Eight years ago, although it certainly doesn’t feel that long at all, I bought my very first house. You might have seen pictures of the outside in one of my presentations. But that wasn’t my favorite part. It was everything behind the navy blue door, a shade carefully picked after many test coats. 

I picked out every detail of that home down to the floors and color of the kitchen grout. I loved the tall ceilings and wide open living spaces even if I couldn’t really afford to put furniture in it. It was mine. For everything it was and wasn’t, it was most certainly my dream come true. I felt safe there.

One day I heard the doorbell ring, but didn’t make it in time to see who was there. OK, let’s be honest. I’m a millennial. I did not even try to open that door on time. If I don’t know you’re coming, I’m not answering. But when I did open the door, I saw a plastic bag with a piece of paper inside. 

I’m glad I didn’t answer the door. Inside that bag was a KKK leaflet. I don’t remember exactly what it said, but I remember how it felt. Confusion. A rush of warmth, embarrassment, and shock washed over me. A knowing that this was an intentionally hateful action. We were the only gay couple on the block. I was suddenly petrified in my home that felt so safe. 

I cried so hard that night my body hurt. The next day over dinner, we decided that we had to move. Even if I just unpacked the boxes. Even if I picked every detail. It simply wasn’t safe to stay in a community where people were going out of their way to make sure we knew that we didn’t belong. 

Every time I vote, I think of that day. I believe with all my heart in the liberty and justice this country was founded on. I’m an Army brat - both parents. Patriotism was part of my upbringing. They fought for all of our freedoms, but I have to believe they especially wanted that freedom for me - their child. Freedom to be who I am. For everyone to love who they love without fear. 

I hope you’ll cast a vote for that, too. Cast your vote for a person that can make the country more safe so no one has to leave the home they love out of fear. 

We are approaching the final deadlines for voter registration in many states. I want to encourage you to confirm you are registered and have a plan to vote. You can check your voter status here: https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration