Introduction
Vice President Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on August 23, 2024... She addressed many crucial issues, including reproductive health and the rights of all people, regardless of gender identity.
” When Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law."-Vice President, Kamala Harris
My First Vote
1992 was the first time I voted during the Clinton campaign. It’s important to acknowledge how overwhelming life can be—I was in a domestically violent relationship, raising two children under the age of three, and receiving welfare benefits. I was exhausted. I didn’t have the bandwidth to research voting or fully understand the privilege it represented. So, I decided to vote like my parents, who were Democrats; I thought I should be a Democrat, too. Plus, I saw Clinton all over MTV, playing his saxophone and laughing, which made him seem relatable. So, I voted for Clinton. He ran against George Bush and Ross Perot.
My Second Vote
I voted in 2008 for Obama. Again, I want to be transparent—I had heard about Obama; he’d even campaigned in Seattle, and friends of mine who attended said he was amazing. But I wasn’t in a place mentally to take on the incredibly heavy job of researching a candidate and giving my vote to anyone. Part of my apprehension stemmed from the belief that my vote didn’t matter, that my choice wasn’t valid. I have since learned that our country is, in some ways, set up to make those who are unsure or don’t fully understand politics feel discouraged from voting. I also want to note that I have a granddaughter who was born in 2010. For her, having a Black president was normal—she didn’t know there was a time when a Black person, or anyone who wasn’t a straight, cisgender white man, couldn’t hold that office.
To My Surprise
Fast-forward to election day. As usual, the votes were coming in slowly, with most going to the Republican Senator, John McCain. Then something unbelievable happened—Obama won the majority vote at 52.9% and secured 365 of the 538 electoral votes. I was stunned. No words, just tears of happiness. I cried like a baby and sincerely thought our country was finally coming around to making real changes. After all, the new commander-in-chief was someone who represented me.
Personal Connection
I could relate to Harris when she spoke about her mother. It reminded me of when I was a single mom, trying to do the best I could. I also had a relationship that didn’t work out, but I taught all four children to make a way for themselves. I was always very open about my sexual history because I wanted my children to know that sex is fun and that it’s their right as individuals to do whatever they want with their bodies. Standing up for themselves and others was my motto, which is why Kamala’s mother’s story hit home for me.
My mother never lost her cool. She was tough, courageous, and a trailblazer in the fight for women’s health, and she taught Maya and me a lesson that Michelle mentioned the other night. She taught us to never complain about injustice, but to do something—do something about it. -Vice President, Kamala Harris
The Importance of This Election
There are a few reasons why this election is critical. First of all, not all Republicans are horrible people. However, the fringe group whose motto is 'Make America Great Again' is problematic. They are the loudest and most reactive group I’ve ever known. They have unrealistic ideas about how our country works and interpret laws sneaky and underhandedly. We can’t live like this anymore. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired, overwhelmed, and still trying to process the last nine years, which feel like a blur because the entire world was in crisis. The chaos deliberately created to confuse people into making choices against their best interests is just—strange to me.
For many, especially those who identify as trans or nonbinary, the right to make choices about their bodies and identities is constantly under threat. No one has the right to tell you who to love or how to love. What is considered a family, and what path you choose for a career—these are your decisions. To me, the word freedom means autonomy for oneself. If we don't start paying attention and casting our votes, we risk living in a country that becomes unrecognizable.
Get out there and vote. Every voice matters, including those of our trans and nonbinary community members. You can rely on me to give you the truth, with vetted answers and links to where I got my information in case you want to read for yourself. We’re in this together. I got you. Check out the links below.
Get to the work section. Make sure everyone knows We Won't Go Back.
Takes you to USGov
Takes you to vote 411
Takes you to Fair Fight
It takes you to Chop Wood, Carry Water
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