I was outed as gay by my Republican opponent.

But in the face of discriminatory attacks, I didn’t give up. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [Mark Takano For Congress]( {NAME}, I want to be vulnerable with you for a moment and share my personal painful story about my coming out experience. In 1994, my Republican opponent outed me as gay with bigoted and homophobic ads to our district. I hadn’t even come out publicly yet! For members of the LGBTQ+ community, coming out is an extremely personal and sensitive moment. So, you can imagine my horror and heartbreak upon finding out I had been outed so publicly in such a hateful way. I was crushed. I ended up losing that extremely competitive race and it wasn’t until 18 years later that I finally won my race for Congress in 2012. {NAME}, I’m so glad that in the face of such discriminatory attacks, I didn’t give up. Now, I can fight for LGBTQ+ equality and dignity in our nation’s capital and stand up for other marginalized Americans. But sadly, since 2012, Republican bigotry and vitriol has not slowed down. Trump’s MAGA Republicans have spread hatred and divisiveness around the world while Republican state legislatures are passing anti‑LGBTQ+ legislation as fast as they can. [{NAME}, in 1994 when I was attacked for my identity, I lost because I didn’t have good people like you by my side. But now I do — and I’m hoping that I can count on you to chip in $7 to help me fight back against hateful Republicans and stop their anti‑LGBTQ+ agenda. Will you help me raise $10,000 before our critical deadline on Friday? »]( If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: [CONTRIBUTE $7 »]( [CONTRIBUTE $15 »]( [Or a custom donation »]( Thank you so much — I’m so grateful to have your support. Sincerely, Mark Takano Paid for by Mark Takano For Congress [P.O. Box 5214, Riverside, CA 92517](#) [www.marktakano.com](#) Mark Takano represents the good people of California's Inland Empire in Congress, fighting for the region's progressive priorities. He's been a voice for veterans, seniors, students, local businesses and hardworking families. But now, Republicans have captured a slim House Majority. The leadership of progressive Democrats like Mark will be critical to holding Republicans accountable and ensuring the healing of our country during this challenging time. Please, consider making a [one-time contribution by clicking here](. Or, to make the most powerful lasting impact and join Team Takano in the fight for progressive policies, make a [monthly sustaining contribution by clicking here](. [Click here]( to receive fewer emails. [Click here]( to update your information. Click here to [unsubscribe](. [Donate Once a Month to Help Mark »]( [Donate Just One Time »](