Growing up, I was always somewhat tuned into politics. I’d stay up late to watch election night coverage, eagerly awaiting the announcement of our next president, with the only consequences being those dictated by my parents. I felt like a passenger in a car that was moving too fast for me to grasp.
But things have changed. My mom isn’t around anymore to guide my choices. I’m now married, a father, and have bills stacking up. I’m an adult with a little one—Leo—who’s now pulling the levers of choice for me. So come election day, the stakes are higher than ever, and the decision couldn’t be clearer.
But I’m not alone. My family’s priorities might not align with those of our neighbors or even our nation. To get a sense of how other families are feeling about this pivotal moment in history, I connected with fellow LGBTQ dads. I wanted to know if they felt the weight of the current political climate as heavily as I do.
The Martinez Family
Take the Martinez family, for instance. Carlos and David have been together for over a decade and have two lovely daughters. As registered voters in Florida, they’ve sacrificed for the freedoms we often take for granted. They plan to cast their vote for Hillary, expressing that “Hillary represents a strong role model for our girls. She’s faced challenges and continues to fight for what’s right.”
For Carlos and David, the Obama years brought unprecedented advancements for families like theirs. They believe Hillary is the only candidate who can safeguard the progress made in LGBTQ rights over the last eight years.
Nick Johnson
Moving on, I spoke with a single dad from California, Nick Johnson, and his 14-year-old daughter, Mia. Nick knows the grind of hard work; he navigated multiple adoption agencies to become a father. He respects Hillary for her longstanding commitment to supporting children and families. “Her work on child health initiatives, like the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, shows her dedication,” Nick said.
I asked him about the other candidates. Nick remarked, “I wish Mr. Trump and the others understood that American families are more diverse than ever. This diversity is a strength that can inspire the world.”
Sam and Jamie
Next, I chatted with Sam and Jamie, who are registered voters in New York and proud dads to two adult children. Having celebrated their marriage following the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality, they hold a deep appreciation for Hillary’s advocacy. Sam shared, “I don’t want to regress. I’ve witnessed discrimination firsthand, and we’ve finally gained some equality. I refuse to lose that.”
This sentiment echoed across many conversations. Families like ours have been given a significant opportunity in recent years, and it’s hard to convey the gratitude we feel for not just being acknowledged but for having a seat at the table.
Daniel
Daniel, another gay dad and registered voter from California, stated, “We can’t afford to go backwards. It’s crucial to consider the example we set for future generations.”
Alex and Leo
Meanwhile, Alex and his husband Leo, registered in Maryland, are raising their son, Oliver. They emphasized how vital it is for the Democratic Party to stand firm in its support for the LGBTQ community.
Brian and Eric
For couples like Brian and Eric, who recently tied the knot, the election represents a critical choice for their future family. “We’re aware of the obstacles we face, being a biracial and bilingual couple,” Brian explained. “We support Hillary not simply because she’s not Trump, but because she’s qualified and truly cares about our nation’s wellbeing.”
Steve and Harold
In North Carolina, Steve and Harold, who’ve known each other since 1984, recently celebrated their marriage with their children by their side. They’re staunch supporters of Hillary, emphasizing her growth on marriage equality. “Hillary has evolved, just like many of us. She listens and keeps the country’s best interests at heart,” Steve said.
David and Josh
David and his husband Josh, proud parents of twins, echoed similar sentiments, hoping for continued protection of marriage equality and stronger enforcement against hate crimes. “If you know and love someone who identifies as LGBTQ—and you probably do—then the clear choice is Hillary Clinton,” David asserted.
Building families like ours takes immense effort, and we cherish every moment, fully aware of how hard we’ve fought for our rights. The world can sometimes feel like a battleground, especially with divisive rhetoric around us.
But we must strive to share our experiences, illustrating the shared joys and challenges of parenthood. Our role is to be loving dads and protectors of our children’s futures. As election day approaches, one candidate stands out as the champion for our families.
We’re with her. We’re with Hillary Clinton.
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In summary, as we approach this critical election, it’s essential to recognize the strides made over the past eight years and the importance of continuing this progress. Our families deserve representation, protection, and a future that promotes love, acceptance, and equality.