LG BTQ + L E G I S L AT I V E L E A P S
ANNUAL
2020
ISSUES&POLITICS
EMBRACEMAGAZINE.US
66
Precedent for President: Pete Buttigieg First ever openly gay Democratic candidate for POTUS, Pete Buttigieg provides an EXCLUSIVE interview with Embrace Magazine. STORY BY SARA GIZA PHOTOS BY PETE FOR AMERICA
W
hile there is no way of foretelling the results of Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg’s campaign or the trajectory his political career will take, one thing is for certain—the historical significance of him bravely setting precedent as the first openly gay candidate seeking the democratic nomination. Undeniably, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals still exists in our country, as it does around the world. There are certainly potential LGBTQ+ candidates and youth coming up, who feel a deep desire to serve their country but fear that their sexual orientation may be used against them. When asked what advice he would give these individuals, Pete Buttigieg said, “Coming out is a difficult step for anyone. It requires that you summon the courage to share your truth with family, friends, and community. And it requires you to stand on the hope that you will be accepted, and the faith that you can overcome any rejection that may await. For me, there was no getting around the fact that it would be complicated.” He went on to say, “I began my career at a time and place in which you could either be out, or serve in a major political office—not both. When I
told my campaign staff that I was ready to come out, and sought to do so before the election, the bemused looks on their faces confirmed they were personally supportive but could not predict the consequences. I simply had to speak up and see what would happen. When it came time for my reelection later that year, my faith in voters was justified. Instead of judging me based on who I might love, the people of South Bend judged me on my track record of turning around the city. I had trusted them, and they decided to trust me in return—reelecting me with 80 percent of the vote. I’d be lying if I said that Chasten and I have completely escaped homophobia on the campaign trail. But the overall reception I’ve received shows that the American people are ready to continue to move in the right direction.” Marisol Samayoa, Deputy National Press Secretary for Pete for America, joined his campaign because she believes he is the best candidate in the race for President of the United States. She said, “I joined this campaign because Pete Buttigieg is the only candidate in the race who is ready to defeat Donald Trump with the broad coalition of support that is needed to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, especially those of color like myself.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Although Pete Buttigieg dropped out as a candidate of the Democratic race for President of the United States, on March 1, 2020. Embrace Magazine has opted to include this exclusive interview, acquired by the author on February 17, 2020 due to its historical significance as the final interview he granted a magazine or any publication prior to dropping out, and any inspiration it may provide to others.
Pete and Chasten Buttigieg greet supporters on the Trail.
