1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Speak up for LGBTQ+ people — loudly and without apology. A new Data for Progress poll shows 51% of likely voters prefer a candidate who vocally supports LGBTQ+ rights, compared to just 32% who prefer one who opposes them. That includes 54% of independents. The politics here are not complicated. The same poll found strong majority support for concrete policies: 63% back anti-bullying protections for LGBTQ+ students, 61% support restoring the 988 Lifeline's specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services, and 58% support VA benefits for veterans discharged simply for being LGBTQ+. These aren't fringe positions — they're where most voters already are. Going quiet on LGBTQ+ rights doesn't win over the middle; it just demoralizes people who need an advocate. Be that advocate.