into this hour. Now up: Beto O’Rourke.

O’Rourke is talking about how bad the laws are in Texas, but talks about “cause for hope,” including stopping a “bathroom bill” in the state. He talks about Texas a lot.

O’Rourke says religious institutions should lose their tax-exempt status if they discriminate.

O’Rourke is asked about Pulse. He discussed El Paso, and talks about Trump’s rhetoric of “racism, intolerance, and hatred.” Universal background checks, red flag laws, AR-15 gun bans and gun buybacks.

O’Rourke is asked about HIV criminalization and reducing HIV stigma. O’Rourke begins by talking about HIV discrim in asylum determinations. He then pivots to Truvada, and govt support for PrEP’s existence, and talks about reducing the price or ending the patent. (No answer.)

Lemon reminds him of the question, asks him if those HIV criminalization laws should be ended. O’Rourke says, “I think they should.”

O’Rourke is asked about LGBT asylum concerns. He suggested LGBT or HIV status cannot be a reason for asylum now. (This is not true, as best I can tell. Want to know if he had something specific.) He also said we need to provide full protections to those fleeing violence or harm.

O’Rourke calls conversion therapy “tantamount to torture.” Says it must be ended.

“Black trans women are being killed!” a woman says who asked for and was handed the mic and notes that no Black trans women (or men) have asked questions — despite all the focus on the violence faced black Black trans women.

Lemon gave her back the mic to speak more — twice — in order for her to address there issues. O’Rourke talks about leadership in activism in the LGBT community, from her tonight — but also referencing from Stonewall to ACT UP to @PrEP4AllNow.

The initial woman with a question asked about trans youth, with her trans child at her side, and O’Rourke talked about ensuring support for families like hers. He also thanked both of the women for the way they handled the moment.

I don’t believe this is still going on. Now up: Amy Klobuchar.

Klobuchar has talked a bunch. She was asked how she’d convince non-supporters to support LGBTQ legislation. She says she would make the economic case for the Equality Act, but says the best bet is for Democrats to overtake the Senate.

Klobuchar just did a number thing where she literally went back and forth between congressional and Supreme Court votes. It confused me, so I don’t know what a person who didn’t cover all of those votes and cases would have understood what she was saying.

Having faced conversion therapy and homelessness, @seth_a_owen now works to help others and asks about ending conversion therapy. Klobuchar says she supports ending it.

.@ryanbasham asks about Klobuchar about her support for SESTA/FOSTA and asks if she would support decriminalizing sex work. She says no. She talks about protecting against trafficking (& including safe harbor provisions for victims). She said she’d be open to talking further.

“You’ve got to have agencies that follow the law,” Klobuchar says in response to a question about adoption agencies not serving same-sex couples.

Asked about Black gay men being impacted by HIV/AIDS, Klobuchar talks about PrEP, then the ACA, then housing and other protections, then stigma. Asked for more, she talks about adding generics and overseas competition.

Klobuchar is asked about depression and suicide and other mental illness issues. Ending mental health stigma, ensuring mental health parity, treatment and more. We need a new president, she says. Talks about using opioid settlement money for mental health treatment.

NOTE: Cuomo did apologize. (Although a moderator at an LGBTQ-focused forum never should have thought such a “joke” was appropriate.)

https://twitter.com/chriscuomo/status/1182479789518516225?s=21

Holy hell. It’s 11p ET.

Welcome, Julián Castro.

Castro asked if he would have trans staff advise him as president. He says he always has diverse people, including trans people, around him on his staff. He talks about passing a trans-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance in San Antonio and rejecting calls to cut trans from it.

Castro talks about people seeking asylum based on LGBT status who are being forced to stay out of the US while their claim is being processed — which he explains is dangerous for those fleeing violence. He says we need to fix that.

Castro will reverse Trump orders that add religious exemptions, saying he would go back to policies under the Obama administration.

Castro asked about HUD nondiscrimination policies rolled back by Ben Carson and Trump. “His comments made clear he cannot serve everybody,” Castro says of Carson, adding that he should resign. He says protections would (obviously) be back under his presidency.

Castro asked about how he’d help support the bi community in his administration. He talked about teaching LGBT history, adds that all people need to be respected and need to understand other people.

Castro asked about gun violence and how the LGBTQ community can be leveraged to advance gun laws. He talks about his policy goals, and says a president can’t do it alone. It will take “the people” organizing and pushing. Says the LGBTQ would be a part of that.

Asked about trans youth and trans homelessness, Castro talks about dedicated housing opportunities for vulnerable communities. Talks about enforcing nondiscrimination laws. Adding affordable housing. He has a plan to end homelessness by 2028.

Asked about health insurance discrimination based on religious beliefs by the business owners, Castro says that should be prohibited by law. But also talks about expanded health options that would prevent any lapse in the meantime.

Castro acknowledges mistreatment faced by LGBT people under his Catholic face, and adds, “I don’t believe that is the teaching of the Bible.”

Like, at this point, I might as well include Steyer. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Last up (🙏): Tom Steyer.

Asked about what he’d do to push back against Republican opposition to the Equality Act, Steyer says he’d urge grassroots activism and then discusses congressional term limits—noting a “disconnect” between reality in America today and Congress’s unwillingness to pass legislation.

Steyer is asked about the financial incentive for drug companies NOT to develop cures for HIV/AIDS. Steyer talks about university research being key.

Steyer asked about living in SF during the ‘80s, talks about “the country responding, itself” to the AIDS crisis, after noting that Reagan did not address it. He first talked about the LGBT community itself responding.

Steyer asked about anti-trans violence. Protection and support is needed, he says. “This is a straightforward attack on humanity itself,” he says, calling for as harsh of prosecution as possible.

Steyer talks about the importance of social acceptance. Talks about presidential (and vice presidential) leadership. Says he’d reverse the trans military ban and reverse the same-sex partner visa issue. Talks about the importance of nondiscrimination laws, but also soft power.

Anyone who doesn’t want to protect young LGBT people has to search their own values, Steyer says.

Asked about puberty blocker medications for trans youth, Steyer says it is “critical care” for those children and must be covered by insurance and public insurance options. He’s also talking about the larger issues with the health care industry.

Asked about not counting LGBT people in the Census, Steyer says the Trump admin doesn’t want data that contradicts its views. He says he’ll do what’s necessary to get the data.

Steyer says no discussions about policy would happen without LGBT representation in his administration.

Steyer is asked about ICE as an LGBT issue. Steyer says the questioner is right and that we need to end mistreatment now. He talks about this being part of why he’s been pushing for Trump’s impeachment (for long before it was popular).

THANK YOU TO MY LIVE AUDIENCE ON TWITTER. THUS CONCLUDES OUR EVENING.