Ahead of Thursday’s presidential debate, LGBTQ activists are urging President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to address their concerns and policies. In a letter to CNN moderators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, activist and writer, Ellis, pleaded to be noticed and asked the candidates about their past statements and policies.
“The safety and freedom of LGBTQ people depends on your engagement with the candidates and ability to inform voters about their records and proposals,” Ellis wrote. She specifically requested that the moderators ask Trump and Biden about marriage equality, rising anti-LGBTQ hate and extremism, gender-affirming health care, and the Equality Act, federal legislation that would make sexual orientation and gender identity protected classes.
Annise Parker, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, also expressed hope that the moderators would bring up LGBTQ issues, highlighting the stark contrast between the two candidates. The debate, hosted by CNN in Atlanta, coincides with LGBTQ Pride month, recognized annually in June.
According to recent polls, most U.S. adults plan to watch or listen to some segment of the head-to-head debate, considering it an essential element of both candidates’ 2024 presidential campaigns. A second debate is scheduled for September 10, hosted by ABC.
