Mayor
Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the
following statement about the formation of the exploratory committee:
“An
openly LGBTQ elected official forming a presidential exploratory
committee is a historic and powerful moment for the LGBTQ community and
the entire country. Exactly fifty years after the Stonewall uprising
that gave birth to the modern LGBTQ rights movement, we are finally in a
place where an openly LGBTQ presidential candidate can be a serious
contender. For the teenager in small-town America who is just coming to
terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity, having an openly
LGBTQ person running for the most important political office in the
world will demonstrate there is no limit to what they can achieve – and
that is transformative.
“In
such a wide-open presidential race, Mayor Buttigieg would be a welcome
contribution to the marketplace of ideas that will determine where our
nation is headed in 2020 and beyond. And while he is not running on his
sexual orientation, his presence will undoubtedly elevate LGBTQ issues
in the Democratic primary. LGBTQ voters are an important part of the
primary base, and with Mayor Buttigieg on the campaign trail and on the
debate stages, other Democratic presidential candidates will need to be
outspoken and well-versed on LGBTQ equality issues.
“Mayor
Buttigieg is well-positioned for this political moment. He represents a
new generation of presidential contenders and brings a sense of
optimism and American solidarity that is entirely absent from the
current national dialogue. He brings a unique set of skills and values
to the race as a successful two-term executive, a first-generation
American and a gay war veteran from a deep red state. Mayor Buttigieg
understands that Americans are tired of politics as blood-sport and
instead want politicians to address real issues affecting real lives. He
sees the similarities between the blue-collar worker in Indiana, the
undocumented immigrant in Arizona, and the young lesbian in middle
school in rural Virginia – and he believes with strong leadership all
their lives can be improved.
“Our country is in crisis and it is essential diverse perspectives are heard in this presidential race.”
