Volunteers with Queer for Kamala prepare to knock on doors in Pennsylvania Photo: Queers for Kamala
Kamala Harris is bringing the joy back.
As she blazes through her campaign for president, I have been thrilled to see the surge of enthusiasm for her candidacy in the LGBTQ+ community. So on a recent Sunday, I got up early, hopped on a bus, and joined over 150 new friends on a trip to get out the vote for Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania. It was a bus filled with queer joy.
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As a gay person, my life is political whether I like it or not. I’ve been lucky enough to live in a world created by the gay activists before me. But I know that none of that progress is safe.
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If mpox or another epidemic strikes again, I need a queer-friendly, competent leader in charge of the response. If the far right keeps targeting trans kids, marriage equality, and LGBTQ+ books (and they will), I need a president who will fight back. And if we want to create a world with love, acceptance, and safety for LGBTQ+ nationwide, we need that kindness and empathy reflected in President Kamala Harris.
The explosion of energy, memes, and support for Harris by the LGBTQ+ community has been incredible. Who knew when she became our candidate that the internet would go crazy? But the wide embrace by social media and politicos alike has injected much needed hope and fun into the race.
But memes and good vibes won’t win this election. Action will.
Queers for Kamala Queers for Kamala bus ride to Pennsylvania | Queers for Kamala
So I joined a bus trip organized by Queers for Kamala to get out the vote. The bus was buzzing with excitement. We were joined by actor and activist Jelani Aladdin (from Broadway’s Frozen and TV’s Fellow Travelers) to hype us up. Then we went to speak to voters in Pennsylvania, the most important swing state in this election.
Some conversations were fun: “I have five voters in this house and we’re all going for Kamala Harris!” Some were reassuring: “We’re both registered Republicans but wouldn’t vote for Donald Trump in a million years.” And some challenged me: “I’m really not sure yet. I hate how extreme both parties are these days.” But every conversation was kind and polite and allowed me to do what I came to do: share my thoughts on why Harris is right for our country.
Our big queer bus knocked on over 5,500 doors that day. We helped the campaign connect with voters in a real, person-to-person way. At the end of the day, we left knowing that we had moved the needle in a state where every vote could make the difference. We were filled with pride – and joy – and I, for one, am excited to return.
Getting our steps in on a sunny day in PA!
With less than two weeks until the election, every day counts. That’s why I’m inviting every LGBTQ+ person to think about the stakes of this election and get involved in this campaign. Join Out for Harris NY’s phone banks every Thursday night in midtown from 6-8pm. Hop on a bus to Pennsylvania with Queers for Kamala, where you’ll be joined by queer celebrities and icons like Ali Krieger, Brita Filter, and Jonathan Groff. Or find a bus or LGBTQ event near you and get connected. I promise that come November 6th, you’ll be glad you took the time to help.
And if you don’t want to do it alone – reach out! I’ll be out there with hundreds of friends and LGBTQ+ community members, talking to voters and transforming energy into action.
Let’s win this.
Gabriel Lewenstein is the President of the Stonewall Democrats of New York City, a city-wide political club dedicated to advancing the rights, priorities, and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community of New York City and New York State. He is also a co-chair of Out for Harris NY and on the leadership team for Queers for Kamala. And he is filled with queer joy!
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