I know that you have been deluded enough to believe the lies and distortions spewed by the Romney campaign over the past few months and want to get rid of Obama. You've made it clear that you are incapable of comprehending and accepting solid facts and data, so I'd like to speak to you from a personal perspective.
To some of you, I am a close friend, and to others a close family member, but I am most importantly an American. I am a citizen of the United States, just like you. However, I do not have the same basic rights as everyone else in this country. In case you don't already know, I am gay. In many places around the country, I can be legally fired and evicted just for being gay. In every state I am unable to receive the 1,100-plus federal marriage rights given to heterosexual couples. The list goes on and on, but it's pretty obvious to any sane and rational person that something isn't right here.
People like you are the reason that I am treated differently from everyone else. You vote against my basic rights because you think the economy is more important. Think about what a slap in the face that is. You are going to ensure that my rights continue to be stripped away because you want to vote for some guy who has provided no clear economic plan and gets ripped apart by even fiscally conservative publications.
As you might not be aware, since you seem to be pretty unaware of anything factual, Mitt Romney and the Republican platform endorse the idea of changing the Constitution to make it nearly impossible for me to have equal rights in any foreseeable future. This is in addition to the multitude of anti-gay positions of this entire party.
Now, before you go claiming that I am a "single-issue" voter with a "liberal media bias," I would like to make a few things clear. I agree with Obama's stance on economic and foreign policies in addition to his support of LGBTQ equality, so I'm not a "single-issue" voter. Honestly, your assertion that my rights are nothing more than a "single issue" is pretty offensive on its own.
Furthermore, I am not suffering from a "liberal media bias." I derive information from a variety of independent news sources and often fact-check things for myself. I am an intelligent and educated person, probably more so than you, so please don't attempt to insult me just because you're unwilling to listen to logic and fact.
I don't agree with Obama on everything, and I'd probably consider voting for the Green or Libertarian candidates if they had a snowball's chance in hell of winning. That being said, I would never consider voting for a candidate or party that openly espouses as much hatred toward minorities as Mitt Romney and his party.
Oh, and before you try to pull that line about Obama having the same stance as the Republicans only a few months ago, let me be the first to inform you that that is a completely incorrect assertion. The Republicans and Mitt Romney have notoriously spoken out and legislated against the gay community, while the Democrats and Obama have been notoriously progressive on gay issues.
Also, whether or not you think my "lifestyle" is a choice is irrelevant, as the Constitution already protects things that are choices, such as your senseless religion. I work and pay taxes just like you. I am college-educated, and I run a small business. Call me crazy, but I kind of think I deserve equal rights under the law in this country of which I am a citizen.
Sure, Obama hasn't been perfect on LGBTQ issues, but he and LGBTQ activists have done a tremendous job of making huge progress on these issues over the past four years. If we elect Republicans to office, they are going to do everything in their power to rescind that progress and make my life worse than it already is.
I do apologize for the frank and potentially rude tone of this letter, but I must be honest with you. You can say you care about my basic rights all you want, but if you're voting for Romney, you're a liar. Just tell me to my face, as a friend and family member, you have no respect or dignity for me as a person.
I know your opinion is strongly clouded with misinformation and propaganda, but perhaps there is a chance that you might have a sliver of a heart and may consider voting for anyone other than Romney. Not voting at all is another good option for you. Please, do anything but vote for Mitt Romney.
So, this is the honest truth from that gay friend or family member whom you have no respect for. This is what I honestly think of you if you vote for Mitt Romney. Before this election cycle, I thought you were a mostly decent person. Boy, was I wrong. Here's to hoping your cold soul will warm up a bit on Election Day.