Gay Rights

Trans Rights

Everyone couple deserves the chance to raise a family and live a happy life regardless of their sexual orientation. I’ll admit that I am a bit hesitant to include trans-rights into this, however. I haven’t met enough people yet to determine where I stand on the matter. Unfortunately, the few transgender individuals that I do know struggle with their mental health…it makes me sad because one person I’m thinking of seemed so much happier before transitioning. This makes it extremely hard for me to see this matter clearly. I’m just sharing what I’m observing.

I need to expand my horizons to have a more properly formed opinion. Despite being born in California, I grew up in North Texas, so you gotta cut me some slack here. Call me ignorant because you’re right (on the subject of trans matters). I definitely need to meet more people!

Equal Rights

Equal rights of American citizens come before religious beliefs. I realize that many conservatives will clash with me over this. I don’t really care, it makes more sense to leave the system as is, where equal rights apply to all couples. This applies to marriage, filing taxes, voting, immigration benefits, and hiring practices (with the only exemption being for religious institutions).

Adoption

Gay couples, straight couples, everyone deserves the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. This is actually Federal policy, so nothing will change when I’m elected into Congressional office. If it ain’t broke, don’t “fix” it. Let’s get kids into safe homes with good parents. The foster care system is overwhelmed with kids, rife with abuse, and children need a place to sleep at night with a family that truly cares about them.

Employment

As of 2020, it’s illegal to refuse to hire, fire, or discriminate against someone because they are gay or transgender. This is for the best. The ONLY exception I will make is this: a religious organization has the right to be selective in whom they employ. That being said? Upon employment, I believe gay and transgender individuals deserve Federal protection from being fired. Even if a religious organization wants to fire someone for their gender identity or sexuality, I don’t think it’s acceptable nor would I support any legislation that enables that. There has to be just cause and it cannot be based upon gender identity or sexuality. Once you’re hired, you’re protected. End of story.

Healthcare

The medical industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars lobbying Congress every single year. Insurance companies can afford gender affirming care without raising rates, these surgeries and hormone treatments absolutely should be covered by health insurance after a proper screening at an appropriate age (12+ minimum, if you ask me), a thorough review of the patients mental health, and a waiting period of at least 30 days, as these surgeries are often irreversible; making a life altering decision should be addressed with great prudence.