The author with Gov. Ned Lamont.

It certainly is no secret that there are political divides across America that began even before the rise of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate. Increasing occurrences of violence, stigma and polarization against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, in particular, continues to rise.

LGBT individuals compromise nearly 4.5 percent of the American population (16,425,000 people), but disproportionately make up 16 percent of hate crime victims (FBI.gov). Stigma and violence are nearly 225 percent more likely to happen to an LGBT individual compared to other minority individuals.

This begs the question: Why should you elect an LGBT official?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. became a de facto example of why representation is so important. That without a public voice or political representative in government, rights get trampled on. In fact, Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized this fact too, prior to the landmark civil rights laws that are now part of the American democracy. But, Dr. King had to drop that inclusion of civil rights for LGBT individuals in the 1960’s because of the firestorm of criticism he received that threatened to halt his efforts for equality.

Ethnic and sexual minorities — including the 3.6 million LGBT individuals in Connecticut  – are not threats to democracy, but are instead, examples of our vibrant democracy. In its truest sense, democracy is a society founded on equal rights and privileges.

An LGBT politician who understands and seeks to represent marginalized communities and who is dedicated to social justice for all walks of life – that’s an ideal candidate to represent the New Haven community. Because putting aside people’s differences to solve REAL problems, is a pathway to a successful democracy.

Urn Pendragon is a transgender New Haven mayoral candidate.

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6 Comments

  1. Someday we’ll elect politicians based on qualifications, competence, and integrity, and without regard to race, sexual orientation, or gender.

  2. I wish the author well in the campaign. I want whoever is going to best serve my city or town. If that person happens to be LGBT — or a member of any other marginalized community or minority — fine. But I simply cannot vote for somebody just because they are LGBT, or black, or female, or a member of a particular ethnic group or religion.

  3. I didn’t realize that race, sexual orientation and gender were the primary reason(s) for selecting a particular candidate. I have always thought that qualifications, competence, and integrity (as Meg Nutter states) were the most important attributes, without regard to race, sexual orientation and/or gender.

    Guess I’ve had it wrong all these years.

  4. The candidate seems unqualified on the basis of math understanding. CT does NOT have 3.6 million in *total population,* let alone the “the 3.6 million LGBT individuals in Connecticut” claimed in this opinion piece!!

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