Homophobia still lurks at every turn. While it may be tempting to laugh off antigay bigots like Kim Davis, Pat Robertson, and Michele Bachmann, it's important to remember that some homophobes are extremely dangerous and have far-reaching power. Zimbabwe's aging dictator, Robert Mugabe, said gay people are “worse than pigs and dogs.” Ronald Reagan ignored the AIDS epidemic throughout the entirety of his presidency, neglecting to even speak about it until 1987, after thousands had died. And while Russian president Vladimir Putin may not have personally ordered neo-Nazi groups to hunt and torture LGBT Russians, his so-called "anti-propaganda" laws have created an extremely hostile environment for queer people living there. All over the world, homophobia continues to breed hate and antigay violence.
“If you’re not aware, and I think a lot of people in this room are not aware ... I am proudly the first openly elected lesbian in North Dakota, so that is why I'm not paying any heed to your crap.”
