AZ Lawmaker Running For Congress: ‘I’m Gay, I’m A Latino, And I’m A State Senator’
After standing on the floor of the Arizona Senate to speak against the GOP-sponsored now-infamous anti-gay “religious freedom” bill SB-1062, Steve Gallardo says he sat down and realized, “Wow. This bill affects me. It affects me directly.”
Senator Gallardo, a Democrat and the Senate minority whip, is 44-years old and running for the U.S. Congress. He called SB-1062 a “game changer” for his career and his life, while speaking with reporters today.
“I’m gay, I’m a Latino, and I’m a senator. And it’s okay.” Gallardo told them. The Phoenix New Times reports Gallardo’s voice was “quivering with emotion.”
Gallardo also said he “couldn’t care less” if coming out affects his political aspirations. “This is about standing up and doing the right thing.”
“After I stood up on the floor and argued against 1062, as I’ve done on many bills before, I sat down and said, ‘Wow. This bill affects me. It affects me directly.'”
“Seeing the people out there, protesting. I thought it’s time,” he says. “It’s time to let people know about me. And to send people a message. I’m more interested in letting people who struggle with this know that it’s okay.”
Congratulations, Senator!
Steve Gallardo is on Facebook and Twitter.
Image via Facebook
Hat tip: Towleroad
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.