Gretchen Whitmer, ‘a Midwest lesbian’s mom,’ has a message for Democrats waffling on LGBTQ+ rights

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer introduced herself to more than 2000 attendees at the Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner on Saturday at the Washington Hilton as “a Midwest lesbian’s mom.” She also brought a political argument. Defending LGBTQ+ people is a way to win, even in a state as closely contested as hers, she said.“Fighting for basic fundamental freedoms is the right thing to do and the politically smart thing to do every single time,” Whitmer told the audience.The dinner brought together activists, political leaders, and entertainers weeks before the midterm elections. From the stage, speakers described what families and LGBTQ+ communities stand to lose under the Trump administration. They also asked what allies and candidates are prepared to do.A red line for candidatesRelated: Gretchen Whitmer to Democrats questioning their support for trans rights: ‘I’ve never wavered’ HRC President Kelley Robinson offered the evening’s most pointed test. “If you are running for office, you cannot be anti-trans and pro-equality,” she said.Robinson accused Republicans of using anti-transgender campaign ads to distract from other concerns. She warned candidates who support LGBTQ+ rights not to accept that framing. “Do not get played,” she said. “Stand with your voters. Stand with the LGBTQ community. Stand with us, and we will stand with you.”Robinson called for majorities in both chambers of Congress that would defend LGBTQ+ rights. Among her demands of a new Congress were ending the ban on transgender military service, restoring HIV funding, and bringing back qualified and dedicated LGBTQ+ counselors for the 988 crisis line. But her speech reached beyond the election. She described meeting parents fearful for their transgender children and warned that rights won over decades remain vulnerable.“We are in a history-making moment,” Robinson said. “This is the time to say out loud what we already know to be true: That immigrants belon