16 minute read
The Silver Lining
THE SILVER LINING
With Trump and DeSantis lining up with intentions on POTUS in 2024, the LGBTQ+ community looks to Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay presidential candidate, to run again.
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PHOTO BY ALEX EDELMAN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR
Excitement radiated among the 500 attendees of the opening ceremony of the Silver Line Extension of the Washington DC Metro system on November 15, 2022, at Washington Dulles International Airport Station, with new rail connections to Washington Dulles International Airport, Herndon, Reston, and Eastern Loudoun County. Metro General Manager and Chief Executive O cer Randy Clarke was joined by local, state, and federal o cials, including U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Buttigieg addressed the crowd at the Grand Opening: “The Silver Line extension is going to make life more affordable, give people better access to jobs throughout the region, reduce the time that drivers sit in traffic on our roads, and provide a level of convenience getting to Dulles Airport that has been a long time coming. One year after President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are improving transportation systems across the country to save time and money for commuters.”
As the Grand Opening festivities ended, Former President Donald Trump’s plans were just beginning. At 9:41 PM on November 15, 2022, Trump announced his White House campaign at his Mar-a-Lago club and home in Palm Beach, Fla.
Perhaps it goes without saying that a Trump presidency would be bad for the LGBTQ+ community. According to LGBTQ+ health organization Fenway Health, Trump’s administration enacted more anti-LGBTQ+ policies than any other, with devastating consequences. In a research article titled “Donald Trump’s 8 worst attacks on the LGBTQ+ community,” Fenway Health reports that Trump has been a persistent source of danger for LGBT people all over the world, from his resistance to life-saving legislation like the Affordable Care Act to his nomination of homophobic judges, as well as symbolic actions like the banning of rainbow flags at U.S. embassies. There are few issues affecting LGBTQ+ people that he cannot, and has not, made worse given his position of power.
But there is another potential contender for the Republican nomination that could be as bad—or worse—for the LGBTQ+ community than Trump. During his inaugural address, on January 3, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke about topics like immigration and inflation from a national, rather than statewide perspective, signaling an interest in a run for POTUS in 2024.
DeSantis has already proven himself to be a danger to the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride Month 2021, Governor DeSantis signed the Transgender Youth Sports Ban into law and vetoed all funding for LGBTQ initiatives in the state budget, including Orlando’s LGBTQ Community Center, homeless LGBTQ children’s housing, and mental health support to Pulse Massacre survivors—just days before the ve-year remembrance.
In order to protect LGBTQ+ rights, freedoms, and lives nationwide, it is critical to keep both these men far away from the White House. Embrace Magazine interviewed several leaders in the LGBTQ+ community to address the question on many people’s minds: Is incumbent President Joe Biden the best man for the job?
Many Democrats fear Biden, who will be turning 82 at the end of the 2024 campaigns, won't be able to draw the number of voters he'll need to secure a second term. They would prefer to see him pass the torch to a younger leader, one who is more connected to the community and can hold their own against the charismatic personalities of Trump and DeSantis. And an increasing number of them believe that Buttigieg could be that leader.
During his 2020 campaign, Buttigieg became the rst openly gay presidential candidate to make it past the primaries. Upon his appointment as Secretary of Transportation, he became the rst openly gay senate-conrmed Cabinet member. In the two years since his appointment, Buttigieg has satisfactorily ful lled his duties. But is that enough? Or will he rise to a greater occasion?
BUTTIGIEG BEATS BIDEN
On July 26, 2022, Newsweek reported that Pete Buttigieg held a narrow lead over President Biden in New Hampshire, historically the first state to hold a Democratic presidential primary.
In the research poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire, Biden garnered 16 percent of potential primary votes compared to Buttigieg’s 17 percent. This is a departure from past polling, which showed Biden maintaining a sizable lead over potential challengers even as his popularity rating declined.
These findings indicate that Biden’s chances of winning the 2024 Democratic primary may be in jeopardy if faced with a credible candidate like Buttigieg.
The People’s Hero
Embrace Magazine first interviewed Buttigieg in February 2020 for our story, “Precedent for President: Pete Buttigieg,” published in our Premiere issue in May 2020. Sara Giza wrote, “Buttigieg has outlined several critical policies that would bene t LGBTQ+ individuals and families, aiming to increase equality in our society. When asked if he was elected, which policies he would work to pass first, he said ‘we all know that our fight for equality did not end with Obergefell v. Hodges. We know that the Trump administration is still trying to roll back our rights, and has been waging a war on trans military members. When I was in Afghanistan outside the wire, the only thing that mattered was your ability to do your job- on day one, I will commit to ending this administration’s war on trans Americans.’”
His reply reflects why American voters, in particular the LGBTQ+ community, see Buttigieg as a hero. His presence and accomplishments as an LGBTQ+ person will lead others into prominence.
