Here's Why Donald Trump's LGBTQ Comments Aren't as Good as They Seem
Donald Trump's fervent RNC acceptance speech played well with delegates in Cleveland. But even Trump was surprised with how one portion went over so well. I'm talking about his comments about LGBTQ Americans. Here's what he said:
"Only weeks ago, in Orlando, FL, 49 wonderful Americans were savagely murdered by an Islamic terrorist. This time, the terrorist target: LGBTQ community. No good. And we're going to stop it. As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology. Believe me. And I have to say, as a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said."
While these comments were a departure from typical social conservative rhetoric, they still fit with Trump's overall theme: that the world and many foreigners are dangerous. In addition, Trump may have been surprised by the cheers considering the Republican party just adopted a platform that is hostile to LGBTQ rights. The official platform adopted in Cleveland this week calls on Republicans to fight against same-sex marriage and gay adoption and includes language that supports "gay conversion therapy" and bathroom laws that discriminate against transgender people. Trump didn't touch on any of these issues in his speech.
Trump's recognition of the community did have an impact on some in the audience, including this woman below.