I came out when I was 17. Terrified, I ran away from home, crashed on friends’ couches and occasionally slept in my car to stay out of the way.
Today I’m traveling the country on behalf my husband, just two weeks shy of the Iowa Caucuses as he seeks the American presidency.
Today I’m traveling the country on behalf my husband, just two weeks shy of the Iowa Caucuses as he seeks the American presidency.
It gets better, if others are willing to make it better. I survived because people believed in me. Made space for me. Affirmed my worth and celebrated my existence.
Today, millions of Americans are cracking the closet door open, peeking out into the light, wondering if it’s safe to step out. Unfortunately in many parts of our country, rather than see hope on the other side, they see hate.
I have sat with the young homeless trans woman in California, tossed around in the system and told she’s worthless. I’ve held the hand of the 60-year-old gay man in Oklahoma with tear filled eyes who never thought he’d see 30 as his friends died around him and his nation laughed.
It is time for a politics of hope. It is time for a politics of inclusion and belonging. It is time to restore morality to Washington so when a scared 17-year-old is ready to share their deepest truth, rather than flee, they look to the White House and see love.
So many Americans are looking to Washington for hope and the promise of a country where everyone feels they belong. It’s time for a White House that fulfills that promise. I’m ready. Are you?
