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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPresident of Young Democrats of America Comes Out
The past three years of serving as president of the Young Democrats of America have been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I've been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a leader in the progressive youth movement at such a unique moment in our nation's history. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together, ensuring that the millennial generation has an indelible impact on the political process for many years to come.
This week in San Antonio I will preside over my final YDA National Convention. While this isn't the end of my political involvement, it marks the closure of this chapter in my career. But with only days left in my term, I've come to the realization that I have some unfinished business.
I'm proud of the work that YDA has done on LGBT rights in recent years, whether it was our fight for the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," our push for employment nondiscrimination laws at the federal and state levels, or the remarkable strides toward full marriage equality across the country.
But in the midst of all this historic progress, I've never taken the opportunity to tell my own story: that I am a Christian, an American, a West Virginian, a Young Democrat, a rural advocate, a singer-songwriter, a brother, a son, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, and a gay man.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rod-snyder/some-unfinished-business-my-coming-out-message-to-the-young-democrats-of-america_b_3720659.html
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)It also took a uneventful day & made it worth while.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I needed a happy story today (besides the one on National Rice Pudding Day )
Thanks William.
Anytime.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)...he sounds busy.
So proud of our Young Democrats! Even prouder today!
I wish him all the best in the future, now that he's no longer a 'young' Democrat!
William769
(55,148 posts)RKP5637
(67,112 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)sheshe2
(83,927 posts)From your link.
Thank you William, that was beautiful.
Staph
(6,253 posts)We need smart and progressive candidates here in West Virginia.
iandhr
(6,852 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)iandhr
(6,852 posts)I am a delegate from New York.
This is Rod's last convention as President. We are elected new officers on Sunday.
Rod has done a great deal for YDA. I was very moved by his email.
Zorra
(27,670 posts)bearssoapbox
(1,408 posts)Smart, young and not afraid to speak up to try to make things better.
Hooray for him.