Justice Fights On – Gay Missouri Legislature Candidate Justice Horn Faces Homophobic Vandalism

If you told me a Black, Gay athlete named Justice, who was born in Independence, was running for public office, I'd tell you the writers over at The CW were getting lazy. I mean... we need Black, Gay Justice rooted in Independence, but that just feels a bit too on the nose, no? Amazingly enough, though, Black, Gay, Justice from Independence is exactly who we have and he's showing no signs of backing off the fight, homophobic vandalism be damned!

Born in Independence, MO and raised in Blue Springs, MO, 24-year-old Justice Horn is currently running for Jackson County, MO Legislature. If elected, he would be the first Black representative of the First District, and the first openly queer county official in Missouri. His campaign was going strongly, until an unfortunate setback happened on Sunday, July 3rd. Someone spray painted homophobic slurs on his campaign signs as you can see in his tweet below, though as Horn noted, his neighbors rallied around him and put Justice Horn campaign signs all along their lawns in a show of support.

After hearing that my campaign banner was defaced with a homophobic slur, neighbors all along that street stepped up to put their own yard signs down to show that hate has no place in Kansas City! ️‍

You can do the same! Buy a yard sign and donate here: https://t.co/KXupFpnuwt pic.twitter.com/5HuKOwgBef

— Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) July 6, 2022

Horn is no stranger to being a first, nor is he afraid of what could be considered tough situations. Horn previously wrestled for Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, where he was the first openly gay, multicultural athlete in the NCAA. In a wonderful show of how much times have changed, Justice first came out to his wrestling coach, and was met with nothing but acceptance. He offered to keep Justice's secret, or to support him in coming out to the team; the choice was his. When practice was over, Justice took a deep breath and told his teammates that he was gay. “I was met with only positive feedback," Justice said. "I truly believe that that moment made us all stronger as a team."

Horn took his winning athlete attitude and used it to fight back against this instance of homophobia. He called a press conference in response to the vandalism and announced his “LGBTQ+ Protection Policy Plan." The plan includes a ban on conversion therapy in Jackson County, but also aims to increase protections for reproductive rights, as well as trans healthcare for county employees. “Looking beyond this instance and at the pattern of hate I’ve seen on the campaign trail over the past year and half, you’ll see exactly why I’m always talking about my experience as a young, gay, Black man.”

I don't know what his campaign holds for Justice from Independence, but if his ability to keep fighting in the face of hatred like this is any sign of his determination, then the people of Missouri would be lucky to have such a dedicated and brave person in the rink for them.

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