John –

The South has played a key role throughout election history, determining how we lead the future of our country. And this year, during the midterm elections, there’s no doubt that the 3.6 million LGBTQ+ adults who call the South home are a powerful voting bloc. With critical policies on the lines – including dignity and healthcare for transgender people, the freedom to marry, and attacks on inclusive curriculum and school environments, there’s so much at stake, and it’s going to take each and every one of us to move us forward and not backward.

We wanted to better understand the behaviors and beliefs of LGBTQ+ Southerners – and that’s why today the Campaign for Southern Equality and Campus Pride are releasing a brand-new report, “Political Engagement Among LGBTQ Southerners,” a breakout report of Coming of Age as an LGBTQ Southerner, based on data from our 2021 Survey of Southern LGBTQ Experiences.

Click here to dive right into the breakout report, which focuses on voter registration and participation, political efficacy (or the belief that you’re able to influence politics), and awareness of anti-LGBTQ political attacks. 

These data are demonstrating two important truths: First, that LGBTQ Southerners are politically active, engaged, and aware – and second, that they feel their engagement does not have an impact on public officials. 

It’s clear that elected officials all across the South must start listening to their LGBTQ constituents – because we are here, we are participating in the political system, and we are growing more powerful each year. Lawmakers need to stop pushing discriminatory measures and start protecting and respecting everyone they serve.

We are powerful. Click here to better understand, using the data from our new Political Engagement Among LGBTQ Southerners breakout report.

Thank you, 
Dr. Austin Johnson
He/Him
Director of the Southern Equality Research & Policy Center (SERPC)
Campaign for Southern Equality

P.S. We’re counting on you to make your voice heard on Election Day – this Tuesday, November 8. Find your polling location here.