That dissonance - between the reality of the electorate and the priorities of Republican lawmakers - may seem counterintuitive to many. Still, Republican-dominated states have seen a blitz of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation since 2020, particularly anti-transgender bills. Survey after survey show that Americans support LGBTQ+ equality, and Republicans are no exception. “I was so relieved as a parent that he was being accepted. “You know, as a parent, you want to protect your child from the nastiness of the world,” Colby said. WATCH: 2021 set a record for anti-transgender bills. He held Ashton’s hand the following year as Ashton awoke from gender-affirming top surgery. But Colby’s Methodist church by comparison preached inclusivity and empathy, a message that conflicted with what he was hearing from Republicans.Ĭolby went with Ashton to his first endocrinologist appointment. Reagan and the Republican Party with him and in the decades following would push anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Colby had dedicated his life to Republican politics, starting in 1984 on the field campaign to reelect Ronald Reagan. When it came down to it, Rick Colby called on his spirituality in deciding how to support his transgender child, Ashton. This story was originally published by The 19th on May 17, 2022.
