Search form

Scroll To Top
News & Opinion

'The Advocate' Endorses President Obama for a Second Term

Advocate-obama-rotator

Matthew Breen explains the publications landmark decision to make an endorsement in the 2012 presidential election

jerryportwood

It's been a landmark year in many respects when it comes to LGBT visibility. Along with many high-profile men and women coming out, there's been a historic number of appointments of LGBTs to head commissions and agencies, to ambassadorships, and to senior staff positions. With progressive strides in legislation at both federal and state levels, the current White House may be the most pro-LGBT administration in American history.

In its August issue, The Advocate has taken a major step by making an endorsement in the 2012 presidential election--and featuring this endorsement on the cover story of its issue with a photo illustration of Obama ensconced at the Lincoln Memorial.

As Advocate Editor in Chief Matthew Breen states in the editorial, "The Advocate's last endorsement was decades ago, but the president's statement of May 9, unequivocally in favor of marriage equality, along with his record on LGBT rights, has distinguished him for the ages and has made it clear that he is a transformational leader and our best choice for president."

We spoke to Breen about the decision to make an endorsement, the first in the publication's history since 1977, according to him. When asked why it was time to make such a decision as to endorse, Breen explained, "We stand at a fork in the road. We feel strongly that there's the potential of too much ground to be lost under a Romney administration. This election is pivotal indeed."

Of course, with this endorsement comes a dilemma for some voters, namely gay Republicans. So we asked Breen what he says to that demographic. "The GOP does not include equality for LGBTs among its party goals or ideals," he said. "I understand that voters weigh many factors when choosing a candidate, but fundamental human dignity, and in particular LGBT equality, are not elements in Mitt Romney's campaign. He's spoken out against same-sex marriage and gays as parents. As we the last group of people that can be legally discriminated against, I see no conclusion but that the Republican position that seeks to uphold that discrimination, is a fundamentally un-American position. Personally, I can't imagine overlooking that. As a publication, we advocate for equality, so our choice was clear."

Read the full endorsement here.

Advocate Channel - The Pride StoreOut / Advocate Magazine - Fellow Travelers & Jamie Lee Curtis

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories