Dear Prudence,
I have a problem that I’m sure is popping up (again) all over the country. My mother is an Evangelical Christian and staunch conservative, while I am very progressive woman. I recently married my wife, and—to her credit—my mom contributed financially and attended happily.
This is a big turnaround from my coming out 15 years ago, when she didn’t speak to me for weeks. However, her political beliefs, and actions, are just gross to me. More importantly, they’re dangerous for me. I can’t get over the fact that she supports me with one hand and votes to make me a second class citizen with the other.
I have a strong inclination to leave the country if Republicans gain power, and it’s not an idle thought; my company will help me to transfer to Europe if I ask. I don’t want to wait around to see if my marriage license becomes void.
My question: Is it worth it to even broach this with her before the next election? Our conversations on politics generally devolve into her yelling and me getting so frustrated I sob. But I feel like it’s relevant information for her to have before she goes to the polls. I don’t want to threaten her; I just want her to know that this could be a consequence of her vote, and I really am serious about it. I don’t think it would destroy our relationship, but I do believe she would lash out.
— Scared in the USA