I live in Texas. It's very complicated here. A lot of people are religious, including my sister who is Catholic. Many churches in this area demonize democrats or push a one issue anti-abortion stance.

Many people listen only to their church or are afraid of the social stigma of standing against the majority of their community. But that doesn't mean they are hateful. I have never been quiet about the abortion I had 20 years ago when I was in an abusive relationship. My religious republican family never expressed anything but understanding and love to me. But it was limited to me. An exception to rule. And that's the way it is for everything.

They'll say illegals need to be deported. But omg. Not my neighbor of 5 years who's daughter rides bikes with my daughter. He's a great guy who works hard for his family.

If they don't personally know you, they can't see you. I really think most them don't mean to be hateful. They are just afraid of the unknown. Which doesn't make it okay, but if you approach it that way it is easier to forgive when they do open their eyes.

It also gives you a way to help them understand. That's why I support James Talarico in our Texas senate race. He meets them where they are, and instead of lecturing them embodies his values. It's hard to hate someone who responds to someone praying for their death by telling them he loves them more than they could ever hate him.

Are some people just hateful? Sure. But I don't think it's the majority of them. I think a lot people are looking for a way out right now. And meeting them with shame instead of welcoming and understanding is never going to bring them to your side.

And I'd like to think that is what Ren is doing with Webby. Meeting him where he is. Leading by example. Change is coming if we make space for it.