College Republican Cries Persecution, and Queer Twitter Shuts Her Down
A college Republican complained of political person because she was afraid her classmates would criticize her. And queer Twitter users dragged her to hell.
The Tweet
Like many campus conservatives, this young woman was finding herself increasingly isolated due to her political beliefs. She couldn’t stand it. Being stigmatized for being different is really stressful, it turns out.
So she took to Twitter to complain about her plight:
As a Republican in college, I am genuinely afraid to speak about my conservative views in fear of being stereotyped or labeled negatively
— michelle shampton (@michelle_sham) March 17, 2017
Unfortunately for her, she did not find a sympathetic audience.
The Response
Michelle got a low of blowback from many different people, but LGBTQ Twitter users really shredded her.
They put her fears in perspective:
I haven't been able to go to a gay bar in 8 months without wondering whether I'm about to be part of a massacre. https://t.co/JPKy9j9zTb
— ANTHONY OLIVEIRA (@meakoopa) March 22, 2017
@michelle_sham As a gay man I am afraid of being assaulted by homophobes empowered by the homophobic Republican Party every waking moment.
— Hattie Hathaway (@hattiehathaway) March 23, 2017
@michelle_sham My mother threatened me, stalked my girlfriend, and broke into buildings looking for me because I’m transgender, Michelle.
— ojalá que Cyrus (@chrysopoetics) March 23, 2017
They reminded her what her party actually stands for:
@michelle_sham your party is calling for me to be marginalized and targeted for existing in public. It is good that people are shaming you.
— Transgarbo woman (@Herracks) March 21, 2017
@michelle_sham ha, try being gay and walking the halls of a conservative college-goes both ways.
— Melissa M Melville (@nerdygrrl) March 22, 2017
@michelle_sham As Black trans woman I'm afraid for the trans kids and other people being harmed by GOP anti-trans hate speech
— Monica Roberts (@TransGriot) March 23, 2017
Queer allies had some words for her, too:
@kellybarnhill Mom of gay kid checking in-yep! I mean the VP wants to electrocute my son straight but poor Michelle can't speak. Sad!
— YourFavBlackAuntie (@greendoondoon) March 22, 2017
@michelle_sham Hi Michelle, my cousin is afraid that her marraige to her wife will be nullified, throwing their baby son's life into chaos
— Alex Bowles (@alexqgb) March 23, 2017
Will it have any effect on Michelle? Will it open her eyes to the harm her party causes vulnerable people?
@ my haters: If u would like to talk in a civilized & respectful manner so we can understand eachother, dm me, thx. Discussion is important
— michelle shampton (@michelle_sham) March 22, 2017
Probably not.
