Forgive me for any mistakes, this is my first diary after many years of lurking and commenting on Daily Kos.
I have lived in North Carolina for over 25 years. I came to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area from Louisiana because of Research Triangle Park, and because it was known as a moderate-to-liberal state politically. I admired Terry Sanford before I even moved here. I knew that there was a large group of Fundamentalist Christians in the state, but that their influence was not overwhelming because the Democrats largely ran things, at least until 2010.
A few months ago, my daughter informed me that she felt like a boy in her soul. I have spent the last several months getting used to the fact that he is now my son. He is getting plenty of resistance from peers at school. And I knew how right-wing and intolerant our State Legislature can be. But I did not expect this almost “out-of-nowhere” action the Repubs in our Legislature undertook in creating this discriminatory law on transgender bathroom use. Now my son is mandated by law to use the bathroom that he is not comfortable with, at school and elsewhere.
Like many folks, our family is quite comfortable economically. And although I faced subtle discrimination in Louisiana for my religion and ethnic background at times, I have led a lifestyle largely insulated from right-wing political moves. Only twice since the Repubs took over our Legislature has our family been directly affected. The first was in 2011 when they cut around 20% from the state budget, and I lost my full-time temporary job with the state.
This is the second time we are affected, and particularly my wonderful child. Congratulations, Republicans. I have been an active liberal Democrat for a long time. I have often campaigned for Democrats, and regularly voted. But now you have made this so personal for me and my family. I will now pull out all of the stops to ensure the defeat of every Repub in November. I am fine with either Presidential candidate (I supported Bernie but I am quite fine with Hillary as the nominee). I have met Roy Cooper several times, and he is so much better than the supposed “moderate” McCrory who signed this horrible law.
The best way to counteract this travesty is to vote for Democrats across the board, and work as much as possible to get them elected. If you are as angry about this as I am, I hope you will do the same.