Joshua Higginbotham (Photo: Twitter)
A conservative GOP lawmaker declared himself gay in a video posted to his Twitter account on Sunday night.
Joshua Higginbotham, 24, is a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. The House has a large Republican majority. Higginbotham was first elected in 2016, at just 19 years old. At the time, he was the youngest lawmaker in the state. He resides in Poca and represents District 13.
“I’m gay,” he said on Twitter. “I wanted to tell you this for many years, but I couldn’t be public as I wanted because there were still a few people in my family who didn’t know it yet – now they know it. So now I tell you that too.
I’m gay. I wanted to tell you this for many years, but I couldn’t be public as I wanted because there were still a few people in my family who didn’t know it yet, now they know it. So now I tell you that too. pic.twitter.com/k1ImZY6qPZ
– Joshua Higginbotham (@ Higginbotham4WV) June 13, 2021
In the video, Higginbotham says he was afraid to tell some of his family, fearing they would deny him.
” They did not do it. We are all good. They are 100% supportive of me, and we have made the decision as a family to be more open about it and make it public because there is nothing wrong with it. I’m not ashamed of it. I’m not embarrassed about it. It’s just part of who I am.
Related: US Olympic Figure Skater Jason Brown Turns Out to be Gay in Pride Month Post
Higginbotham is Presbyterian. He went on to say that he believed God still loved him “no matter what”.
In a second tweet, he said: “It’s good to be gay and Christian. It’s good to be gay and a conservative Republican official in West Virginia. My family accepts me. My friends accept me. Now I ask you to accept me too.
Higginbotham has already expressed his support for Donald Trump.
Just last week he was showing support for education offered by private Baptist schools.
West Virginia is full of wonderful private Christian schools like Calvary Baptist Academy. It was great to have a visit with their administration and staff today as we discussed providing more options for poor children who want an alternative education. pic.twitter.com/KIJw8pl4BB
– Joshua Higginbotham (@ Higginbotham4WV) June 4, 2021
Although he calls himself a “conservative Republican,” on other matters he appears to be more socially liberal. In February, he announced that he was the primary sponsor of the Fairness Act, to advance LGBTQ rights in the state.
… Prevent discrimination in housing, employment and public housing. West Virginia is changing; the Republican Party is changing. It is time for our laws to reflect this change as well.
– Joshua Higginbotham (@ Higginbotham4WV) February 1, 2021
The reaction to his coming out has been mixed. Some, as you might expect, wondered why he felt the need to make an announcement. Others praised his statement but not his policies.
I have no problem with your being gay. I’m having trouble with you being a Republican. These are the worst, admit it.
– Andy Smith (@ AndySmith1221) June 14, 2021
*Presbyterian*
And I have sponsored every equality bill since taking office and will continue to do so.
– Joshua Higginbotham (@ Higginbotham4WV) June 14, 2021
100% support !!! Congratulations on your release! Wow! I have been very supportive of some of your recent invoices! Great stuff! I won’t always agree with you politically because I’m a fairly liberal Democrat, but thank you for being you and for being honest. Continue to be you!
– Anna (@reference_lady) June 13, 2021
Conservative Republicans have not fought for the acceptance that you are experiencing right now.
You’re welcome,
– Scott (@ArchAtLast) June 15, 2021
Related: Reality TV Star Colton Underwood Turns Out To Be Gay
