Obama Speaks Out to LGBT Community

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama sat down this week for an interview with the leading LGBT news magazine, The Advocate. The interview was, as the magazine notes, only his second discussion with a news source in the gay community since he began running for President. (The magazine notes that Hillary Clinton, however, had already appeared in their publication the previous fall, as well as on the gay cable channel Logo, and in various other news sources). His silence was discussed right off the bat, as the first question focused on his feelings toward the community and the press that covers it. Obama framed his absence from the gay press as resulting from his strategy to speak to larger, broader publications and media outlets. He said he wanted to focus on reaching the most people possible with the interviews he granted, while he also wanted to discuss LGBT issues in a more general and public manner, like at campaign rallies, rather than just within the confines of a "gay" sit-down interview. He argued that by speaking to the most people about the issues affecting the LGBT community and by making it an issue he discussed within the frame of general social discrimination and acceptance on the campaign trail, he could affect more individuals and open more minds to these issues. His answer really does speak to the broad themes of his candidacy, as he doesn't just want to be the "black candidate" or speak to an African American audience, or any specific audience for that matter. His language speaks to broad inclusion and addresses individuals of all types, and if voters hear him denouncing homophobia in black churches and in the black community because of how it ostracizes LGBT citizens, then he is rightfully seen as trying to bring in even more segments of the society into his campaign.

He acknowledges in this interview that he takes a risk by talking about "gay issues" to a larger audience that isn't necessarily there to hear that side of what Democrats stand for, but he says that gay equality is an important issue to him and that his strategy is the best way to bring about real change. Obama makes a good point here, I think, as he explains that "It’s easy to preach to the choir; what I think is harder is to speak to a broader audience about why these issues are important to all Americans."

As for his specific plans to help the LGBT community if elected President, he plans to eliminate the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that has barred openly-gay individuals from serving in the military. He argues that this policy has been counterproductive and a waste of time, energy, and money, as a great number of valuable and talented men and women have been passed over because of their sexuality. He also wants to pass the "Employment Non-Discrimination Act," make sure that federal employees can transfer their health or pension benefits to their partners, and make federal benefits fully available to same-sex couples who are in a civil union. He is a strong advocate of repealing the "Defense of Marriage Act" as well. However, the word "marriage" is still not one that Obama wants to push for same-sex couples, at least in terms of federal legislation, as he believes it would prevent real progress from occurring in Congress, as, no matter what his opinion is, it would be almost impossible for Congress to agree on a topic as controversial as allowing same-sex couples to marry. Civil unions are doable, Obama argues, and he says that his focus is on producing results for the LGBT community. This guides much of his thinking on these issues because he wants to produce legislation that is passable, as he thinks, for example, that transgender-inclusive legislation would also be a deal breaker for many in Congress.

More than anything, Obama wants to create a conversation during his campaign amongst all types of Americans about how to improve this country. He values opposite beliefs and opinions and likes that he is attracting all sorts of people to his campaign events. This begins a national discussion, he believes, and by speaking on a broad stage to so many different groups, he is trying to redefine America itself. He knows how racism is still alive in parts of this country and that attitudes toward race and sexuality are slow to change, and he comes into the fight for gay rights armed with the knowledge of how long a road it is toward true equality. Obama considers himself a leader on issues important to the LGBT community, but he does not claim to offer all of the solutions himself. He is merely offering us the chance to come together as a nation, discuss these issues that are significant to so many, and work out solutions that ensure an equal voice and equal place for all.