Giuliano D’Orazio

Currently, I’m writing this article you’re about to read; it’s mid-September, 2020. The weather can’t make up its mind: the mornings are suddenly frigid, but the afternoon sun faintly burns with the glow of summer. My mind, however, as it pertains to this November’s election, is most certainly made up. I am voting for a more progressive, more diverse, executive cabinet. I am voting for an informed, compassionate and sensible response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am voting to fire Betsy DeVos and to hire someone qualified to lead this country in a time of educational upheaval. I am voting for a platform which recognizes that All Black Lives Matter. I am voting to let kids out of cages and reunite families. I am voting to protect a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her healthcare. I am voting to respect Science. I am voting for a cabinet that recognizes LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. I am voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president/vice president.

As queer folx, our very existence is political (it’s important our allies know this, too). The societal

acceptance some of us enjoy today is a direct result of decades of radical political activism, spearheaded by trans women of color — work which, out of unfortunate necessity, continues to

this day. In my January ‘Out and About’ piece, I highlighted some advancements in equality the

LGBTQ+ community has seen in recent years. One can point to the legalization of marriage

equality, which happened in the United States in 2015, alongside over 18 nations

worldwide over the course of the past decade. Sadly, as with most progress, these things tend to take two steps forward and one, sometimes giant orange, step back.

The current White House administration has, according to the Human Rights Commision, “pulled the U.S. away from its position as a leader on advancing human rights for LGBTQ people around the globe.” The evidence is rather staggering. I’ll just name a few:

1. Ban on Transgender Troops:

As of 2019, the Trump-Pence policy which bars any transgender person from enlisting to serve in the US military continues to be upheld and will continue for another four years, should the president win reelection.

2. Eliminating Pride guidance for embassies:

In 2019, the State Department halted its tradition of sending memos to U.S. embassies encouraging them to participate in their local LGBTQ Pride festivities. In fact, top State Department officials denied requests made by some embassies to fly a Pride flag. (Human Rights Commision)

3. Removal of LGBTQ+ Issues from White House Webpage:

Just hours after being sworn in as president, any and all mention of LGBTQ+ issues were removed from the White House official website. (Human Rights Commision)

4. Rollback of Housing Rights for Transgender People:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced its rollback of a rule that protected transgender people from discrimination by homeless shelters and other housing services receiving federal funds. (National Center for Transgender Equality)

5. Workplace Discrimination:

The Department of Labor announced a proposed rule that would allow federal contractors to “exempt themselves from equal employment opportunity requirements”. This is the type of legislation which allows businesses to refuse employment to LGBTQ+ individuals on the basis of “religious freedom”. (National Center for Transgender Equality)

Despite his purported support of the LGBTQ+ community in his 2016 run, Donald Trump has been quietly rolling back rights and silencing our voices as he loudly distracts. It is imperative that now, more than ever, we get out and vote to protect not only our rights, but the rights of all marginalized communities. If you need help registering to vote or want to check your registration status, go to: www.vote.gov

Bio

Giuliano D’Orazio (he/him pronouns) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, active

member of the local LGBTQ+ community and a board member of Love Your Labels. Follow him on instagram @musicbygiuliano