GAY BAITING IN 2010, IN AUSTIN? REALLY? I just got back from early voting … and boy is my index finger tired. While I don’t want to belabor this, I have to weigh in on a little matter that speaks to my neighborhood and that also speaks to my being. I proudly cast my vote in the Precinct 1 justice of the peace race for Daniel Bradford. Yes, Dan is white. And yes, the Precinct 1 JP position was recently held by an African-American man. And yes, there has been a recent string of “gay white guys” running against black women. And yes, in two of those cases before, I voted for the black women. And yes, I am a longtime Eastsider (more than 15 years, 10 of which as a homeowner). And yes, all of this seems really petty and tedious to type, because what is all comes down to, really, is that in this case, I simply think Dan Bradford is the best candidate (ummm, pretty much how I’ve voted all along). I was excited when he declared his candidacy back in August of last year. While I am not here to shill for Dan or to disparage his rival Yvonne Williams, I will say that I have been disturbed by the report from a friend in my neighborhood that the whisper campaign against Dan has reached my street. And you know what that whisper campaign is: gay. And yes, even: white. This shit baffles, especially in this time of tea-baggery and constipated Congresses which cannot produce health care reform. This is where we are going to draw lines? When does the big black + gay political love fest start? When do we stop shooting each other in the foot? It was disturbing enough to hear some of the stories coming out of Houston during the Annise Parker campaign but kind of hysterical at the same time, because Parker was such an effective wonk it seemed like a bad strategy to go after the “gay” aspect. I feel similarly here. Those who think gay baiting is a good strategy don’t know Dan. And they don’t know my neighborhood. Whatever you feel about whatever candidates strike your fancy, please do vote. This is not one of those sexy races, and low voter turnout is a crappy way to gauge public opinion. And little races like justice of the peace often get swept under the rug. www.bradfordforjustice.com.
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This article appears in February 19 • 2010.