![Andy Beshear](https://queerty-prodweb.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/07/beshear-872x600.jpg)
With Kamala Harris‘ ascension to the top of the 2024 presidential ticket, there’s been some good-natured joking about a characteristic shared among many of her rumored VP contenders.
They’re white men, or in the words of one clever Twitter Gay™: “Radioactively caucasian!”
But as queer people, we know about the ills of listening to stereotypes. Though Kamala’s possible VP picks may look conservative, they all boast strong records on LGBTQ+ issues.
Politics, but make it gay!
Stay woke with our briefing while staying informed on all things LGBTQ+ entertainment, life, and more!
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear is said to be at the top of the list, especially given his status as a Democrat in a deep-red state. Politicians in Beshear’s position sometimes run away from LGBTQ+ issues; but the two-term gov is trying something different.
He’s embraced them, and won re-election by more than five points over his Republican opponent. As we said: don’t judge a book by its cover!
Andy Beshear. His family is so white this image hits like a flashbang.
But also he’s a popular Democrat in an ultra red state, very openly Christian, pro union, fairly young, and unflinching in his beliefs. https://t.co/Fqlno5AOO7 pic.twitter.com/Xuf0W1ah41— The Crimson Timb (@letdownmetsfan) July 22, 2024
Beshear, whose father also served as Kentucky governor, won his first gubernatorial race in 2019. Shortly after arriving in office, he posed for pictures with drag queens who were at the capital for an LGBTQ+ rally.
THREAD: Gov. Andy Beshear posed with drag queens at the state Capitol last week. pic.twitter.com/v0WtAkhIU5
— Courier Journal (@courierjournal) February 28, 2020
Naturally, Republicans pounced on him for his welcoming gesture, with one state senator calling on him to resign. But rather than back away from the controversy, Beshear affirmed his support for queer people. He said “spreading intolerance is antithetical” to the role of a representative.
The Republican, Phillip Wheeler, wound up backtracking…
When Beshear talks about LGBTQ+ issues, he often highlights the themes of kindness and compassion. His political philosophy appears to be in line with the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.
This story in particular really impressed me: https://t.co/AykNkm8tL6 pic.twitter.com/xupU51vMp8
— ettingermentum🥥🌴 (@ettingermentum) July 18, 2024
While he was running for re-election last year, Beshear vetoed ant-trans legislation, and proudly stood up for trans kids.
“All children are children of God. That’s what my faith teaches me, and I was going to stand up for the most marginalized children who didn’t deserve either a state legislature or an entire campaign picking on them,” he said in a November interview with MSNBC.
He continued, “I did it, because it was the right thing. But I will say, the way these Super PACs and my opponent went about their campaign was just mean. And it was gross. And it was cruel. And people don’t like that. That is not who we are.”
A religious man, Beshear leans on his faith when talking about why he’s pro-LGBTQ+ (opposed to many conservatives, who use religion as a homophobic shield).
“Think about what some people are doing. Trying to dehumanize other human beings. Trying to turn people against each other. To foster hate and anger towards another American, another Kentuckian. Why? So you can elect one more person with a certain letter next to their name?” he said.
“This can’t be a ruleless type of game, because it’s so much more than a game. Ask any of these kids.”
Related*
Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) on his re-election and vetoing anti-trans bills:
“All children are children of God … I was going to stand up for the most marginalized children who didn’t deserve either a state legislature or an entire campaign picking on them.” pic.twitter.com/SBBNSGPjsL
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) November 21, 2023
From speaking at Pride events to naming an out gay poet laureate, Beshear is a steadfast ally. As a result, the gays have his back!
It doesn’t hurt that he’s… kinda cute? For a politician. And in a Dad/Mr. Rogers sorta way.
Andy Beshear is a Democratic hot boy pic.twitter.com/WKBT6SgRDy
— micah (@mbbnc) July 24, 2024
In recent TV interviews, Beshear has turned his steely glare towards JD Vance, a certified antigay creep who’s weirding everybody out. In efforts to seem cool and relatable, the Peter Thiel-backed Ohio senator has been riffing about… Diet Mountain Dew being racist?
Vance: I had a Diet Mountain Dew yesterday and one today. I’m sure they will call that racist. pic.twitter.com/z3ra8Y5F2f
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024
Despite only being in the spotlight for one week, Vance seems completely lost. Perhaps that’s because the former Trump hater holds no core beliefs and has no idea what to say or how to land a joke.
Beshear articulated the argument quite well on CNN.
“JD Vance is a phony. He’s fake,” he said. “He first says Donald Trump is like he’s Hitler. Now he’s acting like he’s Lincoln. The problem with JD Vance is, he has no conviction. But I guess his running mate has 34.”
Gurl… our new favorite piece of white bread ATE!!! JD Vance is now nothing but skin and bones!
He ate him up. No crumbs.
“The problem with JD Vance is he has no conviction, but I guess his running mate has 34.” — Governor Andy Beshear on CNN pic.twitter.com/hZtBdTU66V
— Anthony Dominic (@alloveranthony) July 23, 2024
Andy Beshear just tore into JD Vance on Morning Joe, going after him for his remarks on abortion and keeping women in abusive marriages.
Also said “he ain’t from here,” criticizing him for painting the people of Kentucky as lazy.
— Jessy Han (@hjessy_) July 22, 2024
Andy Beshear is congenial in the streets, and harsh in the sheets in front of the camera. We’re impressed!
Andy Beshear is mean and hot he should absolutely be the VP https://t.co/368SInwM2E
— Grant Ginder (@GrantGinder) July 22, 2024
Related*
Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told…
We can’t rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That’s why we don’t lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?
Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated