Engaging the LGBT Community About Candidates
Many of our community are die hard Democrats others are would jump off a bridge type of Republicans. It just goes to show how diverse and similar the LGBT community is to the heterosexual community. NO difference at all. Full of different opinions, issues, desires but equally the same in politics. Even as I'm writing this article I know some is saying no Gays have always supported Democrats but then I would say Log Cabin Republicans. Neither side is right or wrong, in fact it gives me hope that our community has begun fully assimilate into all the different fabrics of society.Things are EVOLVING on all fronts. Sometimes in smaller doses and at a snails, but in every case we see even small steps within the Republican party that shifts in the grassroots efforts are beginning to happen. No doubt the Democrats are generations ahead of the Republicans.
As the political arena heats up with elections it is not doubt that many of us will disagree with some our friends choices but wish to persuade them in our own point of view. Oh boy that should be fun. LOL We only urge the conversations to remain respectful and full of the passion in our ability to vote and create effective change. The great grounds of democracy of a two party system is one that our country has enjoyed since birth.
It is no doubt that there will be winning sides and loosing sides as one attempts to keep a score card on who picked whom for his/her endorsements. However, we feel that the winner is the LGBT Community no matter the candidates that win or loose. It's simple for us to reach this conclusion. You make ask how, well here is our logical:
1) Republican or Democrat the LGBT are increasingly a voting block to be recognized in Jacksonille
2) Candidates on both sides are beginning to court the LGBT voters in Jacksonville
3) Openly LGBT are running for political office in Jacksonville
4) The LGBT voters have blasted on the scene over the past 2 decades in record numbers
5) 92.5% of men & 91% women of LGBT voted in the 2008 elections with 84% men 78% women respectfully voted in 2006 midterm in a survey conducted (Columbia Research Study 2010)
6) Evolving candidates on both sides will increase more LGBT to vote in local elections with the LGBT national issues being the primary reason for engaging LGBT voters
7) LGBT voters are typically very informed voters on the issues therefore requiring a higher understanding and accountability for political candidates
8) LGBT voters will cross party lines to vote for the candidate that agrees on the major issues and/or prevent a left wing candidate from become elected (Mississippi's Senator Cochran's recent re-election is a prime example)
Therefore, when we look at the levels of engagement by the LGBT on the issues it is par to none when compared to any other voting block. The LGBT are dedicated voters that has been proven time and time again since 2006. From midterm, presidential, state, and local elections the LGBT voters are increasingly a force to be respected by any candidate.
As we wish for more acceptance, tolerance, and rights the LGBT community must respect our differences of politics within our community. It is an historical time for the LGBT community and one that will be viewed kindly by history for our efforts, diversity, and hard work.
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