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William769

(55,144 posts)
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 05:02 PM Aug 2013

President 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

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President of Young Democrats of America Comes Out (Original Post) William769 Aug 2013 OP
K&R! hrmjustin Aug 2013 #1
For some reason this story actually gave me hope to our future. William769 Aug 2013 #4
I think it is a great story. The more people come out the better it becomes for us. hrmjustin Aug 2013 #5
I agree. Wait Wut Aug 2013 #6
LOL! William769 Aug 2013 #7
That last paragraph... Wait Wut Aug 2013 #2
I was thinking the same thing. William769 Aug 2013 #3
K&R !!! K&R !!! K&R !!! K&R !!! K&R !!! n/t RKP5637 Aug 2013 #8
... William769 Aug 2013 #9
Kick William769 Aug 2013 #10
I must admit, that made me tear up a bit! sheshe2 Aug 2013 #11
... William769 Aug 2013 #12
I hope he comes back home and runs for office. Staph Aug 2013 #13
He thought about running for the second congressional district but declined. iandhr Aug 2013 #15
That would be great! William769 Aug 2013 #18
The YDA convention is currently going on in San Antonino, TX iandhr Aug 2013 #14
K&R nt Zorra Aug 2013 #16
The country needs more young people like him. bearssoapbox Aug 2013 #17
Good on Rod Snyder! mahalo Wiliam~ Cha Aug 2013 #19
Hey you! William769 Aug 2013 #20
..backatcha! Cha Aug 2013 #21
k&r Starry Messenger Aug 2013 #22

William769

(55,144 posts)
4. For some reason this story actually gave me hope to our future.
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 05:12 PM
Aug 2013

It also took a uneventful day & made it worth while.

Wait Wut

(8,492 posts)
6. I agree.
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 05:15 PM
Aug 2013

I needed a happy story today (besides the one on National Rice Pudding Day )

Thanks William.

Wait Wut

(8,492 posts)
2. That last paragraph...
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 05:08 PM
Aug 2013

...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!

sheshe2

(83,708 posts)
11. I must admit, that made me tear up a bit!
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 06:16 PM
Aug 2013
Robert F. Kennedy once said, "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events; and in the total, of all those acts will be written the history of this generation." The LGBT rights movement is being written and advanced one personal story at a time -- in living rooms and churches and schools and city halls and even the Supreme Court. Today I'm choosing to add mine to this long and courageous narrative. If my story changes even "a small portion of events," then it is worth telling.

From your link.

Thank you William, that was beautiful.

Staph

(6,251 posts)
13. I hope he comes back home and runs for office.
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 06:41 PM
Aug 2013

We need smart and progressive candidates here in West Virginia.


iandhr

(6,852 posts)
14. The YDA convention is currently going on in San Antonino, TX
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 07:25 PM
Aug 2013

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.

bearssoapbox

(1,408 posts)
17. The country needs more young people like him.
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 07:43 PM
Aug 2013

Smart, young and not afraid to speak up to try to make things better.

Hooray for him.

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