"Gay-baiting" and supporting equality are mutually exclusive. Period.

Equality Texas has not made an endorsement in the Texas House District 76 race in El Paso. With few exceptions, we only make endorsements in general elections, not in party primary races.

 

 

The runoff in the Democratic Party primary between incumbent State Representative Norma Chavez (right, in photo) and challenger Naomi Gonzalez (left, in photo) has taken an ugly turn, however, and forced an evaluation of what it really means to support equality for all Texans.

 

 

At a recent campaign event, Chavez “gay-baited” Gonzalez stating, “I have not attacked her for being a lesbian gay woman." Chavez is also quoted as saying, "I have accepted my biker community.  She needs to accept her gay community."

 

Chavez claims the sexual orientation of her opponent is relevant because it might affect policy decisions about “gay marriage.” That is outright bull.

 

“Gay-baiting” seeks to bring down an opponent by playing to old-fashioned, untrue, and negative stereotypes associated with a person’s sexual orientation.  It plays on hate, fear, ignorance and misunderstanding.

 

The only reason Chavez “gay-baited” her opponent is because the race is close; Chavez believes she can use sexual orientation as a weapon.  “Gay-baiting” is a cheap shot. It’s a smokescreen intended to divert attention away from real issues and real solutions.

 

Supporting equality – equality where all Texans are treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression – is incompatible with “gay-baiting” an opponent.

 

Chavez has crossed the line.

Any candidate who uses “gay-baiting” as a campaign tactic cannot rightfully claim to support equality.  That includes Norma Chavez.

Posted by Chuck Smith, Interim Executive Director

Comments

[Alejandro Guzman]

That story has been spin around I was actually their when that happened. Naomi Gonzalez, profiled a biker and looked at him up a down, and told him "Assuming by what you’re wearing you are talking about a biker issue". Norma Chavez responded "unlike my opponent I would never profile or discriminate someone by their attire, race or sexual orientation' just like I have never made issue or attacked my opponent for being a member of the GLBT community as a lesbian". Naomi has always been open about being a lesbian. All of sudden it's issue that it's mention, Norma never attacked her for being a lesbian she made it very clear that its a non issue for her. The same way Norma is open, and proud to be part of the biker community. Naomi should be open and proud to be part of the GLBT community there is nothing wrong with that. Both communities suffer from the same stereotypes and stigmas and attacking one another is counter productive.

Norma is supportive of the GLBT community civil right issues (she is big fag hag). Her stand against gay marriage is base on a generational and voter base issue decision. She has told me that’s were she stands at this point but when we cross that bridge in Texas, we will discuss it then. We our far from crossing that bridge right now we have a majority of Republicans in office, we have to fight tooth and nail just to have Hispanic leaders in our Social Studies books. Let us concentrate on the issues that are of substance right now getting the proper funding for the medical school, getting Speaking Rock reopen to create economic development in the lower valley. Making sure that Texans for Lawsuits Reform PAC (TLR ) (the PAC that is funding 90% of Naomi Gonzalez campaign) does not water down the federal healthcare reform bill more on a state level. For us to continue to assure that workers have the opportunity to have the right to be compensated when oil industries neglect to have a save work place for its employees. TLR is trying to reverse that bill that was past into law last session.

[Sheila]

RE: Previous post

"Let us concentrate on the issues that are of substance right now ... "

Issues that are of substance right now? Obviously this respondant is not familiar with the inequalities and injustices that have completely permeated the LGBT community.

I am sure the specific issues mentioned by the respondent are of great importance, but just because the political climate which currently exists in Texas is not inclined to be equality-minded doesn't mean it is permissable to shove our issues under a bus.

Even by your own description of events, Ms.Chavez does seem to be engaged in a passive-aggressive type attack on Ms. Gonzalez.

If you want sensitivity and consideration of issues which are important to you, please give it in return.