Just two days after the Republican Party adopted a platform that threatens to undermine progress toward LGBT equal rights, the American Unity Fund — a conservative nonprofit devoted to advancing the cause of freedom for LGBT Americans — hosted delegates for a brunch outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Held with in partnership with Equality Ohio, the brunch featured Caitlyn Jenner and Montel Williams as speakers to discuss about the importance of support for the LGBT community. Here are three takeaways from their discussion.
Some Ohio delegates were strongly opposed to the adoption of a Republican platform that undermines marriage equality and supports conversion therapy (a treatment geared toward changing a person’s sexual orientation) as a means of treatment for someone who identifies as LGBT. James Simon, a delegate from Akron, was in the audience and said that such a platform is dangerous. “I voted against it,” said Simon. “I think it’s inconsistent with the values of the Republican Party, and I think it’s a platform that’s just grafted on the agenda of a very small segment of the Christian right.”
Montel Williams cried while giving his presentation. As a veteran and outspoken LGBT ally, the TV personality called out similarities that exist between discriminating against the LGBT community and racial discrimination he faced as a child. “When there’s inequality for any one of us, there’s inequality for all of us,” said Williams. “It blows my mind that I put on a uniform to defend this Constitution against all [enemies], and we have people right here who would actually take away rights from as many as they could.”
Caitlyn Jenner is determined to take ownership over her identity as a Republican and as a transgender woman. “It was easy to come out as trans, but it was hard to come out as a Republican,” she said. “I get it. The Democratic Party does a better job when it comes to the LGBT community.” The former Olympic athlete and reality TV star has taken a lot of flack — both from the LGBT community for misspeaking and from Republicans not quite aligned with LGBT rights. Still, she says this isn’t about her — it’s about our future. “This is about the next generation coming up, and we have to provide a safe environment for them,” said Jenner. “I want this country to thrive. Hopefully, we can all make positive changes by working together."