Campaigning for Kamala Harris is the epitome of queer joy

Volunteers with Queer for Kamala prepare to knock on doors in Pennsylvania Photo: Queers by Kamala

Kamala Harris brings back the joy.

As his campaign for president moves forward, I’ve been thrilled to see the increased enthusiasm for his candidacy in the LGBTQ+ community. So on a recent Sunday I got up early, hopped on a bus and joined over 150 new friends on a trip to get out the vote for Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania. It was a bus full of strange joy.

Related:

As a gay person, my life is political whether I like it or not. I have been fortunate to live in a world created by gay activists before me. But I know that none of this progress is certain.

Dive deeper every day

Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues

If mpox or another epidemic strikes again, I need a competent and friendly leader in charge of the response. If the far right continues to target trans kids, marriage equality, and LGBTQ+ books (and they will), I need a president who responds. And if we want to create a world of love, acceptance and safety for LGBTQ+ people across the country, we need that kindness and empathy reflected in President Kamala Harris.

The explosion of energy, memes and support for Harris from the LGBTQ+ community has been incredible. Who knew when she became our candidate that the internet would go crazy? But the broad embrace of social media and politicians alike has injected much-needed hope and fun into the race.

But memes and good vibes won’t win this election. The action will be

So I joined a bus trip organized by Queers for Kamala to get out the vote. The bus was buzzing with excitement. We were joined by actor and activist Jelani Aladdin (from Broadway’s frozen and televisions travel companions) to encourage us. Then we went to talk to voters in Pennsylvania, the most important swing state in this election.

Some of the conversations were hilarious: “I’ve got five voters in this house and we’re all going for Kamala Harris!” Some were reassuring: “We’re both registered Republicans, but we wouldn’t vote for Donald Trump in a million years.” And some challenged me: “I’m still not sure. I hate how extreme both sides are these days.” But every conversation was friendly and polite and allowed me to do what I came to do: share my thoughts on why Harris is right for our country.

Our big freaky bus knocked on over 5,500 doors that day. We helped the campaign connect with voters in a real and personalized way. In the end, we left knowing we had moved the needle in a state where every vote could make a difference. We were full of pride and joy and I for one am excited to be back.

With less than two weeks until the election, every day counts. That is why I invite all LGBTQ+ people to think about the interests of this election and to participate in this campaign. Join Harris NY phone banks every Thursday night downtown from 6-8pm. Hop on a bus in Pennsylvania with Queers for Kamala, where you’ll be joined by celebrities and queer icons like Ali Krieger, Brita Filter and Jonathan Groff. Or find an LGBTQ bus or event near you and connect. I promise you that on November 6th you will be glad you took the time to help.

And if you don’t want to do it alone, get in touch! I’ll be with hundreds of friends and members of the LGBTQ+ community, talking to voters and turning energy into action.

Let’s win this.

Gabriel Lewenstein is the president of the Stonewall Democrats of New York City, a citywide political club dedicated to promoting the rights, priorities and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City and New York State York. He is also co-chair of Out for Harris NY and the leadership team of Queers for Kamala. And he is full of strange joy!

Your vote is a step forward

Make sure you’re ready to vote!

Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation Newsletter and be the first to hear about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities around the world.

Don’t forget to share: