Five years ago when I started at the University of Michigan, I thought my college experience would be pretty typical: going to class, getting involved in campus life, spending late nights studying, and hanging out with my classmates. But when one of Michigan’s Assistant Attorney Generals began targeting me because I was the first openly gay student body President at the University, I realized I was going to face challenges that most students don’t—and shouldn’t—have to face.

Because of my sexual orientation, I faced verbal and online attacks, something that countless LGBT youth must contend with every day. Luckily, I went to a school that has a strong community that stands up for its students when they are teased, taunted, and attacked. And when I was unfairly bullied, my classmates, teachers, and university leaders stood up for me, made me stronger, and helped me face my bully.

That’s the kind of leader I want for my country: a president who stands up for all Americans, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, or creed. And that is why I’m organizing my community in Michigan to re-elect President Obama.

We deserve a president who will promote a culture of decency so that all Americans, no matter our differences, will treat each other with respect. President Obama has done just that: he created an inter-agency task force on bullying, hosted the first-ever White House conference on bullying in schools, and recorded an “It Gets Better” video in support of LGBT youth. He’s working to build a country where kids can go to school every day without worrying about being teased for who they are.

We deserve a country where students can focus on their studies instead of worrying about the bully in study hall. And we deserve a president who will foster such a country because we, as a nation, need to focus on what matters. That’s why I’m working to re-elect Barack Obama. Will you join me?

get involved