I have a positive political story to share. Yes, it happens.
About 15 years ago, a friend of mine on Facebook was friends with a newspaper reporter, Bruce. There were a lot of interesting posts by Bruce, often somewhat political. He had both liberal and conservative friends, and typically the discussions were evidence-based and respectful. I engaged often, and I think I only blocked one of his friends.
For context, I live in the most conservative district in California. Before you think that the most conservative district in California is far more liberal than where you live, feel free to look up Shasta County Politics. You will find that Registrar of voters is an election denier who doesn't trust voting machines. You will find an area where a republican was recalled because he wasn't right wing enough. He had represented the area for about 20 years. You will find a county board of supervisors that is frequently in the news because of the incredibly disrespectful way that they treat each other and citizens that attend that meeting.
I'm very grateful I live in a deeply blue state even though I'm in a deeply red area.
Anyway, Bruce left his not very lucrative newspaper job to work for one of our Republican representatives. I continue to be Facebook friends with him, and the conversation weren't quite as political because he had to be more cautious in his new role, but were always invigorating.
I had never actually met Bruce unless we count the time he walked by my office and waved at me and walked on. About nine years ago, he asked if I would like to meet him for lunch. Having no idea what this would be about, I went to lunch with Bruce.
He knew that I am a flaming liberal. He nonetheless asked me if I would be interested in joining a school board that he was on. He said he had found my comments, always respectful and pro student. I was impressed that he would reach across the aisle. so to speak, to bring a new board number on with no experience. I joined that board and was on it for six years. I think Bruce and I voted differently on exactly one issue that came up during the pandemic. As always, his point of view was not unreasonable, unlike some members of the board. I disagreed, we voted, and it was over with no negative fallout between the two of us.
When the topic of trans students came up, I found that the superintendent felt that she was already doing a remarkable job throughout the district because she was launching a lot of equity programs. None of those programs ever mention being trans, and despite the multitude of data and anecdotes that I provided her, I felt completely ignored. I left the board two weeks later.
Bruce and I had had parking lot conversations about LGBTQ and trans students. I would say he was somewhat supportive of trans student rights, and certainly not a bigot, but it was clear he didn't really get it either. I offered a couple thoughts, but didn't press the issue hard. I know people have to come to their own conclusions.
About a year and a half later I transitioned. As some of you know, I was interviewed for aTV spot that had nothing to do with LGBTQ (except that I was trans) was ripped into by some members of the community on Facebook.
Bruce immediately reached out to to me to offer support. His thoughts about the people with their negative comments was, "To hell with them."
We met in person today for the first time since I had transitioned, and for the very first time, Bruce did not offer a handshake but instead a hug. The first hug after knowing each other for all those years. I think it meant something.
The board that oversees where I work has an opening and Bruce is running for it. Our board has a significant number of far right numbers now, a huge change from a few years ago. It's an intentional effort to take over school boards by the far right.
I am supporting Bruce. I can't imagine a better liaison than him. He certainly doesn't support the right wing agenda, but as a republican, he can help to bring some peace to that board, and I know his votes will always be reasonable and supportive students.
There's nothing like honest, open conversation to break down the walls of politics at times. I'm grateful to Bruce for teaching me that.
