The reality is that Hillary Clinton has been a steadfast

"The reality is that Hillary Clinton has been a steadfast supporter of LGBT equality. She has evolved on the issue of LGBT equality, and I think we are a better movement when we give people space to grow and learn. We can't reduce it to a single issue like marriage equality." These words by Sarah McBride capture a profound truth about the nature of growth, learning, and the complexity of social movements. McBride reminds us that change is not always instantaneous, and it is through evolution—the ability to reflect, adapt, and understand—that progress is made. The struggle for LGBT equality is not a simple, one-dimensional issue; it encompasses a broad array of challenges that cannot be reduced to a single goal, no matter how important that goal may be.

In the ancient world, wisdom was often derived from the philosophers, who taught that virtue and understanding were not innate, but developed over time. Socrates, the great Athenian philosopher, believed in the power of dialogue and self-reflection to guide individuals toward truth and wisdom. He believed that knowledge was not something that could be forced upon others, but something that each individual had to come to on their own, through the process of learning and growth. In this sense, Sarah McBride’s words echo this ancient wisdom. She is advocating for a movement that allows people, including leaders like Hillary Clinton, the space to evolve their beliefs and expand their understanding of the issues affecting the LGBT community.

Hillary Clinton, like many figures in history, has been transformed by her experiences and the voices of those she encountered. Early in her political career, her position on issues like same-sex marriage was more conservative, reflecting the societal norms of the time. But as social movements evolved, as the voices of LGBT individuals grew louder, and as the nation itself underwent a shift in values, Clinton—like many others—began to recognize that her previous stance was limited and that the LGBT community’s fight was a fight for equality, not just a fight for one issue. This evolution in Clinton’s beliefs mirrors the way societies progress over time. In the same way that Socrates believed in the transformative power of learning, Clinton’s ability to adapt shows the power of personal and political growth in the journey toward justice.

McBride’s statement also emphasizes a deeper truth about movements for social change. Just as in the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., the fight for LGBT equality cannot be reduced to one single issue. Marriage equality, while a vital milestone, is just one part of a much larger struggle. The battle for LGBT rights involves equal access to healthcare, protection from discrimination, the right to adopt children, and a recognition of the full human dignity of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Marriage equality was a significant achievement, but it was only one chapter in the broader narrative of LGBT equality. McBride reminds us that we must not diminish the richness of this fight by focusing on one issue alone, but rather, see the full spectrum of rights that still need to be addressed.

The story of Martin Luther King Jr. and his evolution over time is a fitting parallel. King, who initially focused his activism on racial equality, later broadened his scope to include issues of poverty and war—recognizing that social justice cannot be confined to one cause or one group of people. King’s growth as an activist reflects the very nature of social movements: they are dynamic, ever-evolving, and always in need of expansion to address the complexities of human rights. Similarly, the LGBT movement must continue to grow and evolve, recognizing that equality is a multi-faceted fight, one that requires patience, learning, and the willingness to adapt.

The lesson McBride offers is one of patience and understanding. It is easy to demand instant change, but true progress comes from allowing people to grow and learn from their mistakes. It is not enough to judge others by where they started, but rather to look at where they are going. Hillary Clinton’s evolution on LGBT rights is not a weakness or a contradiction, but a testament to the power of personal growth in the fight for justice. The movement toward LGBT equality cannot be limited to a single victory, nor can it be defined by one moment. It is a continuous journey, one that requires not just laws, but the hearts and minds of individuals to be shaped and changed along the way.

Let us take McBride’s words to heart. As we continue to fight for the rights and dignity of the LGBT community, let us allow space for people to learn and grow, even as we hold them accountable. In our own lives, let us embody the spirit of growth—striving not for perfection, but for progress. Let us engage in conversations that challenge our assumptions and invite learning, and let us stand together, recognizing that justice is not achieved through a single victory, but through continuous, collective effort. In this way, we will build a world where equality is not just a concept, but a lived reality for all.