LGBT Rights: Missing In Election Action

By Citizen Correspondent David Mixner , USA

Date Posted: 02/13/08

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The good news this year is that individuals in the L(esbian)G(ay)B(i-sexual)T(rangender) community have found a home in nearly all the different Democratic campaigns for president. While there are some substantive differences in the candidates' positions on LGBT issues, they are not of the magnitude to cause alarm. The bad news is that the two remaining candidates for the nomination still do not support marriage equality. Originally published on David Mixner.com. Video by Channel187 - Heller: Independent Candidate For President 2008, originally aired November 16, 2006..

We should not forget that and we must continue to push for it. Even with the myriad of pressing issues and pet projects jockeying for attention in 2008, this is a position not available for compromise. It is an inalienable right, not a bargaining chip to be levied when the whim fits the circumstance.

The disturbing news is that it appears as if the LGBT voice has all but disappeared this election. Since 1992, the community has been not only constantly vocal, but also steadily visual in national presidential politics. Yet this year, it's as if the table has been set, but our place-cards have been mislaid.

Yes, we are all keenly aware of the bruises sustained during the last election - when the LGBT community was demonized for Rovian political gain. But now is not the time to become reticent. Now is not the time to settle for drinks when everyone else is staying for dinner.

While we had somewhat of good beginning (could have been done better) with the HRC/ LOGO candidate forum, we are nowhere to be found in the newspapers, the visual and audio media nor the newscasts. Night after night I switch from channel to channel watching the returns but have yet to hear news about our community's involvement in the elections

On Super Tuesday, there were some exit polls conducted in New York and California about how the LGBT community voted. Senator Clinton did very well with over 60%. Although she is not my preferred candidate, that is a story. But where is the rest of our story? How large was our voting bloc compared to others? Did it hold outside those two major states in such places as Georgia where Senator Obama won? What was the estimate of LGBT dollars vs. clout?