LGBT activist Tanya Domi on supporting Hillary Clinton
By Morgan Allen
Journalism Intern
Interview by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer
The 2016 election has LGBT citizens paying close attention to what the presidential candidates say about issues directly affecting equal rights. According to a 2012 Gallup poll, 43% of LGBT citizens identify as Democrats, 43% as Independent and 13% as Republican. With a large Independent sector, it is important for both Democrats and Republicans to make a strong impression. While Donald Trump has struggled to outright support LGBT issues and equality legislation, Hillary Clinton has publically advocated for equal rights and opposed controversial bills like HB2. This is why Tanya Domi, Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and longtime LGBT political activist is a self-described “avid” Hillary supporter.
In an interview with Sara Ritsch conducted at the Democratic National Convention on July 25, Domi described her encounters with Clinton that solidified her stance on the candidate.
“I met Hillary in 1999 in Istanbul when I worked for the State department and she gave the first speech by any American official on the ugly phenomenon of Human Trafficking,” Domi said.
“I was so impressed. I had been impressed by the Beijing speech obviously… that speech electrified women all over the world.”
Domi says that Clinton inspired her to become involved with reporting a coverup at the United Nations of sex trafficking in Bosnia Herzegovina. “Hillary has always been ahead of the curve. She learns. She listens. And she acts in a way that’s very informed,” Domi said.
While some voters have questioned Clinton’s support of the LGBT community, Domi asserts that people need to look at it from a historical perspective.
“She’s always been strong and there’s been a smear on that.” Domi said.
“People in the LGBTQ community need to understand that up until about 2007-2008, no one in the Democratic Party really supported same-sex marriage and that the President himself was sort of pushed into it by Joe Biden who blurted out his support for same sex marriage. She was the first, and remains the only First Lady to walk in a pride parade in New York in 2000 … and being visible and showing solidarity electrified New York City.”
Domi believes that these actions mean a lot to closeted individuals. Regarding her change in position regarding same-sex marriage, Domi thinks that Clinton has learned and voters should understand what her support, especially as Secretary of State means for the community.
“A lot of people don’t know that as Secretary of State you cannot speak on domestic issues. It’s against the law,” Domi said.
“And what she did as Secretary of State in issuing passports to transgender individuals without a gender identity marker change or a birth certificate … is absolutely transforming for transgender people. People have no idea that Hillary Clinton did that administratively.”
Clinton has been incredibly vocal regarding issues that transgender citizens face. She has spoken out about the threats against transgender women-of-color. As Secretary of State, Clinton transformed the documentation of human rights abuses according to LGBT status, ordering mandatory monitoring on LGBT rights. “It compels state department human rights officers and political officers to engage with bilateral governments on these issues and be an advocate,” Domi said.
"Hillary Clinton has been incredible on these issues and she needs opportunity to be president and show the further work we must do in our community.”
This does not mean that Domi thinks the Democratic Party is without fault. The convention began with a rough start with leaked emails. She believes the issues with Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and other members of the committee are causing problems, specifically with Bernie Sanders supporters.
Recognizing the need for unity in an election marred by division among and within political parties, Domi hopes the “Bernie or Bust” activists do not aligned themselves with Trump’s attacks on Clinton. However, she recognizes that these supporters are “not party people.”
“They have not been in party politics. Practicing party politics, being involved in delegate selection, working at the local level. Joining with the Trump sentiment is just outrageous.” Domi said.
“I think they’re hurting [the Democratic party]. And the chants of ‘Jail her’ and the chants of calling her a ‘criminal’ or being ‘crooked’ is taking a page out of the Republican playbook. [It’s] not consistent with the Democratic Party that I’ve supported my entire life … and now on the Monday of this nomination week, we’re not unified yet. And I consider it to be a problem.”
Still, Domi believes in the party and, most of all, in Hillary Clinton. Watching as an advocate and activist for over 25 years, there is no doubt in her mind who should be sworn in this November.
“We need a president now that knows that they don’t know everything and hires the smartest people. There’s nobody suited better to be president. At this time when we are confronted with so many problems in the world at home and abroad, I’m convinced of that.”
Copyright 2016 The Gayly - 7/25/2016 @ 8:45 p.m. CDT