Conversation

The idea of selling my home in Texas and moving elsewhere is unappealing at sixty-something years of age. I was born in the northeastern US and lived there until moving to Texas with my parents when I was just 5 years old. I have always had mixed feelings about that move. But 30+ years ago Texas conservatism was more about economics than race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Way back when, many Texas conservatives seemed to hold a live-and-let-live attitude that I could tolerate even as a lifelong liberal. But either they have changed or Texas conservatives are simply being more open about their bigotry than before. Texas conservatives no longer have qualms about interfering in the personal lives of others when doing so aligns with their own biases. Maybe Trump has enabled that, or Republicans have gradually enabled more of that since Ronald Reagan was president. As the father of an adult transgender daughter with special needs who relies on me for support, I understand why she feels not only unwelcome but outright unsafe in Texas. The results of the 2024 presidential election may determine whether I merely feel the need to move to a blue state or leave the country entirely. This decision is really weighing on me. But my ancestors immigrated to the USA from Europe and my parents relocated to Texas from the northeast. Maybe it is time for my family to move someplace where we would be happier.

#Conservatism
#Texas
#Politics
#Trans
#Disability
#Emigration