“We cannot be what we cannot see. And now young LGBTQ people across the country can see themselves achieving elected and appointed offices at every level throughout the nation,” said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “The very nature of Pete’s role -the rst openly-LGBTQ Cabinet Secretary conrmed by the U.S. Senate—has permanently shattered one of the few remaining glass ceilings for LGBTQ representation in America. But what’s even more important, and heroic, is his commitment to inspiring future leaders in the community to follow in his footsteps. He may be the rst but will certainly not be the last.”
“As a community, LGBTQ+ people are familiar with being told that there are jobs, titles, entire industries that we will never thrive in. We have spent generations internalizing the paralyzing idea that to be LGBTQ+ is to be disqualified from any part of society we haven’t been assigned. Politics is one of those,” said Brandon Wolf, press secretary for Equality Florida. “We are still battling the perception the being openly-LGBTQ+ is incompatible with political life. That our capacity for love is to be hidden away, divorced from the suits and ties of Capitol Hill. Secretary Buttigieg’s willingness to be unapologetically LGBTQ+ while standing in the brightest political lights is groundbreaking. A kiss he shared on stage with his husband after a debate. Parental leave to care for his newborn twin children. Pete has inspired a new generation of LGBTQ+ people to aspire to be at the tables where decisions are made -- and refuse to mute who they are in the process.”
Since becoming public figures, Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, have become targets by the conservative right. Last year, the Buttigieg family expanded by two. The couple hinted in August that they were expecting, then in September they released the photos. Buttigieg defended his honor while conservative politicians and commentators made fun of him for having a gay father. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) came under re from him for calling protections for same-sex marriage rights a “stupid waste of time.”
“I believe Pete Buttigieg sets a very good example of how to rise above the fray, especially in these times of polarized politics,” said Matt Skallerud, president of Pink Media. “He and his husband, Chasten, have weathered numerous personal attacks in the media over the past few years, and yet they have both maintained a strong sense of focus and purpose in their work in politics and have shown the world yet again the strength of LGBTQ+ relationships, more poignant now that congress has just passed the landmark bill protecting same-sex marriage.”
“Secretary Buttigieg is a hero to the LGBTQ+ community because every day he wakes up, shows up, and works hard—all while being his authentic self,” said Justin Ayars, equalityMD, founder and CEO. “Being a member of our community doesn’t de ne who he is. By listening to his constituents, fighting for what he believes in, and honorably serving the American people, Secretary Buttigieg symbolizes how everyday people can be LGBTQ+ heroes.”
TOP: PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AP IMAGES, BOTTOM: PHOTO BY ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES
President Buttigieg?
Given the threats of either Trump or DeSantis running for POTUS in 2024, the question was asked of LGBTQ+ community leaders if Buttigieg should run again for POTUS? Is he the best chance for an LGBTQ+ candidate to get elected right now? President Biden will undoubtedly run again in 2024 as an incumbent. Perhaps the only way a Democrat will run in 2024 is a health consideration for President Biden. Given President Biden’s health is not an issue, and he runs as an incumbent in 2024, then regardless if he wins or loses, another Democrat will have to run in 2028. Should Buttigieg run for POTUS then?
“Secretary Pete represents the kind of pragmatic, experienced leader that all communities – not just LGBTQ – can trust with their future. He represents a generation that has seen unprecedented change in American values, but also a generation that will be permanently affected by issues like climate change and inequities created by those who came before him,” said Nelson. “Whether in 2028 or beyond, he will make an excellent candidate for President whose lived experiences as a soldier, as a mayor, as a Cabinet secretary, as a father, and as an LGBTQ role model will make an exceptional leader.”
“I do believe Pete Buttigieg has both the moral character and the experience to run as President, especially in 2028,” said Skallerud. “He could make true history by being the first openly gay President in our nation. Should Biden choose to run again in 2024, I do anticipate that Pete and others will defer to President Biden on this one and not challenge him, but that’s just a guess on my part.”
Not everyone agrees his current performance as Secretary of Transportation is stellar enough to garner the support he needs for a run in 2024. “Pete Buttigieg is most certainly one of the most professionally qualified individuals in a cabinet position in D.C. His personal life is also exemplary, and overall, he is worthy of presidential consideration (Veteran, speaks 5 languages, has held public o ce, is married, has children, etc.),” said Herb Sosa, director and CEO of Unity Coalition, Celebrate Orgullo, and publisher of Ambiente Magazine. “Unfortunately, as of now, he has not stood out in his cabinet position enough to be a serious consideration for a 2024 presidential run… but we still have 2 years, so hopefully, he can speak up and stand out enough to be seen as a serious contender and unifying leader for many, not just the gay candidate.”
Most feel no matter what Buttigieg choses to do, he will excel. That ultimately, he has proven himself and continues to do so to garner the support of the people behind his leadership, no matter what the role.
Parenthood for the Win
Last year, the Buttigieg family expanded by two. The couple hinted in August that they were expecting, then in September they released the photos.
