As the 2024 presidential race heats up, LGBTQ voters are left wondering if optimism for a more inclusive future is warranted or if the memories of past disappointments linger. Renowned Democratic pollster Celinda Lake shared her insights with The Advocate, analyzing the upcoming presidential face-off between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. When asked about a compelling parallel, likening the current electoral battle to the 1973 tennis match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King, Lake said, “It’s so true. It is men versus women.” For some, this election also reminds them of The 2016 United States presidential election where Hillary Clinton was standing against Donald Trump. Talking about the current scenario, Lake pointed out that Harris is trying to get more support from women to counterbalance Trump's male-dominated base. Recent polling reveals a promising shift among suburban women, many of whom have previously leaned Republican but are reevaluating their allegiance due to concerns over reproductive rights. However, she also noted a concerning trend: women are hesitant to voice their support for Harris, with some leaving Post-It notes in restrooms as silent encouragement for one another. She said, “There are silent women out there, which are hard to capture in polls.” Lake also noted the similarities between Harris’s current campaign and the 2020 Biden campaign she previously led. As the election approaches, LGBTQ voters are left to ponder whether this cautious optimism will translate into real change, or if past experiences of disappointment will resurface. #Queer Up The USA View