Quote from: Deinewelt on April 11, 2015, 05:57:19 PM
Hillary has been outspoken on some occasions about LGBT rights while working as Secretary of State. Most of this revolves around the fact that other countries around the world are so backwards with respect to this. For example, laws in other countries that make sexual orientation or gender identity a crime.
Based upon what I can find, they are actually very supportive of transgender rights and are largely against discrimination due to race or gender of any kind. Although Clinton signed DOMA, he has mentioned that he didn't think it was the right thing to do, that it was unconstitutional, and he would have been unable to veto it. When he signed it, he put a note on it that indicated that he did not think it would be constitutional if it allowed for discrimination. He has also been outspoken about overturning it lately, claiming that it now actually causes discrimination.
Actions speak louder than words.
The actions of not only the Clintons but also Barney Frank pretty much tells me that they are all lip service about trans rights, and only up until fairly recently, gay rights too. ENDA should have been pushed through when there was a super majority. The fact that we can't even get an ENDA bill passed and signed in a heavily democratic controlled state like New York speaks volumes. This is real for me because right now I am vulnerable as I work in New York.
BTW my employer has been extremely accommodating about me and has a strong non discrimination policy. in no way are they aligned with "progressive" causes. They simply value their employees and their lives inside and outside work. It's a choice I made to work for them. They have treated me well.
FACT: the biggest wins for LGBT have been in the courts, thanks to the hard work of organizations such as lambda legal. I support them and their mission.
FACT: PR is what won it and will win it for same sex marriage. Humanizing gay people helped a lot. Seeing an old lesbian couple on the court steps won hearts and minds. Seeing people like Laverne cox and Jazz Jennings will help us. But also seeing non passable trans women and men in a good light as good citizens will help too. Shows like OITNB and transparent help a lot. Give it time.
I am a libertarian for a very good reason. I believe everyone has the right to be left alone by the Government. Reminds me of the sun and the wind fable. Kindness wins. Amazing how so many people who decry war will have no problem with and advocate a government putting its boot on the throat of its own citizens. I think any government force is despicable.