Speak Out: A champion of LGBT issues – why I’m voting for Barack Obama

By Sarah Millard

As an LGBT woman, my political decisions are rarely, if ever, difficult. This may seem exclusive and naïve, but given the recent political discourse surrounding the LGBT community, it’s easier to vote straight (pun intended) down the Democratic line. Unfortunately, I’ve spent thousands of dollars and three years of my life working toward a Bachelor’s in political science just for the opportunity to berate people for blind voting. By default, I feel obligated to research candidates and issues, regardless of previous political leanings.

In November 2008, I waited patiently for two very important political results; on one hand, I was ecstatic that Barack Obama won by a healthy margin. On the other, I was devastated that the voters of California chose to deny equal rights to LGBT citizens by passing Proposition 8. It seemed as though the community had taken one step forward and three steps back.

Despite obstructions, though, LGBT Americans have had one of the most prosperous four years in recent memory. I thank and credit President Obama for that.

One of the recent phrases of the Republican Party is “Are we better now than four years ago?” Even aside from solid job growth, decreasing unemployment and a viable auto industry, I would say, without a doubt, that I and my LGBT brothers and sisters are infinitely better off than we were in 2008.

Obama’s accomplishments for the LGBT community are innumerable. Under the Obama administration, gender identity discrimination is illegal in federal workplaces. Gay and lesbian individuals can now visit their partners in the hospital and make medical decisions on their behalf. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was finally repealed, allowing LGBT Americans to openly serve their country. And most memorably, in May 2012, both Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden publically announced their support for same-sex marriage.

Additionally, in 2010, Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Republicans publically degraded the bill, claiming everything from socialism to government physicians, from organ harvesting to death panels. None of this is true.

As someone involved in the HIV/AIDS community, I am an avid proponent of the ACA. Under this new law, insurance companies can’t turn away children living with HIV. Furthermore, insurance companies can no longer rescind coverage for people other than fraud, regardless of HIV status. The ACA opens up Medicaid coverage to all low-income individuals and allows people living with HIV the opportunity to receive comprehensive care to improve their health and well being. And for the LGBT community, it is crucial that this law remains in effect, something that Republican candidates have vowed to destroy.

It’s easy to look back and see great strides that have been made, but the road ahead is even rockier. The Defense of Marriage Act still exists, and many states have laws prohibiting gay marriage, gay adoption and even exclusion from employment discrimination policies. Stigma still runs rampant, and children are still bullied because of their sexual orientation.

It’s easy to become jaded and disillusioned with politics, but we can’t let that happen. These next four years are going to be just as critical as the last, and we need a leader who respects, understands and values our community and our equality. It’s for that reason, along with a slew of others, that I support Barack Obama for president, and I strongly urge you all to do the same.

Sarah Millard is a graduate of Colorado State University and lives in Fort Collins.