On Tuesday, November 20th, 2018, JD Ford was sworn into office as the first openly LBGTQ+ State Senator in Indiana’s history. In a state known for policy that protects discrimination of members of the LGBTQ+ community, and one of the few remaining states without a Hate Crimes law, being elected into the State Senate was no small feat for an openly gay man. JD’s Campaign was a hard fought, up-hill battle in a district that often elects conservative candidates.
Throughout the last year, I have had the unique opportunity to get to know State Senator-Elect Ford through my work with College Democrats of Indiana and the Indiana Democratic Party as a fellow in the Coordinated Campaign Office in the 5th District of Indiana. I have seen JD work harder in the last year than some people have in a lifetime. I have seen JD Ford change the way that Indiana Democratic campaigns are run. Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see JD Ford win a State Senate seat in the 2018 midterm election in the 5th district of Indiana.
JD Ford is a specific breed of Hoosier. He is passionate, kind, and unwilling to stand idly by and keep his opinions to himself while there is anyone facing discrimination in Indiana. In a state where people historically have faced oppression due to their sexuality, JD proudly declared his sexual orientation, boldly shared his progressive views, and inspired many young people to vote in a midterm election (which is no easy task). I am inspired by JD’s willingness to foster difficult discussion, and unwillingness to stand down when facing adversity.
JD Ford, to me, symbolizes the future of the Democratic Party. Alongside JD, there were other incredible people who ran in the 2018 midterms. People like Jim Harper – who ran for Secretary of State in Indiana, and campaigned on equal voting rights, same day registration, and many other progressive non-partisan voters rights issues. Women like Liz Watson, candidate for the IN-9 Congressional seat, Courtney Tritch, candidate for the IN-3 Congressional seat, Dee Thornton, candidate for the IN-5 Congressional seat, who ran against incumbent conservative career politicians and made waves with their willingness to stand up for what they believe in. These Hoosiers, and many more, symbolize the future of Indiana, and the future of the United States. People who are brave, unashamed, and willing to fight for what they believe in are going to rise up, continue to speak out, run for office, and be the legislators that this state, and this country, needs.
For all the LGBTQ+ youth of Indiana, look to JD Ford if you want to see the future of who will be representing you. Have hope for the future that he will play a role in shaping; and believe that you can one day do the same. A new day is dawning in Indiana politics, and I have a feeling that after the rain storm of discrimination and oppression that we have faced for so many years, there will be a beautiful, diverse rainbow.