The Patient and Cunning Work of Defending LGBTQ Rights with a Republican Supermajority
Briefly

In West Virginia, Republicans dominate the political landscape, holding a significant supermajority in the legislature, which hampers the advancement of LGBTQ rights. Andrew Schneider, the head of Fairness West Virginia, has dedicated his career to advocating for LGBTQ issues. His unique strategy involves engaging in meaningful conversations through active listening and understanding, rather than aggressive confrontation. This method has been shaped by his experiences in college and continues to be tested as he navigates political challenges during contentious times, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's second term.
"I quickly realized that if I sat back and let someone talk to me and did not jump in and judge, they would trust me and we could actually have a meaningful conversation where ultimately I could inject my views."
Andrew has spent a decade as the only full-time lobbyist at the state capitol working on LGBTQ issues. His approach? Winning people over through listening rather than confrontation.
Read at Slate Magazine
[
|
]