Being a father only strengthened Buttigieg’s already superior understanding of the problems facing the LGBTQ community. When questioned by CNN if Don’t Say Gay in Florida was hazardous, Buttigieg went full gay dad.
Buttigieg defended his honor while conservative politicians and commentators made fun of him for having a gay father. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) came under fire from him for calling protections for samesex marriage rights a “stupid waste of time.”
“If [Rubio’s] got time to fight against Disney, I don’t know why he wouldn’t have time to help safeguard marriages like mine,” Buttigieg said on CNN’s State of the Union. Fans loved it. An easy win.
“Pete Buttigieg would, as he was in 2020, be a formidable presidential candidate. He is an incredibly skilled communicator with an uncanny ability to think on his feet and break down complex policy issues in a digestible way for people,” said Wolf. “In addition, he has made being a husband and father central to his personal journey, inviting others to relate to him not simply as a politician or effective orator, but as a person. Far be it for me to presume what Secretary Buttigieg should do next. He is young and has infinite options for where he thinks he can do the most good. And taking on a national campaign is a heavy burden for a family — especially one with young children. But, if he made the decision to run for president again in 2028, there is no doubt that he would be a force to be reckoned with and there is a real possibility he could become this nation’s rst openly LGBTQ+ president.”
Senator Buttigieg?
At the start of January 2023, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced she will not seek reelection in 2024, setting o a speculation frenzy on whether Buttigieg would run and become the first out gay male U.S. senator.
It is unclear what Buttigieg’s next move will be because it is commonly assumed that he still has presidential aspirations. Though he has gained crucial D.C. experience as the Secretary of Transportation, the role isn’t typically viewed as a stepping stone to the White House.
Embrace Magazine contacted Buttigieg through Emma Hecker at the Press Office of the Department of Transportation. Embrace asked Buttigieg, “Will you run for Senate now that Debbie Stabenow is retiring?”
Buttigieg replied, “Senator Stabenow is a force in the Senate and fights every day to make life better for Michiganders and all Americans. I’ve been honored to work with her and look forward to continuing to work with her during this Congress. I am fully focused on serving the President in my role as Secretary of Transportation, and not seeking any other job. We are hard at work to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, grow the economy, and create good-paying jobs.”
That said, In an apparent e ort to be closer to Chasten Buttigieg’s parents after the adoption of their twins, the Buttigieges bought property close to his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan, last year. That would place him within Michigan and a contender for senator.
According to a Politico report from December, Buttigieg’s allies in D.C. created the Win the Era Action Fund and Win the Era PAC with an eye toward future elections. It’s unclear, though, exactly what he intended to run.
Are these indicators that he may run for senator, that would assure a more well-traveled path to the presidency than the role of Secretary of Transportation can provide? One can only hope.
Pete Buttigieg’s MOST ENDEARING MOMENTS OF 2022
One of the qualities Buttigieg's supporters admire most about him is his approachability and down-to-earth earnestness. These are the five best examples of these qualities over the last year.
When he wrote a romantic letter to his husband on Valentine’s Day. “Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life! I’m even more thankful for Chasten now that our love is not just an incredible gift between us but the foundation of a family. Here’s hoping our hearts continue to grow with every step we take together.”
When he was sketched by Devon Rodriguez, an artist and TikToker, as he sat opposite him in the New York City subway. A stunned Buttigieg accepted the drawing as Rodriguez thanked him for “everything you’re doing for the subway.”
When he wrote to Zander Moricz, an LGBT advocate who gained global attention in May 2022 after his high school dean threatened to turn o his microphone if he mentioned his sexual orientation or any LGBT issues in his valedictorian speech to graduating seniors at Pine View School for the Gifted in Osprey, Florida. A video of the speech was uploaded to YouTube and went viral, ultimately being noticed by Buttigieg. “I wanted to be sure to personally thank you for your voice and advocacy,” Buttigieg wrote in his letter to Moricz. “Your combination of wit and courage has reverberated across the country in ways that will benefit people you’ll never even meet.”
When he responded to a bigoted slur lobbed at him by Meshawn Maddock, co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party. Maddock posted a tweet that read, “We’re so lucky this weak little lady went to Michigan! It appears that he is bringing everything from California to this place" along with a video of Buttigieg endorsing electric vehicles. Buttigieg response was gracious, but powerful. “If [Maddock] wants to talk about little girls, Chasten and I are raising a little girl and a little boy. And we are raising them to have better values than the chairwoman. The rest is politics.”
When he was asked to comment on statements by Marjorie Taylor Greene. During her speech at a Trump Rally in October, Rep. Greene declared that Buttigieg would “emasculate the way we drive” by supporting environmentally friendly transportation. When asked if he was “o ended” by the comment, Buttigieg responded: “It was a strange thing to say. To be honest, there are other members of Congress that I pay more attention to when I’m thinking about opinions that really matter or ideas that are gonna be critical to engage with.”
SOURCE LGBTQNATION
