PGN: Do you support the Equality Act, and how would you advance it?
JS: Yes. I fought for the previous ENDA [Employment Non-Discrimination Act]. Let me just tell you how it works in the military. There was a study done [to determine] whether gays would impact us under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The assessment came out that, no, it would have no impact on operation readiness. That’s how I feel about why we need to make sure we have a federal nondiscrimination law. It isn’t just that you want equality. It’s that we want the best of everybody. Therefore, to have something like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or the failure to have an antidiscrimination law, it’s harmful to the common effort. As I advance these arguments, I like to say the common mission benefits by having the best of the best.
PGN: How would you strengthen hate-crime reporting for crimes motivated by anti-LGBT bias?
JS: We don’t have [a hate-crime law] at the state level. It’s a big, open loophole that people can dive right through despite federal law. We need here in Pennsylvania not just to have a hate-crime bill. We also need to have nondiscrimination laws.
PGN: What would you do to prevent violence against LGBT people?
JS: Leadership is about galvanizing people toward an idea. I think we’re in a fight for the character of America right now. Yes, we need laws that advance individual opportunity like antidiscrimination laws for the LGBT community. But you need leadership to galvanize the people so they know it’s the right thing to do. A servant leader is what you’re supposed to be. We don’t have the leaders, in my belief, that are out there warring upon the fact that this is what we stand for and this is good for people to have a hate-crime bill.
PGN: What could be done to strengthen anti-bullying programs in public schools?
JS: Do you need anti-bullying laws? Damn right, you do. Expect what you inspect is what you learn in the military. You should have standards for that inspection. Let’s have the standards, and let’s do the inspection and then make it transparent in the reports. When you reveal something, all of a sudden people as the public under a leader say, “Let’s fix that.” That’s how you do it; not just for the LGBT community, but for everyone. This is the transformative age for kids.
PGN: Do you support open transgender service in the military?
JS: Absolutely.
PGN: Do you think a legislative solution is needed to say you can’t turn away a transgender person who wants to serve openly?
JS: If that’s what it takes, if the service isn’t doing it on its own, absolutely.
PGN: Is there anything you’d like to do for stronger outreach about HIV/AIDS to minority communities?
JS: I’ve spoken to African-American pastors. The best thing we can do is to have the African-American leadership and ministries speaking out even more on this. They’re very open. They’ll stop a service and someone will get up. They’ll have someone there from an AIDS organization and the gentleman will make his comments and say he’ll be in the back. We need to do more of that. Another end of HIV that I’d like to work on: We’re going to have to really start taking care of seniors. Those in the early ’80s when the epidemic really started breaking out, all of a sudden are going into their 70s and 80s. If you go to ActionAIDS, the gentleman in charge will walk you through this wonderful effort of how they’re changing to help all senior people, not just in the gay community.
PGN: What do you see as the next legislative priority for the LGBT community in the post-marriage moment?
JS: The real step is to ensure this issue of equality overall with nondiscrimination in public accommodations and housing. I think the Affordable Care Act did a good job. But I think you have to watch it to ensure that the LGBT community has equal access.
PGN: Why should an LGBT voter cast a ballot for you?
JS: I think an LGBT voter is like any other American. I would like to have their support because I truly do believe in equality. We are better as a country if all hands are on deck. And hold me accountable. As my record has shown, I’ve stayed the course no matter what tough seas are out there.
Joe Sestak is a former Congressman from the Seventh District and a U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral.