Hillary Clinton has claimed victory in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, and at this point, it’s all over but the shouting. There will still be plenty of that from Bernie Sanders’ supporters, particularly around her reliance on superdelegates. But the fact remains, Clinton won about 3.5 million more votes total than Sanders. It’s been a hard slog for Clinton, harder than it should have been, but now she can turn her attention to November.
Given the choice between Clinton and a candidate whose own supporters call him racist, it’s not hard to make a call as to who will win your vote. Still, using Trump as a bar against which to measure Clinton doesn’t do her nomination justice. Trump, wholly unprepared to be the leader of the free world, himself will scare women voters–all kinds of voters, really–into her own camp. But she is a formidable candidate in her own right.
Here are four reasons why having a major party nominate a woman as president will benefit us…
1. Breaking the glass ceiling again
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
We need to celebrate other firsts if we are ever to accomplish our own. Want a gay or lesbian presidential nominee? We need to see other barriers fall, eliminating all non-performance related barriers to political power. While our advances have been swift, the modern LGBTQ movement is relatively young compared to the struggles for women and people of color. With Barack Obama and now Hillary Clinton, two major barriers were shattered. That clears the way for a serious LGBT candidate in the not-too-distant future. (And no, Fred Karger is never going to be the guy.)
2. Reinforcing identity politics
Maybe the day will come when gender or sexual identity doesn’t matter in American politics. But that day isn’t here yet, not by a long shot. Clinton’s nomination clearly highlights the importance of identity politics, and she understands it intimately in a way that Sanders never did. She made a point of her feminist credentials and of appealing to women. It’s when (largely Republican) candidates argue that they are blind to race, gender or orientation that you have to worry, because it’s the first step toward having your movement de-legitimized. That’s not going to happen now with a woman heading the Democratic ticket.
3. Defeating the religious right
We all know the battles that the Clintons have had with the vast right-wing conspiracy. Hillary will not underestimate them as foes, nor the dangers they present to LGBTQ equality worldwide. But putting aside the political difference, having a strong woman as the party nominee undermines many of the tropes the religious right likes to trot out about women. As much as they may applaud their right-wing female politicians, conservative Christians still believe that a woman’s greatest accomplishment is being a wife and mother. To them, being president of the United States is not a role designated for a woman. Showing that a woman can hold the most powerful position in the free world further undermines the dying world view of the religious right of rigid gender–and by extension sexual–roles.
4. Working harder, knowing more
One of the unfortunate facts of any strong successful woman’s life is that she has to work harder and know more than a male colleague. Clinton certainly fits the bill, commanding an impressive knowledge of the arcana of policy and a wealth of experience. While that’s a sad commentary on what it takes for a woman to reach the top, those kind of hard-earned smarts will only pay dividends for us and other allies.
Of course, all of these points apply to certain woman. If the nominee in question were, say Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann, we’d be having a much different conversation. Luckily, the first woman to be nominated is one who is staunchly pro-gay (if a little slow to show it at times). She was particularly passionate about advancing our cause worldwide as secretary of state, and that’s where so much work toward equality and against violence and discrimination still need to be done. The fact remains: A historical breakthrough of this kind is good for us.
In fact, it’s good for the nation, particularly when it’s contrasted with the harrowing alternative that the Republicans are floating, albeit half-heartedly.
GC1985
Spot on. But I would go further than that. Hillary is great for this country, for all minorities and for the future. She won convincingly last night including in my state or California. Fellow latinos turned out in huge numbers for her. Even young people broke even for her in California (young people of minorities went for her by a large margin).
We need to stand unified with her. Trump has squandered a great chance to unify his party by continuing to launch nasty attacks, including on a sitting Judge. A Judge who has spent his career and life committed to the ideals of Justice and fairness.
We have a clear opportunity. Clinton’s acceptance speech and her foreign policy speech will rebuild her lead over that stupid stupid man!
Billy Budd
Hillary will bring 8 years of progress to the USA and will have a better foreign policy than the fat blonde bastard.
Brian
Hillary wants to be President so that she can prove a point about being a woman. This is not a good reason.
The country has had enough of identity politics determining the candidate. It wants qualified candidates, not a woman who’s out to prove a point about being a woman.
She has done nothing for male homosexual rights. She’s also a misogynist who empowered her cheating husband. Such a good role model for women….
GC1985
@Brian: She has many reasons including credentials and background you could never dream of having. She is one of the astute and well educated nominees I have seen.
You are idiotic and your hysterical rantings about identity politics are meaningless. Hillary has the credentials to be a strong Commander In Chief.
You are a misogynist, and now you talk about male homosexual rights. You deliberately cut out huge parts of our community because you are a bigoted little man. What about lesbians? Do you hate them too? You have mommy issues. Do you really hate your mom so much?
Hillary will win in November and somebody as hateful as you will be crying.
GC1985
Another number deeply troubling for the GOP… Trump is the presumptive nominee, yet in many states yesterday nearly 30% of Republicans still refused to vote for him. That tirade on a sitting Judge has had more damage than you realize. And that Trump tirade turned into a major blunder that will haunt him all the way to November.
joeyty
The only people her election would be good for are the Clintons and their circle.
Masc Pride
Bernie or Bust! Clinton and Trump are just more corruption, agenda and self-importance, and the election of either will undoubtedly send the country spiraling into even more contention. We’re pretty f cked either way.
MediaGuy
@GC1985: I am a Bernie supporter, you know that from our discussion from yesterday. That being said, I would agree that Hillary is the most astute candidate of any of them running. Better qualified than Bernie in absolute political terms. But I endorse Bernie for other reasons. Now that she’s the nominee I don’t know what I’m going to do. I really don’t want to vote for Hillary. I have too many doubts about her. In fact, the country needs change and really dude, she isn’t an agent of change. She represents more of the same. I am also wondering about you. Are you an editor here on Queerty? You always have a lot to say, like you are the website’s monitor, and aside from some low blows I have seen you issue to some of the readers you are remarkably well informed. Is this your website? Just curious really. Good luck to America with the current political drama at play. Time will tell, time will tell.
joeyty
@MediaGuy: LOL. Well-informed??
joeyty
@MediaGuy: Queerty also says Northern Ireland is Catholic. I’d never call it well-informed.
GC1985
@Masc Pride: No such thing as Bernie or bust. Like Brian you hate women. What corruption? How about the FEC investigating Sanders for illegal fund raising? Hypocrite.
Scribe38
@Masc Pride: There is no fuc*ing comparison between the two. One is an orange bigot who never met a minority group he did not want to oppress, and the other was a leader that was part of two successful administrations that lowered the national debt and unemployment rates. One has insulted women, blks, Mexicans, Arabs, etc and would roll back gay rights with bad appointments to the Supreme Court, while the other will continue the progress that has been made. The choice for any gay person with a brain cell should be pretty clear. The fact that Trump is supported by KKK and Nazis loving groups should be enough for folks to get off their butt and vote.
GC1985
@MediaGuy: You are entitled to your own self centered opinions. I am not an editor. Hillary is more trustworthy (politifact) than Sanders. They have an identical voting record in the Senate. What is so different about him? He better return those donations. She is the right person for stability and steady change. Radical change can lead to disintegration. She is a steady yet firm hand. something Sanders isn’t and never will be. And 15-16 million agree with me. More than any other candidate.
@joeyty: Says the clown who doesn’t know anything about politics.
GC1985
@joeyty: Go talk about something else you know about. Current events is too complex for a misinformed fool like you.
@MediaGuy: BTW, thought you were leaving?
GC1985
@MediaGuy: And don’t vote? Might as well for Mr orange hair napoleon wannabe then! Your inaction is severe. You realize how many you could hurt? If you really cared, you would want Bernie to help democrats win seats in Congress. Seriously your attitude pisses me off. Help democrats regain the Congress… Not just retain the White House. Want change? Focus on the legislative branch!!!!!!!
Bob LaBlah
No matter who wins we all lose. I am not looking forward to a third Clinton term but considering the alternative……
AtticusBennett
what a shocker! this site’s resident trolling cowards don’t like Clinton!
closeted wimps who won’t support Clinton because they’ll vote for whomever their bigoted dads tell them to vote for. quel surprise 😀
broadshoulder
Hold on! Wasn’t she backing gay marriage is for two heterosexuals a few years ago. Lets jump on passing bandwagons
I dont believe this ‘cool’ Hilary
GC1985
@broadshoulder: She supported LGBT people and equality in 2011. Before Obama or Biden. But I suppose you think the GOP is so much better?
You trolls never cease to amaze me.
Bob LaBlah
@broadshoulder: You too remember what that ol’ hillbilly said and know has amnesia about, huh?
ChuckF
“The gays”? That’s what miner’s union secretary called people like me in the movie Pride. I didn’t expect to see me referred to that way on this site.
GC1985
@ChuckF: That is indeed in poor taste.
Hussain-TheCanadian
The Gay community must push a Clinton administration to do the following:
1) Further gay rights and protections by passing on the federal level protection laws against discrimination in: Jobs, housing, and Healthcare
2) Stop giving aid/economic relief, weapons, political cover to countries with horrible gay rights records
3) Pass laws to outlaw “Therapy conversions”
unreligious
“Luckily, the first woman to be nominated is one who is staunchly pro-gay (if a little slow to show it at times). She was particularly passionate about advancing our cause worldwide as secretary of state, ” What nonsense. She only supported gay rights when the polls said it was safe to do so. It was only after she left her job as Senator of New York that we got a Senator who vocally supported us. Lets not go into how her husband threw us under the bus. As secretary of state she was following President Obama’s program, not leading it. Tired of hearing how great Hillary will be for us because she is better than the republican candidates. Could the bar be set any lower? Sorry but I will vote for either the Green or Libertarian parties candidate rather than reward Ms do nothing for the gays until it’s safe to do so, with my vote.
Brian
Hillary has done virtuallu nothing for male homosexual rights. She gets a thumbs down.
Brian
I would not be surprised if Hillary fears male homosexual desire. Many liberal women do. It represents male power.
kevininbuffalo
@unreligious: Trump is nuts, I wouldn’t consider voting for him. The Clintons are all about money and power for themselves. Clinton was a very late comer to GLBT rights. If it would help her she’d throw us to the wolves without a second thought. I’m fed up with voting for the lesser of two evils. I’m voting for Gary Johnson the Libertarian candidate. The Libertarians have always been pro Gay and pro choice on everything. But I would say to anyone, vote your conscience, Trump, Clinton, Libertarian , Green whatever. It’s your vote use it the way you think is best.
GC1985
@unreligious: Incorrect. Completely wrong. She did in fact talk to the world regarding LGBT issues. And she has had a good impact before Biden or Obama even opened their mouths. Vote for the miniscule Greens or screwball libertarians? You might as well vote for Trump.
@Brian: WTF is male homosexual rights? Do you hate lesbians and trans people? Seriously shut up. Nobody wants to hear your constant whining like a child. Male power… Funny how you have no power at all. Do you fear women? How about powerful women? They might scare the living sh*t out of you.
GC1985
@kevininbuffalo: Except libertarians are full of sh*t on economic issues. Pro gay for a long time? Doubt it. Good luck throwing your vote away to Trump. You are so tired huh? So you are going to vote for a pro corporatist aleazebag like Gary Johnson and essentially throw away your vote? How empowering.
People who vote libertarian usually aren’t the sharpest out there.
GC1985
@GC1985: *sleazebag.
Libertarians aren’t pro choice unless it comes to businesses and destroying regulation. Luckily, Gary Johnson may take away more republican voters from Trump. Voting third party in this circumstance is like supporting Trump.
Do not sit here for a minute and tell us otherwise. People like you are to blame for helping Al Gore lose the election. That won’t happen again!!!!!
Brian
Hillary Clinton empowers men who cheat on women.
passingthru
@AtticusBennett: These losers are nothing; the world certainly isn’t listening to them. I’m very excited about Hillary – she constantly amazes me. Go Hillary!
ddevine
GC1985 You are completely hysterical and have apparently come unhinged. Wild ranting and the whole “misogynistic” paranoia does not help your cause. It makes one roll their eyes after awhile. GENDER has nothing to do with corruption, or chronic lies or elitist mentality. That is gender-free. Your obsession with Clintons genitalia overrides any point you are trying to get across herein.
Hussain-TheCanadian
@Brian: Jesus Christ Brain….As much as I dislike Hilary Clinton, I think its admirable that she chose to forgive him.
Besides, you guys need to keep your politicians in check when it comes to foreign wars, supporting dictators with weapons and UN veto cover, and focus on your own internal economic and social well being, like the three points I mentioned above.
GC1985
@ddevine: You have a few screws loose in your head. I am stating the facts. If you don’t like the facts, then that isn’t my problem. You are just ignorant and you can’t even look at the evidence. I am someone who looks at policies and empirical evidence. I am someone who looks at detailed strategy. This is something Bernie and Trump are completely devoid on.
And what obsession?
You just proved you’re a rambling moron.
GC1985
Everyone of my posts has been about policy, evidence or strategy. I never mentioned anything about Hillary’s gender. I swear some of the stupid in here will never be fixed. Ever. Does not help my cause? And who are you supporting, ddevine? Let me guess… that raving lunatic.
That’s all you people are all about. Full of sh*t.
Brian
I’m going to support Donald Trump because he will build a wall to stop homophobic Latinos entering the country without permission.
Hillary will open the flood gates to homophobic Latinos entering the country without approval. I want to feel safe as I walk the streets.
GC1985
@Brian: This isn’t your country to “build a wall” around. And Latinos are actually more accepting than Donald himself. Listen up loser, many of the countries in Latin America actually have same sex marriage legalized.
You’re a true bigot who keeps posting nonsense… keep it coming!
Brian
When Hillary undergoes gender re-assignment surgery, she’ll be able to say “vote for me and I’ll show you my wee wee”.
Will L
@MediaGuy: I hear ya. She is far from progressive. I just hope that we don’t lose any footing because she will not necessarily fight to retain any rights that might be threatened. Her priority will always be Wall Street because her son-in-law is a hedge funder.
martinbakman
@AtticusBennett: Some of us believe the Bushes and Clintons have fvcked up the country and so we want something else. The good thing about Hillary is that she isn’t Trump. Otherwise, there is a lot not to like.
GC1985
How did Bill f”ck up this country? He left as one or the most popular Presidents in history. Some here need to read up on their history.
passingthru
@Brian: Nobody is going to be flooding in. I encounter undocumented citizens every day and have never felt afraid. Your fear is manufactured.
GC1985
@passingthru: He hates immigrants.
I have one… Why don’t we give this country back to the people who were here already? Like all the Native American tribes pushed into substandard housing.
Bob LaBlah
And here all this time I thought they were still in teepee’s.
MediaGuy
@Will L: Yeah, and I’m afraid of the whole Muslim immigration issue, Muslims hate us, and I don’t want to have to be afraid walking down the street. The Muslims are going to ramp-up heckling and violence in our own neighborhoods. Did you see the youtube video about the heckling that Jews get walking down the streets of Paris? It’s chilling, and it could be gays. No thanks. Keep the Muslims where they are we don’t need to bring muslim guys here for work. No, I’m not voting for Trump, but seriously, gays cannot condone the Clinton immigration plans. We don’t need any trouble, especially from people like Hillary who say they are our friend, we’ve had too many gains recently, we don’t need to go two steps backwards. Bringing Muslims in is suicidal. What’s Gary Johnson’s immigration plans?
GC1985
@MediaGuy: And what are her immigration plans? Wake up, you have no idea what she stands for. How was Bernie any different? There are many Muslims already in the US so ask them what they think. Like Indonesians, Pakistanis and Somalis.
Minnesota is home to tens of thousands of Somalis. They operate hundreds of small and medium sized businesses.
Misplaced paranoia.
GC1985
And as far as Europe they have problems with integration and don’t have jobs. People end up in poverty. In America, Somalis ended up opening up many businesses through microlending. If you give people opportunity, terrorism isn’t attractive.
Bob LaBlah
I wonder why FARC hasn’t lost ANY of its appeal?
GC1985
@Bob LaBlah: Earth to Bob Sixpack… They lost two thirds of their members since the Uribe and Santos administration. You can’t fix irrelevant stupidity. Always trying to make it personal with idiotic remarks.
