News: Jared Polis Becomes First Openly Gay Governor
The recently concluded midterm elections in the United States delivered many historic first, with one of them Jared Polis winning the gubernatorial race in Colorado. With the win, Polis now becomes the first openly gay man to serve as a governor in the United States.
With his win, he now joins Oregon’s Kate Brown as one of two openly gay people elected governor of a U.S. state. Brown also emerged victorious on election day, defeating her Republican challenger and winning another term.
Polis never sought to hide his sexual orientation, starting from his time in the U.S. Congress from 2009. During his time as a Congressman, Polis pushed for a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He also cosponsored the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Polis’ win is even more astounding considering that Colorado was once dubbed an anti-LGBTQ “hate state.” The state gained the moniker after it passed Amendment 2, which sought to ban legal protections for gays and lesbians.
Colorado is also the state where a more recent battle over gay rights was fought. The Masterpiece Cakeshop, is located in Colorado, and the case against it that reached all the way to the Supreme Court and drew national attention.
In remarks given to The Denver Post, Victory Fund president and CEO Mary Parker called Polis’ victory a “historic win.”
“The fact that the state of Colorado, in 25 years, has gone from being dubbed the ‘Hate State’ to a place that can elect someone who is not just openly gay, but publicly gay, that’s historic,” she said.
Parker also credited Polis’ team for making sure that his sexual orientation was a non-issue.
“It’s the culmination of a lot of work of activists to win the hearts and minds of voters to make sure that when Jared entered the race, he wasn’t judged as a gay man, but as a public servant,” she said.
I hope the voters gave him the job because they thought that he was the right one for it. I am happy he did not make his sexuality part of his campaign. We should show him the same respect and not make it a reason to single him out.
Being gay is not who you are it is just part of you.
If you voted for this man because he is gay. Shame on you.
of course…
Agree. It’s too bad we can’t choose or hire the best candidates based on skill, experience & expertise rather than gender, race & sexuality. I could care less if someone is straight, bi or gay. And I’m assuming the majority of “straight” men/women are gay anyway.
Every time something like this is posted I just know some bitter queens are going to try and shit on it. It won’t make you feel better inside sweeties.
I know right…
GOD BLESS COLORADO VOTERS !
and to hell with the Trump turds who want to oppress us !
“It’s the culmination of a lot of work of activists to win the hearts and minds of voters to make sure that when Jared entered the race, he wasn’t judged as a gay man, but as a public servant,” she said.
Now that’s how people should be viewed, not gay or straight or lesbian, bi or transgender. We are humans and our sexuality should not define us or prevent us from serving in office or helping our fellow human beings.
Polis is also one of the wealthiest members of Congress. Money buys lots of votes & influence. He’s perhaps the Romney of Democrats. Let’s hope he values compromise and can work with the Senate & provide solutions for illegal immigration/DACA, fair trade, health coverage & the protection of American workers/employment.
lol, what about Trump then?
Ah ok…..
Absolutely, Dave. And Pelosi and more. Both sides need to work together. Trump has done some good. Let’s stop the party partisan crap. It’s not working.
President Trump was elected President in 2016, a fact too many Democrats have been unable to accept even to this day. He’s working on the same issues.
Rick – We voted for the best candidate. Not just the wealthiest one. Stapleton Walker (Walker and is in the George WALKER Bush Walkers) has plenty of financial backing as well. Colorado likes Jared Polis. He won because he was the best candidate.
Question for Dave: Why do you post something political and then not post comments that do not mesh with YOUR personal viewpoint. From the few that trickle through, it is apparent that the gay men of this site have a tremendous breadth of political perspectives. You should allow all to be heard and as the moderator.
But let’s face it. The ONLY reason you posted this is because the man is gay. It isn’t necessarily because you think he is an excellent force for good. He’s gay and that is all that matters. That attitude of “he’s gay and that’s all that matters” diminishes gay men.
I posted all comments dear.
Yes because he is gay and thinking like many other gay men.
I am Canadian, I dont follow American politics as much as Canadian politics, but I hate Trump and all his team. Racism, misogyny, homophobia, and all things I hate, so you can imagine how I hate him!
Why does it have to be reported that he is openly gay? That has nothing to do with whether or not he can fulfill his duties as a governor. He sucks cock, so what.