A Conservative, GOP lawmaker came out as gay on a video posted to his Twitter account on Sunday night.
Joshua Higginbotham, 24, is a member of the House of Delegates of West Virginia. The House has a large Republican majority. Higginbotham was first elected in 2016, aged just 19. At the time, he was the youngest lawmaker in the state. He resides in Poca and represents District 13.
“I’m gay,” he said on Twitter. “I’ve wanted to tell you this for many years, but I couldn’t be public like I wanted because there were still a few people in my family who didn’t know yet—now they do. So now I’m telling you, too.”
I’m gay. I’ve wanted to tell you this for many years, but I couldn’t be public like I wanted because there were still a few people in my family who didn’t know yet—now they do. So now I’m telling you, too. pic.twitter.com/k1ImZY6qPZ
— Joshua Higginbotham (@Higginbotham4WV) June 13, 2021
In the video, Higginbotham says he had been worried about telling some members of his family, fearful they may disown him.
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“They didn’t. We’re all good. They’re 100% supportive of me, and we made a decision as a family to be more open about it and to make it public because there’s nothing wrong with it. I’m not ashamed of it. I’m not embarrassed by it. It’s just part of who I am.”
Related: US Olympic figure skater Jason Brown comes out as gay in Pride Month message
Higginbotham is a Presbyterian. He went on to say that he believes God still loves him “no matter what.”
In a second tweet, he said, “It’s ok to be gay and Christian. It’s ok to be gay and a conservative Republican official in West Virginia. My family accepts me. My friends accept me. Now I’m asking you to accept me as well.”
Higginbotham has previously been vocal in his support of Donald Trump.
Only last week, he was posting support for the education offered by private Baptist schools.
West Virginia is full of wonderful private Christian schools like Calvary Baptist Academy. It was great to get a tour with their administration & staff today as we discussed providing more options for kids in poverty who want an alternative education. pic.twitter.com/KIJw8pl4BB
— Joshua Higginbotham (@Higginbotham4WV) June 4, 2021
Despite describing himself as a “Conservative Republican”, on other issues he appears more socially liberal. In February, he announced he was the lead sponsor of the Fairness Act, to advance LGBTQ rights in the state.
…preventing discrimination in housing, employment, & public accommodations. West Virginia is changing; the Republican Party is changing. It’s time for our laws to reflect that change as well.
— Joshua Higginbotham (@Higginbotham4WV) February 1, 2021
Reaction to his coming out has been mixed. Some, predictably, have questioned why he felt the need to make an announcement. Others have welcomed his statement but not his politics.
I have no issues with you being gay. I do have issues with you being Republican. They are the worst – admit it.
— Andy Smith (@AndySmith1221) June 14, 2021
*Presbyterian*
And I have sponsored every pro-equality bill since taking office and will continue to do so.
— Joshua Higginbotham (@Higginbotham4WV) June 14, 2021
100% support!!! Congratulations on coming out! Wow! I have been very supportive of a few of your latest bills! Excellent stuff! I will not always agree with you politically as I am a pretty liberal democrat, but thank you for being you and being honest. Keep being you!
— Anna (@reference_lady) June 13, 2021
Conservative Republicans didn’t fight for the acceptance you are experiencing right now.
You’re welcome,— Scott (@ArchAtLast) June 15, 2021
Chrisk
I’ll never in a million years understand how he can support a leader and party where their literal platform is making sure he has no rights…smacks forehead. However, at least he’s not another closet case Republican so there is that I guess…
Hdtex
You fat. You ugly. We don’t want you. Sucking dick does not make you “gay”. You are a quisling, a kapo, human GARBAGE.
MissTerri
^^^Talking to yourself again, Dear???
ted
Jews for Nazis.
Blacks for KKK.
Gays for GOP.
MissTerri
You win Stupidest Comment of the Day!!!! Hi-LAR-ious!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kangol2
Good for him for coming out. Now, will he be able to convince that WV statehouse Republican majority, to which he belongs, to vote for the Fairness Act, which will promote LGBTQ equality and rights in the state? Will he get West Virginia’s Republican governor to sign it? Will he demand that the national GOP and Republicans across the US stop launching bills to deny LGBTQ equality and rights, and attacking LGBTQ people?
Fahd
Ever since Obama, West Virginia has become the reddest of red states – despite the exception of Sen. Manchin (D-WV). Even Democratic Senator Rockefeller didn’t see a way to buy reelection and gave up. I suppose the only way for the average young person to succeed politically in WV nowadays is to be a Trumpster. Too bad that if you’re gay, you have to choose between doing what’s right for yourself and the gay community or holding on to some rinky-dink, low-level political position. Even a little power sometimes corrupts. Meanwhile, he’s still young and there’s time for him to see the light. Let’s hope he does.
peacefulruffneck
Give him credit for his honesty. And because Honesty is “kryptonite” to Trumpublicans, he won’t be re-elected. But he will be a little older and wiser.
toddlicious
He’s a fool and will learn they only want him for THEIR vote. They’ll use him up until the next lamb comes along they can exploit. The gop doesn’t want you or to give you rights FOOL.
Kevan1
Needs to wake up. Sleeping with the enemy usually leads to death.
blackhook
Sadly, just another dumber-than-dirt lunatic Trumpanzee…
Billy12345
Josh, because of liberals and progressives and Democrats, you will not be jailed for being gay.
You will not be beat up, mocked or fired.
The FBI and CIA will not follow you.
Republicans and conservatives generally opposed and still oppose LGBT acceptance. Say thank you to the libs.
Prax07
Just round up every last republican, Trump supporter, conservative, and anti-vaxxer and ship them off, forcibly, to Russia. They’re absolutely no use to Anyone at all here.
BoomerMyles
No one will want to f*ck him.
BaltoSteve
First, good for him coming out. Teens in WV need to see that! Second, perhaps he should rethink some of his politcs.
Peanutella
I would have guessed lesbian. But, sure.