Transgender activist Angelica Ross will soon make history by hosting the national 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum as a transgender person. The forum will be presented by GLAAD, One Iowa, The Gazette and The Advocate. It will be broadcasted live from Coe College’s Sinclair Auditorium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sept 20 at 7:00 P.M. This will be the first ever event to gather presidential candidates together to discuss issues that apply specifically to the LGBTQ community and what their plan is to improve LGBTQ rights.
Colin Carlson, a junior majoring in computer networking and information technology said, “It’s great that politics has evolved enough to the point where people are able to be open about LGBTQ related issues. 50 years ago today, LGBTQ voters were not given a voice and this event would have never been possible.” Carlson said it makes him very happy that people are starting to be able to be their true selves and express their needs. He hopes to see that the community continues to grow in a positive way as the number of supporters increase over time.
Matt Beighley, a sophomore majoring in psychology said that he thinks it’s good for a member of the LGBTQ community to be hosting the presidential forum. Beighley said, “I think that it will be beneficial to have someone who has gone through many of the problems that we have, to be the one asking the questions and challenging the candidates. This way, we can see where the candidates really stand on the topics.”
Sam Abler, a sophomore majoring in family and consumer science education, said that she believes there should be more representation in the media of people who are transgender. Abler said, “Laverne Cox, who I’d say is best known for her role on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, is really the only big advocate for the transgender community that I know of. “She says the more people that are representing and advocating for the community in the media, the more people in the community will feel like they have a place and a voice in this world. This is something that Abler says is very important to her.
Alissa Peterson, a sophomore majoring in psychology and minoring in studio art, said that she thinks Angelica Ross hosting the presidential forum is a great idea. Peterson said, “I’m always for diversity as long as it’s not to the extreme where people deserve more just because they are the minority.” She said otherwise it’s amazing to push for diversity, to get the word out, and to make people feel more comfortable. Peterson said, “It is also important that they are good for that role and aren’t just doing it to promote. I love to promote it as long as it is still a good choice.”
Andi Rodrigues, a sophomore majoring in retail merchandising and management said, “Being transgender myself, I was excited and intrigued to hear about the news from my roommate.” He said it is especially nice to see the transgender community being represented in the media and politics. Rodrigues said, “I am happy to see the LGBTQ community being acknowledged after we were ignored for a while in the debates. I am both grateful for, and proud of Angelica Ross for being part of the stepping stones to expand the LGBTQ representation as a whole. I have yet to watch the event, but I hope for a positive outcome.”