I think it is important for someone like me to not run away from who I am but embrace it. LGBT people across the country need to know they have a friend in Congress. Mark Takano congresscountryembrace Change image and share on social
The fact that, for so many generations, ordinary, everyday Americans came out of the closet and told their family and friends about who they are has laid the foundation for public sentiment to change. They got comfortable in their own skins to be able to share themselves with family and friends. This is where social change took place. Mark Takano americanchangecloset share on social
It's common sense to be for middle-class tax cuts and tax cuts on small businesses, to be for not allowing Medicare to be turned into voucher care. Mark Takano allowbusinesscare Change image and share on social
Every member of Congress is sent to Washington to represent all of their constituents, regardless of their age, race, social standing, or sexual orientation, and I believe that America should be a place where everybody can dream, and nobody is left out. Mark Takano ageamericacongress share on social
Interracial marriages were basically legalized, but nevertheless, there was a social stigma attached to them for a long time to come. I imagine that's going to be true for same-sex marriages - that people's emotional comfort level with it will not fully materialize for decades. Mark Takano attachbasicallycomfort share on social
You can't not be changed by the experience of seeing extreme poverty. You start to want to think about ways in which you can make the world better. Mark Takano changeexperienceextreme Change image and share on social
I hope that by just being a competent member and expressing informed views on issues that aren't related to issues of LGBT equality, Republicans see me as a general asset. Mark Takano assetcompetentequality Change image and share on social
As someone who is both an ethnic minority and openly gay, I often talk about how simply being who I am has given me a double awareness of the vulnerability that some Americans may be facing. Mark Takano americanawarenessdouble Change image and share on social
Those life experiences that helped shaped my political beliefs are with me in every position I take and every vote that I cast - whether it be in favor of comprehensive immigration reform, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, or improving our nation's education system. Mark Takano beliefcastcomprehensive share on social
I taught high school English for 24 years. I always teach my students to appreciate the beauty of language and to write poetically. Mark Takano beautyenglishhigh Change image and share on social