“Out for Kamala Harris” Human Rights Campaign Has Big Turnout

Over 25,000 LGBTQ+ people attended the Human Rights Campaign’s “Out for Kamala Harris” virtual event that featured 40 queer and allied actors, activists, government officials, and drag performers. 

The featured guests shared their enthusiasm for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and, along with the attendees, helped raise over $300,000 for the Harris campaign. Of the thousands of attendees 1,500 also signed up to participate in the campaign efforts and spread the word to vote for Harris. 

The event was live on YouTube and Zoom and featured queer actors George Takei, Raven Symoné, Sophia Bush, Wilson Cruz, Zachary Quinto, and Johnathan Del Arco. This included allies such as Lynda Carter, star of Wonder Woman, and CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Several Queer Democratic elected officials were also involved in the event. Senators Laphonza Butler (CA) and Sarah McBride (DE), as well as Representatives Mark Takano (CA), Angie Crag (MN), Becca Balint (VT), and Malcolm Kenyatta (PE) all turned out for Harris.

Drag queens Tara Hoot and Veronica Electronica were also in attendance as well as all the queer activists and members of the Harris campaign. 

Standing with his husband Brad, actor George Takei says, “We were dedicated supporters of Joe Biden. But when he made that magnanimous decision to pass the baton to his vice president… We were enthusiastic for her. Just in that act, Joe Biden made history that has never occurred before, and we’re going to continue making history with Kamala Harris. She is going to be a history maker: the first biracial African American, Asian American candidate for the president of the United States.”

Black trans activist and author Hope Giselle showed her support for Harris saying, “When I look at what this woman stands for, when I look at where she came from. I see myself, and when I can see myself, I can embody what hope really looks like.” Referring to her own Blackness, queerness, and neurodivergence, Giselle says that Harris represents a presence and an advocate for diversity that she never saw while growing up. 

Florida’s first gay Black state Senator Shevrin Jones talked about the struggle LGBTQ+ people face in his state as well as the 111 anti-trans bills being considered in 43 out of the 50 states, and the 48 bills already passed this year. He asked the attendees to think about their favorite person and imagine what kind of world they deserve to live in. “We have the opportunity, y’all, we have the opportunity to reshape the future that our children will see. We have the opportunity to reimagine what America can be because we’ve done it before.”

November 5 is Election Day. If you want to offer your support to the Harris campaign visit the Human Rights Campaign’s Out for Kamala Harris webpage. 

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