Since I entered politics, the biggest obstacle I've faced has been justifying my right to hold my own views.
I wasn't told I couldn't do this job or work in that profession because I was gay by the right.
I was told I couldn't think the way I wanted because I'm gay by the left.
I wasn't told I couldn't do this job or work in that profession because I was gay by the right.
I was told I couldn't think the way I wanted because I'm gay by the left.
Without ever asking me what I believed or supported, I was automatically looked upon with suspicion and rage.
How DARE I.
What is WRONG with me?
The left put their hand in my face and said, 'What do you think you are doing? Get back over there with your own kind!'
How DARE I.
What is WRONG with me?
The left put their hand in my face and said, 'What do you think you are doing? Get back over there with your own kind!'
Based on the condition of my birth my options for political and social expression were limited and already chosen for me.
I had only the freedom to support a carefully managed array of positions, all of which were mandatory.
I had to be a leftist. A progressive. A Democrat.
I had only the freedom to support a carefully managed array of positions, all of which were mandatory.
I had to be a leftist. A progressive. A Democrat.
Rather than fight for my positions on social issues, human rights, fiscal policy, the nature and purpose of government, etc., I first had to fight for the very notion I could CHOOSE them for myself *because* I am gay.
Because I am gay.
Nothing else mattered to them.
Because I am gay.
Nothing else mattered to them.
Women, people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBT, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, immigrants, everybody the left claims to champion has had this exact same battle.
'But you are a...' is how they dehumanize us.
Reduced to background players watching the hero fight for us.
'But you are a...' is how they dehumanize us.
Reduced to background players watching the hero fight for us.
The idea that we would reject the left's plan for us is viewed as unthinkable and ungrateful.
'But look at all we have done for you! Where would you be without us!'
They champion causes in our name while expecting us to sit quietly and wait for their signal to applaud.
'But look at all we have done for you! Where would you be without us!'
They champion causes in our name while expecting us to sit quietly and wait for their signal to applaud.
This is not an issue of Joe Biden or even the Democrats.
Anytime anyone argues they are 'reaching out' to this or that group, winning or losing that minority bloc vote or fighting for *insert group cause*, they diminish our autonomy and individuality.
All because of who we are.
Anytime anyone argues they are 'reaching out' to this or that group, winning or losing that minority bloc vote or fighting for *insert group cause*, they diminish our autonomy and individuality.
All because of who we are.
And to the argument, 'But the left/Democrats fought for your rights! The right/GOP fought against them! You wouldn't be where you are without us!' I say, 'Did you ever consider that I wanted to achieve my own place in society in a different way than you chose?'