Bob LaBlah
Verification please. I can’t believe anyone who can’t even legally vote in the U.S. without proof of said comments. One must be careful of subversives.
robbyr2
If I can call people idiots @GC1985: Speaking of…
GC1985
@robbyr2: Your post is broken. Did you fail to finish a thought? Next time make a point.
@Bob LaBlah: Except I am a US citizen and I have voted since 2003. Nice try Big Mac Bob. Don’t forget the fries!
KDub
@GC1985: 1. DADT was introduced during Bubba’s administration.
2. The 1994 Crime Bill kept a record number of minorities incarcerated (lots of whom were low-level offenders). Also signed into law by Bubba.
3. He made a total mockey of presidency long before Donald Trump.
The Clinton administration didn’t help to make the country a better place for minorities (and the Mrs. okayed it all). Bubba’s “popular” for being a scandalous train wreck, not for being a great president. Add yourself to the list of guys here that need to read up on some history before commenting.
KDub
@KDub: Correction: 3. He made a total mockery of presidency long before Donald Trump.
GC1985
@KDub: Typical republican douche remark.
First off, DADT was passed by Congress. And opposition to same sex marriage at the time also ran in the mid 70%. Second, the Congress and its committees were controlled by Newt Gingrich and co. DADT was an unfortunate compromise, but prior policy was much worse. It was invented in Congressional committees (mainly headed by Newt).
Second, that bill was also a product of a Republican held Congress which had enough votes to override any potential veto. Hillary and others expressed their regret at the bill passing. People have a right to change their minds without being denigrated by misinformed folks such as yourself.
Third, popular opinion was staunchly against us and Bill had to fight for reelection and did successfully.
Mockery? Only in the eyes of foolish Republicans. He left as one of the most popular Presidents in history. It was a shame Gore wasn’t more effective in the 2000 election. We ended up with one of the worst Presidents in history. Dubya is the one that made a real mockery. Not Bill and all the republican manufactured scandals. Obama is leaving with a mid 50s (60% in key states) approval rating. The GOP Congress has a 20% approval rating. Trump has a 25% approval rating.
Take your pick. Use your mind for once and do proper research.
GC1985
Dubya left with an approval rating in the mid 20s. Obama is closing out in the mid 50s to close to 60%. Clinton left with an approval solidly around 60%. Use your brain. Luckily Hillary is vastly more effective than Gore.
Gay republicans (like yourself) make a mockery of gay people. That may be a harsh statement, but it is totally true.
You need to keep your historical ignorance to yourself. The President doesn’t pass bills. Congress does. Vetoes can be overridden.
KDub
I’m not a republican. I’ll assume the rest of that long rant is as incorrect as your assumption. According to polls that even liberal media outlets report, she’s only a few points ahead of Trump when it comes to likeability, and both candidates are the least liked in history. Let’s stick to facts. Lots of democrats can’t stand Hillary. Yes, Dubya was just as silly and reckless as Bubba. What a newsflash!
GC1985
@KDub: Bingo! You’re one of those frauds. Hillary has rebounded and in one poll is back up 8% over Trump. In addition she has wide spread support from democrats and is receiving countless endorsements. Hillary is far more likeable than Trump. Her ratings will continue to bounce up and she makes several traditionally republican states competitive. So much for your dumb assertion.
Keep on lying and being ignorant. Ignorance seems to be natural for you.
GC1985
And lots of Democrats… Bullshit. How was “Bubba” reckless? Stupid is second nature to you. Tell me are you a libertarian? Your whole belief system is built on bullshit.
KDub
And as far as DADT, there were republicans AND democrats in congress fighting for a total ban on gays in the military at that time. To claim that DADT was all by way of republicans and that the Clintons were simply innocent bystanders is a flat out lie or an argument formed from willful ignorance, both typical of Hillary supporters. Bill and Hillary were democrats that wanted gay service men and women to stay in the closet while they put their lives on the line to protect this country, which also told these people to be ashamed of who they were. Hillary changed her mind when it suited her benefit. Same with her “super predator” comments. You were asking how the Clinton administration f-ed up the country, to which I am telling you why the Clinton administration was horrible to gays and people of color.
