August Feature
Flex Your Vote/Drag Out the Vote
Welcome to the August issue of Diversity Rules Magazine. It is amazing that we are very near the last quarter of 2020. But, really, are we going to miss this year at all? I know I am not, that is for sure.
We have also recently just entered the last 100 day stretch of this year’s Presidential Campaign. It is imperative that EVERYONE who can vote does indeed get out and VOTE, whether by absentee ballot, mail-in ballot or in-person voting. The reign of terror wrought upon our nation by the despicable man named Trump must come to an end!
We must be more committed than ever to achieve that more perfect union our founding fathers envisioned. We must remain dedicated to the founding principles they set forth for us to follow. We must never lose hope that we will attain that more perfect union. Stay in the streets. Keep protesting. Remain vigilant and never lose focus on the goal of fairness, justice, and equality for all. We are in a precarious time. This election is one of the most consequential elections we have ever faced. Exercise your right to vote. It is our civic duty to do so. We must take our country back and get it on the right track once again. VOTE PEOPLE. JUST FUCKING VOTE. There is no excuse not to, especially in light of the dangerous precipice the current occupant has brought us to the edge of.
This month’s issue features two innovative and creative campaigns to encourage people to vote. “Flex Your Vote” was the brainchild of Mike Ruiz. He has brought together eight of America’s leading fitness photographers to join forces on “Flex Your Vote,” a new campaign that aims to encourage the LGBTQ community and its allies to the polls this November. The main focus of the campaign is on the 1 in 5 LGBTQ persons who are not registered to vote. With thousands of shares and reposts, they are hoping to motivate the 20% of the LGBTQ community that isn’t registered to vote to do so.
“Drag Out the Vote™” is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with drag performers to promote participation in democracy. They educate and register voters at drag events online and offline, by organizing local and national voter activations. Led by fierce drag kings and queens across the nation, they advocate for increased voter access and engagement in 2020 and beyond.
As is the case with the “Flex Your Vote” campaign, “Drag Out the Vote” seeks to engage the one in five LGBTQ people who are not registered to vote, and election cycle after election cycle, youth turnout continues to be a challenge. The power of these two groups, specifically, is one that has the potential to change the future of our country for trans rights, queer workplace protections, access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and gender-affirming healthcare, and more.
If you are not registered to vote, I IMPLORE YOU TO DO SO. Our nation, and its escape from the fascist pig called Trump, is counting on you. Your vote counts. Every vote counts. Do not waver or hesitate in registering to vote. We can change the direction of our nation if you all just VOTE!
Click HERE to read more about “Flex Your Vote.”
Click HERE to read more about “Drag Out the Vote.”
