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The 2024 U.S. election is the most consequential in modern history and will have repercussions for individual rights and liberties, as well as for the future of democracy in the United States and globally. The effects will be far-reaching and long lasting, and will be felt acutely by LGBTQ people, queer people of color, women and people of reproductive capacity, transgender adults and youth. Many communities’s rights, safety, and wellbeing will be shaped by the election outcomes.
GLAAD does not endorse or oppose political parties or candidates for elected office. GLAAD’s role as the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization is to ensure that candidates, the media, and voters have information to understand LGBTQ lives and issues and to report on them in a fair, accurate and inclusive way. This comparison includes some of the issues to include in your coverage and records of the candidates.
LGBTQ Rights
Kamala Harris
- Harris has consistently supported the Equality Act, which aims to provide comprehensive protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Harris is outspoken about the need to protect LGBTQ youth from bullying and discrimination, and the importance of inclusive policies in schools.
- Harris opposes conversion therapy, supporting legislation to ban the practice nationwide.
Donald Trump
- Trump has opposed the Equality Act, arguing that it infringes on religious freedoms.
- Trump rolled back protections for LGBTQ people, including guidelines that allowed transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.
- Trump supports allowing businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ people based on religious beliefs.
Military Service
Kamala Harris
- Harris supports policies that ensure all qualified people, regardless of gender identity, can serve in the military. (would flip to lead with this)
- Harris opposes the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, advocating for its reversal.
- Harris has stated that the inclusion of transgender people in the military enhances readiness and diversity within the armed forces.
Donald Trump
- Trump banned transgender people from serving in the military.
- Trump’s administration defended the trans military ban in court, arguing that it was necessary for military effectiveness and cost-saving.
- Trump has argued that the military should focus on “decisive and overwhelming victory” rather than social experiments.
Marriage Equality
Kamala Harris
- Harris has been a long-time supporter of marriage equality and spent Valentine’s Day of 2004 officiating marriages for same-sex couples
- As California’s Attorney General, Harris refused to defend Proposition 8, which sought to ban marriage equality in the state.
- Harris made numerous public statements affirming her commitment to marriage equality and the rights of same-sex couples.
Donald Trump
- Trump has said that he would nominate justices who might overturn the Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell decision.
- Trump’s nominees have expressed willingness to revisit established precedent and expand loopholes to allow discrimination against LGBTQ couples.
- Trump’s administration has fought to the Supreme Court, with anti-LGBTQ organizations, to legalize discrimination against same-sex wedding services and couples seeking to adopt.
