This article originally appeared in News is Out.
On this Election Day, we asked LGBTQ+ voters to share their experiences in voting, whether at the ballot box or through the mail, and why they chose the candidates who received their vote. We reached out to LGBTQ+ voters of all political affiliations.
Robin C., 35, lives in a small town south of Oklahoma City and tells News is Out their experience at the ballot box was low-key, with only about 25 people in line. “Everything was quiet and civil,” Robin said.
Robin shared that they voted for Kamala Harris for president because “she has a demonstrated history of supporting the LGBTQ community dating back to long before she became VP, and I also believe she’ll surround herself with an intelligent administration that will make sound economic policy, as opposed to the absurd ideas I’ve heard come from the Trump camp.”
“I also voted for a Democratic state House representative candidate named Mitchell Jacob,” Robin said, adding that they had a chance to speak to Jacob directly during his campaign, where he explained his position on improving education and his support for protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Robin’s district. “The personal interaction was helpful.”
Deb K., 65, is a voter in Michigan who has marched twice on Washington and cast her ballot for Harris, saying, “I will not go back,” echoing Harris’ own message on the campaign.
Erik S., 45, of Flint, Michigan, tells News is Out that he proudly cast his ballot for Harris.
“As a gay man, I obviously voted in my own self-interest, as I have no doubt that Trump, Vance and the theo-bros in Congress and on the SCOTUS will come for us next,” Erik said. “But I had tears in my eyes as I scanned my ballot this morning because I knew it wasn’t for me. My vote for Kamala was for my sister, my nieces, my friends, and all of the incredible women and girls in my life who deserve a better tomorrow.”
Yovonne B., 35, is a registered Republican in Maryland. In 2016, she voted for Donald Trump, and again, in 2020.
“In 2020 I voted for Trump, unfortunately,” Yovonne said. “I didn’t want to have to lie to my family. I did struggle with the decision.”
This election, Yovonne, who comes from a long line of Republicans as well, cast her vote for Harris.
“I don’t want any part of what the Republican Party is doing,” said Yovonne. “I can’t do it anymore. I’ll have to lie if someone asks me.”
Shelley K., 58, of New Jersey, voted by mail, sent postcards to North Carolina, and helped canvass in Pennsylvania. Voting for Harris, Shelley describes herself as an “old cis white lesbian from way back, with a beloved trans nephew and a bi niece.”
Leonard S., 45, is a registered Democratic voter in Michigan.
“Voting is something my family had to fight for over generations,” Leonard said. “It’s the most important act in democracy, and I don’t take it lightly.”
Lizelle V., 42, of Colorado is voting for the second time as a U.S. citizen. She cast her vote for the Harris/Walz ticket.
“I voted for Harris and Walz because I’m a self-respecting woman and want to see this country thrive,” Lizelle said.
She tells News is Out that she doesn’t take voting for granted.
“A lot of people fought like hell to give me the right to vote, and I vote for all my fellow citizens in hopes of a strong economy, health care for women and everyone, a climate reality check, and for democracy.”
Brandy H., 35, recently moved to Rhode Island from Tennessee. She and her wife went to the polls wearing Pride gear, and “nobody treated us any differently or othered us in any capacity,” Brandy said. “You can imagine how refreshing that was coming from what we were accustomed to in the Southern states. I will say the women voting outnumbered the men substantially, and we all sort of just nodded to one another in passing. It felt like a movement.”