Pride & Opinions

What with all the focus on identity politics in this election season, it only makes sense that although neither of the candidates stirring up the constant discussions of race v. gender identify as GLBT, or really anything other than strictly heterosexual, there would be focus on GLBT voting patterns. I see it as part of the larger question about what the purpose of progressive voting is - what obligation to those folks who wish to vote progressively have to being realistic, and what expectation should underserved populations have at being catered to by mainstream candidates.

For GLBT folks, this is especially pronounced, since gays make up such a small portion of the overall population, and so much hatred is targeted at the notion of gay rights and gay families from the right. Should GLBT progressives suck it up and vote for the Democratic candidate without demanding much focus on GLBT issues because they’re so much better than the alternative, or is that asking too much? Some would say it is too much, and I totally understand that opinion.

Terrance at The Republic of T has an excellent post on this titled “Voting for Ourselves.” In it, he argues,

As gay man with a partner and a family, that comes in to very sharp focus. But as I look around I can’t help wondering why so few of us are doing he same, and why. Far be it from me to tell anyone else how to vote or who to vote for, but when buckets of gay dollars and hordes of gay volunteers touch down in Iowa, and a major gay organization appears to be deploying resources in New Hampshire, for a candidate who can’t even divorce herself from DOMA (and who may be “the least supportive� of the Democratic candidates [Via Queerty.]), I find myself wondering if the Republicans aren’t the only geniuses at persuading people to vote against their own interests.

Two major candidates have at least come out in favor of a full repeal of DOMA. That’s not support for marriage equality, but it’s a step towards removing a significant barrier to marriage equality. How, then, do we support a candidate who would leave most of that barrier in place, given the problems that “leaving it to the states� creates for our families?

It’s a good article. Read the whole thing.

What do you think? Is sacrificing the most progressive of your political opinions, or support for your identity group, worth the larger practical political goal? Or is it too much to ask?

GLBT, politics, primaries, progressive politics

GLBT, politics, primaries, progressive politics