KDub
Let’s end this juvenile diversion tactic of yours — I’m a democrat and always have been. Unless you can actually prove different, you will have to move on. I’m literally laughing out loud at your idea that being a mere 8 percent ahead of the likes of Donald Trump is some sort of triumph. Hillary is not far more likeable than Trump when it comes to even liberal-based polling. All your opinions don’t negate that it is a fact that she and Trump are the least liked candidates in election history.
GC1985
@KDub:Thanks for that historical revisionism. You really don’t have a clue what you are talking about. Republicans were far more antigay and democrats have evolved in the past decade. I am willing to accept someone changing their views. My aunt used to be highly conservative and religious, but her views changed dramatically. She used to never talk to me simply because I am gay, but she apologized to me a few years ago.
People have a right to change their views to be more accepting of others. That is how we made the progress we have today. I am not going to demonize people over where they stood years ago if they show comprehension and clear understanding.
Your comment on Bill and Hillary wanting people to stay in the closet is total bullshit. They were restrained by Congress. Listen up for once, they had their hands tied by a republican dominated Congress and Newt Gingrich (at one point).
You are not telling me anything. You are too ignorant of history to do that. So go screw yourself.
GC1985
@KDub: @KDub: You just proved you are a lying childish ass with that comment. Keep it up, phony!
KDub
I never stated any sort of ratio. I simply said there were democrats and republicans fighting for a total ban on gays in the military back in the early 90’s. It’s just a fact, and the Clintons were part of that. Even by your own arguments, they were complicit.
Again, you asked how the Clinton administration “f-ed up” the country. I’m telling you the Clinton administration was horrible for minorities at that time. I never said anything about people not being allowed to change their minds over time. If you want to continue to act like you’re intellectually superior to everyone, you may want to stop concluding your comments with statements like “go screw yourself” or other vulgarities that just show you as very immature and low class.
GC1985
@KDub: I am talking about ratios and facts because I only deal with facts and not ignorant personal feelings. Clinton did the best he could and overall was a successful president. I don’t deal with low life emotional queens like you. If you want to start discussing facts I am open to it. Keep being ignorant!
KDub
Ratios and facts? You truly tickle me. Most of your statements were opinions or lies. You said I was a republican, then you flipped to libertarian. Both incorrect. You claim Clinton had nothing to do with DADT, flat out false. You claim Hillary has no problems with likeability, yet poll after poll shows voters don’t trust her. Look at all the things Donald Trump has done and said since he announced he was running. The fact that Hillary is only 8 percent ahead says so much about her. According to some polls, it’s a dead heat or he is slightly ahead. It’s way too close, and that’s scary. With a more likeable and trustworthy candidate, it would not be this close. You have offered very little truth here. Lots of unnecessary attitude and vulgarity, but very little truth. Done.
GC1985
@KDub: What was I lying about? Or just one of your stupid immature delusions? I posted facts not stupid opinions like you. Oh and that 8% was prenomination (before she secured the nomination). She will get a further bump up). She is very likeable if you actually look at exit polling. So don’t be an insufferable ass.
GC1985
Deadheat? Bullshit… selective thinker. Most have her far ahead and far ahead in swing states. You are just dumb.
GC1985
This guy doesn’t quite grasp national polling doesn’t mean diddly squat in the end. Obama is quite popular in key battleground states, and has seen his popularity reach around 55-60% depending on the state. In many states he’s more popular than the republican governors. This can rub off on Hillary quite easily. In addition, Hillary leads in just about every battle ground state, and makes some traditionally republican states competitive. When was the last time Georgia went democrat? That would be 1992.
I’m look in at statewide polling because as Nate Silver has said that is most important and demographically Hillary just has a major advantage including a coalition already in place. We don’t even rely on white liberal males anymore. Times are changing… this is why the GOP is destined for failure.
You can keep espousing stupid bullshit and try to misrepresent it as fact… have at it. But please don’t sit here and lie to all of us and say you’re a democrat. You don’t even know your history.
It’s not “way too close” and it isn’t scary. And what more likeable and trustworthy candidate? Oh you mean Bernie? Are you a Bernie supporter then? Bernie is about 14% behind Hillary when it comes to polling among democrats. Seems like democrat voters like Hillary more. Checkmate.