Written: 04/24/2011
I try not to talk about politics that often, even here on the blog. But if you read me long enough, you’ll see which way I lean (although I register as an Independent, more on that in a bit).
But who am I kidding? Vast majorities of elected Republicans would rather see LGBT citizens dead than alive. And heaven forbid we actually discuss equality. While this may be true for some of their party members (especially older generations), younger generations get it (and choose to fight over states rights and fiscal issues, which I know very little about, so have it, I’ll remain concerned with social issues). So in some cases it’s a waiting game.
But then you read things like this recent study:
Suicide attempts by gay teenagers — and even straight teens — are more common in politically conservative areas that lack school programs supporting gay rights, a study involving nearly 32,000 high school students found.
Hatzenbuehler’s team found a higher rate of suicide attempts even among youths who were not bullied or depressed when they lived in counties less supportive of gays and with relatively few Democrats. A high proportion of Democrats was a measure used as a proxy for a more liberal environment.
Politicians are always railing against things that are unsafe. Just a suggestion.
And while there are certainly stand out elected Democrats (and to be fair, in some cases, Republican, although they tend to stand for equality after they are out of office, when it doesn’t matter), neither party seems to really care or get it right now. We’re a great demographic to ask for money, so we’re courted, but sadly, often little is done (but again, remembering the fact that last year was in fact a banner year for equality).
Sigh.
All my best,
The King of Spades
