kaldec_
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I went back to my hometown to vote today. It's a tiny, republican, for-Trump town somewhere northwest of Houston that no one has heard of. I shot in a tiny skate park behind my junior high.
Today's PSA:
Voting is so important, especially this year. And let me tell you, today's ballot was the most 50-50 split ballot I've ever seen in my life. 50% women or non-white; 50% republican. It gives me chills (the bad kind). Will you vote for the woman or non-white person, or for the white republican?
I've not always been the most educated voter. I grew up middle-republican because my parents were—I didn't even think about it. I don't have a mind for politics, but this year I think might change that.
I've had my tussle with internalized racism and privilege. Not too long ago, I was falling into those old thought patterns that you see rampant now. But I accepted that and grew—and it definitely wasn't easy. It was crying on the floor at 12 am because I thought no one understood me, and it was humbling myself into self hatred and a long period of depression because I couldn't understand how I'd missed the point for so many years when I had thought I was doing the right thing, and I couldn't understand how others couldn't see how I was working on myself. Ultimately, it was a period of grief that reconciled into a passion for those who are underprivileged and who can't do the things that I can do every day—like innocently taking self portraits in a skate park across from a junior high in a conservative town. (I'm lucky I pass.)
Since then, I like to think that I've been working on myself, and checking myself. I've come a long way. I never intended to say hateful things or devalue anyone—ever. That's just not me. Everyone's important. Everyone. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of you is important and deserve the chance to show it. Every single one of you has a talent somewhere.
Anyway, I voted today. If you are on the fence, please consider what just one vote could do. It could change my life, my girlfriend's life, my friends' lives, a stranger's life for the better. Why not do that? Why continue this hatred? Why can't we just be decent?
Please don't vote third party. Every vote for third party in this particular election is a vote for Trump, and another 4 years is just something we can't afford.
Me and other minorities have been straight up constantly terrified for 4 years. Let's put a stop to that.
PS: I was almost denied voting today because of my outdated ID. I'm getting my name/marker/photo changed on my ID tomorrow—I didn't want to jeopardize my vote today—but as a note to other transgender people out there, please take this into consideration. Remember to bring your name change documents if you have them, if you pass, and if your legal name doesn't match your ID. If you don't have your name changed yet, I would advise you to do so as soon as possible if you can (but after the election) because of the political climate; if not, come up with a way to confirm your identity at the polls. Whether that's reciting your address from memory (like I had to do) or bringing other identification documents or something else, ensure you have the ability to vote this year.
Hide
I went back to my hometown to vote today. It's a tiny, republican, for-Trump town somewhere northwest of Houston that no one has heard of. I shot in a tiny skate park behind my junior high.
Today's PSA:
Voting is so important, especially this year. And let me tell you, today's ballot was the most 50-50 split ballot I've ever seen in my life. 50% women or non-white; 50% republican. It gives me chills (the bad kind). Will you vote for the woman or non-white person, or for the white republican?
I've not always been the most educated voter. I grew up middle-republican because my parents were—I didn't even think about it. I don't have a mind for politics, but this year I think might change that.
I've had my tussle with internalized racism and privilege. Not too long ago, I was falling into those old thought patterns that you see rampant now. But I accepted that and grew—and it definitely wasn't easy. It was crying on the floor at 12 am because I thought no one understood me, and it was humbling myself into self hatred and a long period of depression because I couldn't understand how I'd missed the point for so many years when I had thought I was doing the right thing, and I couldn't understand how others couldn't see how I was working on myself. Ultimately, it was a period of grief that reconciled into a passion for those who are underprivileged and who can't do the things that I can do every day—like innocently taking self portraits in a skate park across from a junior high in a conservative town. (I'm lucky I pass.)
Since then, I like to think that I've been working on myself, and checking myself. I've come a long way. I never intended to say hateful things or devalue anyone—ever. That's just not me. Everyone's important. Everyone. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of you is important and deserve the chance to show it. Every single one of you has a talent somewhere.
Anyway, I voted today. If you are on the fence, please consider what just one vote could do. It could change my life, my girlfriend's life, my friends' lives, a stranger's life for the better. Why not do that? Why continue this hatred? Why can't we just be decent?
Please don't vote third party. Every vote for third party in this particular election is a vote for Trump, and another 4 years is just something we can't afford.
Me and other minorities have been straight up constantly terrified for 4 years. Let's put a stop to that.
PS: I was almost denied voting today because of my outdated ID. I'm getting my name/marker/photo changed on my ID tomorrow—I didn't want to jeopardize my vote today—but as a note to other transgender people out there, please take this into consideration. Remember to bring your name change documents if you have them, if you pass, and if your legal name doesn't match your ID. If you don't have your name changed yet, I would advise you to do so as soon as possible if you can (but after the election) because of the political climate; if not, come up with a way to confirm your identity at the polls. Whether that's reciting your address from memory (like I had to do) or bringing other identification documents or something else, ensure you have the ability to vote this year.