Today, tens of millions of Americans are heading to the polls – and millions already have, thanks to early voting and absentee ballots. We’re bringing our hopes, fears, and dreams for a better world to the ballot box, and trusting in our democracy that a better, more just world will win out. We hope you’re planning to vote, and that equality is on your mind as you do. Every election has a role in shaping LGBTQ+ futures – for better or worse.
As a non-profit organization, the Campaign for Southern Equality does not endorse candidates – but of course, elections fundamentally shape what our work looks like. The people we elect federally appoint judges who interpret questions around LGBTQ+ rights in practice, state lawmakers from our communities introduce – or fight – legislation restricting the rights of trans youth, and school board officials on the ballot can determine the books our kids get to read in school. Every election matters and the local races often have an outsized impact on our day to day lives.
If you haven’t already, please get out there and vote for LGBTQ+ futures before the polls close tonight. Click here to find your polling place and any information you need to vote.
The movement for LGBTQ+ rights is not defined by a single candidate or election – our progress has come from countless tireless advocates at every level of government, and in every corner of our country fighting hard for every inch. That’s why organizing everywhere, and protecting LGBTQ+ kids from discrimination, is so important – anyone can organize and become a leader, and anyone can make a real difference in creating a fairer, more equal world for LGBTQ+ folks in their own communities. But voting for LGBTQ+ equality is one of the most important ways to protect our progress, and we strongly urge everyone to make their voice heard in national, state, and local elections.
Please take care of yourselves this week, friends. Elections are hard, particularly for those of us with intersecting identities, and I know many trans folks in particular are really concerned about how this election will impact our rights more broadly. While we hope to see candidates who support LGBTQ+ equality prevail, we remain steadfast in our belief that no one candidate or election will stop the growing acceptance, support, and love for LGBTQ+ people in America. Our movement is stronger than any one election, and we will face whatever the results are – together.
Stay strong, and thank you for being on our team.
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