How Coming Out Trauma Explains Some LGBTQ Resistance to Pete 2020

Image Credit: BBC

I am not an official spokesperson for The Gays.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve earned the credits — having been officially gay since 1993 (and unofficially since 1987). In that time I’ve done my level best to evangelize our unique culture and to build bridges with anyone who was receptive to crossing a yawning chasm with merely a few bolts or screws. Though I am younger than the earliest group of AIDS and Gay activists (the loss of whom still echoes in my life), I’ve been on the front line of every major cultural battle since coming out of the closet.

I’ve seen allies suddenly turn on us when politically expeditious. Think Clinton and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell — even though we are the most reliably polyamorous voting block. I’ve seen expected enemies become major supporters of our community: think W and his passion for ending the AIDS crisis. I’ve watched the promise of a new future be co-opted by political reality: think Obama’s “evolving” position on marriage equality. And I’ve seen whatever this indescribable nonsense is that’s going on now — a President simultaneously holding up pride flags at rallies and actively persecuting Trans people.

But what seemed inconceivable even a few years ago has — both sadly and excitingly — become a possible reality. On one hand, the end of American…