Making LGBT+ history in Arkansas
by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
Perhaps LGBT+ History is being made more often than we realize. For example, an Arkansas woman is setting some history of her running as an openly lesbian candidate.
The candidate is Christie Craig, a Democrat, running to represent Arkansas’ House District 96 in the Northwest area of the state.
We asked Craig a few questions about her bid for the seat, and about running as an openly lesbian candidate.
Gayly: How do you feel you can bring unique change locally or state-wide?
Craig: The major opportunity for change lies in the legislature. Currently, Arkansas has no state statute prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity for employment, education, housing or healthcare.
And, while the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision forced Arkansas to comply with marriage equality, we still have legislators such as Sen. Jason Rapert pushing for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to roll back those rights.
That’s why LGBTQ voices are so important as community leaders, candidates, and elected officials in this state. If we don’t make a seat for ourselves at the table, policies will continue to be introduced without input or regard for impacts to LGBTQ Arkansans.
Gayly: Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?
Craig: State Representatives are responsible for evaluating the potential outcomes of bills that are introduced and voting according to whether those potential outcomes benefit or harm the residents of both their district and the state. That evaluation process of public administration is much like running a business.
I bring two decades worth of experience to the job. As a Walmart store manager, I spent years directing the financial performance, HR functions, and daily operations of a multi-million-dollar business through hundreds of hard-working folks.
I didn’t learn leadership or fiscal responsibility from a book. I learned by physically working alongside my associates and being personally accountable for a profit and loss statement. If that doesn’t qualify me for the position, I don’t know what would.
Gayly: Do you live as an openly LGBT+ person?
Craig: I do! And like many others who live openly, I’ve spent my fair share of time fretting over how it would impact my employment, promotions, friends, family…this campaign!
Has your opponent made your sexuality an issue in this election?
Craig: Not yet, but I’ve been warned it’s coming. So, we’ll see. Regardless of whether he plans to use it or not, I will not distance myself from the LGBT community. Audra and I have worked hard to build a life for ourselves here in Rogers over the last 15 years, and I will not back away from who I am to win an election.
Gayly: How long have you been an activist?
Craig: Speaking out and standing up for women’s rights always seemed to come easily to me, whereas having the courage to speak out on behalf of the LGBT community has grown stronger as I’ve grown older.
Gayly: Tell us a little about Christie, the person.
Craig: Well, the running joke around our house these days is how many additional irons I can stick in the fire! I’m a full-time graduate student in Sociology at the University of Arkansas and work in the department as a teaching assistant.
My undergraduate degrees are in Economics and Political Science from the UofA, and both Audra and I still volunteer with local animal shelters. As you can imagine, we have a houseful of critters: three dogs (Lulu, Sugar and Ruthie) and two cats (Tater, and one cleverly named ‘Kitten’).
When I’m not working or grading or doing my own homework, I’m working on the campaign and talking to voters.
Gayly: How would people find you to contact you with questions, comments, to donate or to volunteer?
Craig: I’m happy to connect on Facebook at Christie Craig for Arkansas State House 96, more information about the campaign can be found at www.christiecraig4ar.com (donations can be made by following the link on my website) and my email is christiecraig96@gmail.com.
Gayly: Anything you'd like to add?
Craig: Running for office has been both an amazing and eye-opening experience. So many people have been engaging and supportive. I’ve also gotten plenty of commentary and advice that belongs back in the 1950s!
I appreciate and will take all the support I can get!
Copyright The Gayly – October 3, 2018 @ 7:05 a.m. CDT.