11 Republican Presidential Hopefuls and Their Awful Anti-LGBTQ+ Records
by David June 9, 2023 · Gay News / Gay Pride / Gay Rights / The Advocate
Author: Christopher Wiggins
As Republicans continue to line up for their opportunity to out-conservative each other in their quest for the 2024 GOP nomination for president, the list of potential candidates continues to grow.
Glenn Youngkin hasn’t declared his presidential ambitions yet, but he appears to be positioning himself for a potential run given his state’s single-term limit on governors. He was elected as a Republican in Virginia, where recent elections trended blue.
The sitting governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum, is one of the most unknown candidates. Among the anti-trans laws he signed was one that banned trans people from using bathrooms based on their gender identity.
Arguably the most anti-LGBTQ+ presidential candidate in U.S. history, Ron DeSantis has made it the mission of his governorship to attack queer and trans people, whether it’s children or families, or adults.
In 2011, former New Jersey governor and early Trump endorser Chris Christie said, “I am not a fan of same-sex marriage,” adding, “I believe marriage should be between one man and a woman,” during an NBC’s Meet the Press
One of the most anti-LGBTQ+ candidates in the Republican field is former South Carolina governor and Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, Nikki Haley.
As governor of Arkansas, Hutchinson has signed an abundance of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
A noted homophobe, former vice president Mike Pence is known for his anti-LGBTQ+ remarks and actions. He uses his faith to excuse his bigotry whenever he can and wraps himself in piety and religion every chance he gets.
Former pharmaceutical executive and newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy describes himself as a nationalist who believes that America must regain civic pride.
The South Carolinian is the only Black Republican senator serving in the U.S. Senate and a staunch anti-LGBTQ+ lawmaker.
Former president Donald Trump was outright hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community before that tactic was in vogue again with right-wing conservatives. He banned transgender servicemembers from participating in the United States Armed Forces.
Larry Elder has an extensive history of anti-LGBTQ remarks as a former conservative radio host from California. He questioned the Pulse nightclub massacre as to whether or not it was a hate crime.
Moreover, he made several derogatory remarks about Ines Rau, the first transgender woman featured in Playboy.
He also said that “You ought not be able to wake up one day and think you are female and use a female bathroom,” the Sacramento Bee reported.
In addition to his support of Donald Trump, Elder is also a staunch opponent of Black Lives Matter, denying the reality of systemic racism and the movement’s existence as legitimate.
Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Christopher Wiggins
