Diversity Rules Magazine

9 Diversity Rules Magazine June 2019 This ar cle of equality is brought to you by that guy of love, love, love. That guy on a magical mystery tour is Ron Blake and all you need is love to send him a message at rblake5551@ hotmail.com. Here's a le er to May- or Pete. This is kind of like the le er that out- going Presidents leave behind in the Oval Of- fice for the incoming Commander-in-Chief. It's advice from a guy who has a shared ex- perience with you. I also grew up in north- ern Indiana and gradu- ated high school as the All-American guy with good grades, scholarships, and a gregarious person- ality. I a ended the local Catholic Church and was ac ve in the youth group. I returned from college and was quickly elected to my hometown city coun- cil. My family and friends were so proud. I was on my way and was prepared to do what I had always imagined doing. A life of public service to my community and country. But in 2004, I withdrew my candidacy for County Commissioner. I had a big secret. I am gay. And I was confronted about that. And most of Indiana and the country wasn't OK with gays in pub- lic office then. I was crushed and con- fused about my iden ty. My career was put on hold. And now 15 years later is where you come in Mayor Pete. Your Presiden al campaign brings back memories for not just me; but for all the LGBTQ people before you who never got their chance as candidates because of struggles with sexual orienta on. As your campaign moves forward, you will be chal- lenged to fight by more people along the trail. They won't care about the issues. Just that you are gay. There will be many moments to fight back. But please don't. Anger and hate begets anger and hate. We have too much of that already. God knows so many of us in the LGBTQ community want so badly to see you in fight mode. We have faced an abundance of abuse over so many decades and centuries. Bea ngs, bullying, and discrimina- on. It's only normal to want you to punch back. But please don't. Stay focused on the issues. Society is be er when we don't give in to hate. Over 72 years ago, Jackie Robinson was the first black player in major league baseball to take the field. There was intense opposi on to him being in the game. Jackie Robinson eventually won over many fans. He was an excellent ball player who helped the Dodg- ers win numerous pennants and a World Series. There's nothing like talent and results to get people to forget over me why they dislike you. Just like Jackie, you have so much talent and many accomplish- ments. People will see this. You too have the ability to get people to forget why they don't like you. Just keep being you and keep bringing the results. You have a lot of folks behind you. Not just from the LGBTQ community. Not just from the Democrats. You have all those individuals who want to see the guy with knowledge and skills overcome hate and anger. The true underdog story. That…that right there…is the America we all love. I am reminded of a quote from the incomparable ar st Frida Kahlo. She said, "I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality." So that's where I will leave it Mayor Pete. Keep on pain ng. (Love) Letter to Mayor Pete By Ron Blake

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