After a week since the general election, a good friend of mine posed the following question to me via Facebook instant messenger, “Any good articles about how DJT won’t be the nail in the coffin to LGBT?” Humbled by the request, I gladly agreed to help. Here’s my answer to her:
As a Catholic sinner, former U.S. Army Officer, and proud gay man, I’m acutely aware of the heightened anxieties among my fellow gay brothers and sisters. By now, college snowflakes acknowledge that the GOP has Donald J. Trump, a congressional majority, the majority of governorships and full control of 33 state legislatures. Clearly the election was a total repudiation of the Obama administration and its intrusive, liberal policies.
President-elect Trump’s historically moderate stance on the issue of gay marriage is well, a matter of fact. Most recently, during CBS’ Sunday’s airing of “60 Minutes”, Trump said that his personal view on the subject is “irrelevant”. He said, “These cases have gone to the Supreme Court (Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 2015), they’ve been settled, and I’m fine with that.” Despite support from well-known leaders who support Trump like Milo Yiannopoulos and Peter Thiel, there have been other concessions that Trump has made to the LGBT community. And, sources close to Trump’s White House transition process have revealed that the president-elect is seriously considering Richard Grenell to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Richard Grenell is an American media commentator and former diplomat. He is the longest serving U.S. spokesman at the United Nations who also happens to be openly gay. If chosen, Grenell would be the first openly-gay individual to serve a Cabinet-level foreign policy post – making his appointment historical. His candidacy alone showcases Trump's desire for the best and brightest to serve in his White House, regardless of sexual orientation. It looks like the gay marriage issue won’t face much pressure from the oncoming administration these next four years.
Throughout this campaign, Trump has refrained from launching barbs at one particular group: gay Americans. And, although it may be a stretch to call Trump a “gay-friendly” candidate because he still opposes same-sex marriage, he supports other LGBT rights and has publicly declared himself a “real friend” to the community.
For example, in April, he broke with his GOP rivals by speaking out against North Carolina’s anti-transgender bathroom law. In June, Trump buoyed LGBT activists with his defense of the Gay Community in the wake of the mass murder at Pulse – a gay night club in Orlando. He furthered his support of the gay community with a tweet in which he thanked LGBT Americans and said: “I will fight for you.” And, in July while in Cleveland, Trump brought in Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, who became the first openly gay speaker at the RNC.
For example, in April, he broke with his GOP rivals by speaking out against North Carolina’s anti-transgender bathroom law. In June, Trump buoyed LGBT activists with his defense of the Gay Community in the wake of the mass murder at Pulse – a gay night club in Orlando. He furthered his support of the gay community with a tweet in which he thanked LGBT Americans and said: “I will fight for you.” And, in July while in Cleveland, Trump brought in Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, who became the first openly gay speaker at the RNC.
The ultimate test of a man’s conscience is his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.
Trump was not my first, second or third choice during the Republican primary. But, once he won the party’s nomination, he had my full faith and support. And since winning the general election last Tuesday, he is my President (or will be on Friday, January 20, 2017).
A candidate cannot be all things to all people. But, to pro-gay Republicans, Donald Trump has held up as the most supportive nominee in GOP history! What he continues to do, like many of us, is evolve, soften and embrace a community for which so many identify. For me, that’s enough.
Frankly, I’m more afraid of Islam and what that intolerant religion brings to this country through its illegal immigrants. One only has to look to Denmark, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden to see what Muslims are doing to kill, maim and discriminate against my gay brothers and sisters.
A candidate cannot be all things to all people. But, to pro-gay Republicans, Donald Trump has held up as the most supportive nominee in GOP history! What he continues to do, like many of us, is evolve, soften and embrace a community for which so many identify. For me, that’s enough.
Frankly, I’m more afraid of Islam and what that intolerant religion brings to this country through its illegal immigrants. One only has to look to Denmark, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden to see what Muslims are doing to kill, maim and discriminate against my gay brothers and sisters.
© Lonnie Ledford 2016 All Rights Reserved.
