Hi John:

Last year, I made one of the biggest, scariest and most honest decisions of my life: I came out of the closet publicly – including to my colleagues in the Florida state House.

The reasons behind my decision were bittersweet. After my brother’s tragic and untimely death, I was forced to consider my own mortality. After sleepless nights and thoughtful days, I knew I had to come clean. It was time to live my life as an openly gay man, no longer hiding from who I am.

LGBTQ candidates all make this difficult choice – and we live with the consequences. But knowing the community is on our side makes a world of difference. On the eve of National Coming Out Day, will you stand with LGBTQ candidates like me and donate to elect them?

Earlier in my life I had been married to an amazing woman, someone I loved with all my heart. And though she was my best friend, I knew who I was. It broke my heart to break hers. Otherwise, I’ve been lucky – my family, church and friends have stood with me and helped me navigate the tumultuous waters I found myself in.

And now, more than one year later, I’m running for the first time as an openly LGBTQ candidate. And I’m running for a new seat – and will be the first openly LGBTQ Florida state Senator if elected. On the campaign trail, I’ve seen the good and the bad. As any openly LGBTQ candidate can tell you, you get all kinds of feedback – some of it you never asked for!

But I’ll never regret the decision to come out or my decision to run for State Senate. We can only be the best and most truthful versions of ourselves - regardless of how it sways voters’ opinions. And couldn’t we all use just a little more truth in our lives?

Thanks again for your support –

Shevrin Jones

Florida House of Representatives