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As a gay man myself, I know how underrepresented the LGBTQ+ community is in Congress. David’s email yesterday (below) really hit home for me. He’s right: violence against LGBTQ+ Americans or ANY group of Americans is domestic terrorism. The GOP has radicalized– Actually, I prefer the term “brainwashed.” Fox News, MAGA Republicans, independent “media” figures, and billionaire-funded organizations have successfully brainwashed folks into believing there’s such a thing as ThE gAy AgEnDa and that we’re a threat to their kids. It’s no wonder that states can get away with passing discriminatory, harmful laws against myself and the people I love. Already this year, Republicans have introduced over 560 bills targeting transgender Americans, including minors. Some of these bills are now law, and those that failed still serve to validate their anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda. There aren’t enough leaders in Congress willing to pass federal legislation to protect us from the most-brainwashed Republicans or fight back against the propagandists – but I know that David Roth WILL. |
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I got into politics because my people need help, and I chose this campaign because I believe in David. I’ve seen him with his kids, with voters, at town halls, and with our staff.
I will be the first to tell you that when David says he cares about people, HE MEANS IT. That’s who I want in Congress.
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Mike Simpson has done more harm in Congress than any LGBTQ+ person has done to their neighbors. He has voted against our interests every chance he’s had the last two decades, and I don’t just mean queer people. I mean ALL Idahoans.
With your help, the team will end Mike’s influence in Congress and elect Idaho’s first gay representative.
Thank you, Alex @ Team Roth
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Roth <[email protected]> Subject: A drag queen, a bomb, and a bookshop. Date: Sept 27, 2023, at 12:05 PM |
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John,
Last Sunday, a Salt Lake City bookshop closed unexpectedly after receiving a bomb threat. The threat wasn’t made because someone hates books (though we should also talk about these book bans, too).
The bomb threat was made an hour before a Drag Queen Storytime event hosted by Utah performer Tara Lipsynki. |
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.jpg "A photo of a sign on the bookshop entrance. It reads “For the safety of our booksellers and loyal readers, we have decided to close today. We look forward to matching books to you tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding and support.”")
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Police did not find a bomb on the property. But the threat alone tells LGBTQ+ people that we are supposed to hide, that it is DANGEROUS for us to exist in public spaces or engage with our communities.
This is by no means the only recent example of threats of violence against LGBTQ+ Americans, but what I found shocking is that this isn’t the only threat Tara has faced this year.
Already in 2023, Tara has worked four drag events across the state that were targeted with threats of violence towards the hosts and attendees. At one of those events, she came face-to-face with the Proud Boys.
We all know that Republicans have succeeded in radicalizing much of their base and validating hate and violence, but let’s call this what it is: domestic terror.
When you attempt to terrorize your fellow Americans, whether with threats or actual violence, you are a domestic terrorist.
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If our leaders did more to guarantee our safety and punish people who profit off of stoking hate and violence, then the LGBTQ+ community would have nothing to fear. My family would have nothing to fear.
This time the threat was in Utah, but next time it could be here at home. I know there are people who will put a target on my back for running for Congress as a gay man. I know I’m supposed to be afraid.
But I DON’T CARE.
I don’t care who you are, who you love, how you identify, what color your skin is, where your accent is from, or which pronouns you use, John.
Stay safe – but don’t hide. Idaho needs people like you as much as it needs me.
I see you, I will fight for you, and I appreciate you.
David Roth |
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