When I first ran for Congress in the 1990s, my background as an openly gay Asian was one of the focal points of the campaign, and, in fact, my opponent attacked me for it. — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
The fact that, for so many generations, ordinary, everyday Americans came out of the closet and told their family and friends about who they… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
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… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
Those life experiences that helped shaped my political beliefs are with me in every position I take and every vote that I cast -… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
Every member of Congress is sent to Washington to represent all of their constituents, regardless of their age, race, social standing, or sexual orientation,… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
As someone who is both an ethnic minority and openly gay, I often talk about how simply being who I am has given me… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
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… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
You cant not be changed by the experience of seeing extreme poverty. You start to want to think about ways in which you can… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
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… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
The model that I'd always seen as a little boy, as a teenager, as I watched other political careers, I saw people who'd start… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
We, as Americans, do our level best to avoid being cruel to one another; we're led out of a diverse nation to come together… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
I think it is important for someone like me to not run away from who I am but embrace it. LGBT people across the… — Mark Takano Copy Share Image
