Now that Joe Biden has stepped down from his re-election campaign, Kamala Harris has emerged as the Democratic presidential nominee and has garnered substantial support from over 1,100 LGBTQ leaders, celebrities, and lawmakers, who signed an endorsement letter highlighting her commitment to LGBTQ rights.
From VP to LGBTQ+ Nominee
Now that Joe Biden’s Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic presidential nominee, she has amassed overwhelming support from the LGBTQ+ community.
Long-Standing Commitment
The most recent support shown from the LGBTQ+ community to Harris has taken the form of a letter that is meant to celebrate her long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
Celebrity Endorsements
The letter has been signed by celebrities like Matt Bomer, George Takei, and Sophia Bush, as well as LGBTQ+ advocates such as Jim Obergefell and Judy Shepard.
Galvanizing Trailblazer
Acknowledging her influence, the letter states, “Vice President Kamala Harris is a galvanizing trailblazer and has been a champion for LGBTQ+ equality for decades.”
Significant Legislative Contributions
In Harris’s past, she helped to ban the gay and transgender panic defense in California and officiated early same-sex marriages, which some see as crucial first steps in advancing legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
An Early Supporter
The letter highlights, “As an early supporter of marriage equality, Harris refused to defend the unconstitutional Proposition 8.”
Achievements Under the Biden-Harris Administration
Playing no small part in Harris’s support from the LGBTQ+ community, the Biden-Harris administration has also been described as the most pro-LGBTQ administration in U.S. history.
Addressing the Need of the LGBTQ+ Community
The letter states, “The Biden-Harris Administration has been the most pro-LGBTQ+ administration in history, advancing non-discrimination protections, championing social services that address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Enhancing Protections
The Biden-Harris administration’s actions that benefit the LGBTQ+ community include signing the Respect for Marriage Act and enhancing protections against discrimination.
Addressing Controversial Aspects of Harris’s Record
However, Harris has faced some scrutiny for her support of FOSTA-SESTA, which negatively impacted LGBTQ sex workers, and her involvement in a case where a trans inmate was denied gender-affirming surgery.
Keeping Inmates in Prison
In 2014, lawyers in Harris’s office argued against reducing prison overcrowding, stating that some non-violent offenders needed to remain in the prison system to help combat wildfires.
Shocked and Troubled
However, after this statement was made, it was reported that Harris was “shocked and troubled” by the argument made by her office and directed the attorneys not to make that argument again.
Dealing With the Systems
At an LGBTQ presidential forum, Harris acknowledged these concerns, saying, “I commit to you that always in these systems there are going to be these things that these agencies do. And I will commit myself, as I always have, to dealing with it.”
Importance of the LGBTQ Voting Bloc
The letter also emphasizes the strategic importance of the LGBTQ+ voting bloc, which includes nearly 20 million voters, representing a powerful in the Presidential election’s outcome.
Serving Millions of Families
“Combined, our efforts serve millions of LGBTQ+ families across the country. LGBTQ+ voters are one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in the nation,” the letter notes.
The Critical Nature of the 2024 Election
The upcoming election is now being considered a critical juncture for LGBTQ rights, particularly concerning potential Supreme Court appointments and federal policies.
Impacting the Country
“Our next chief executive will fill any vacancies on the Supreme Court that will impact the direction of our country for decades,” the letter emphasizes.
Is Trump Worried
Despite her record, it seems unlikely that Former President Trump is worried about Harris’s election campaign as he has never really seemed to take her that seriously in the first place.
More Unfit
In a recent rally for his campaign, Trump said, “Which of their candidates is more unfit to be President — Sleepy Crooked Joe Biden, or Laughing Kamala?”
21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
The U.S. dances to its own beat, especially when it comes to laws that make the rest of the world do a double-take. Here’s a lineup of things that scream “Only in America,” sticking strictly to what’s written in the law books. Ready for a tour through the American legal landscape that’ll leave you wondering if freedom might just be a bit too free? Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sheila Fitzgerald.
