"We are a community, and we can accomplish good things if we work together instead of tearing each other apart."

A gay man announced this week that he’d be running for mayor of Topeka, Kansas, the home base of the notoriously anti-LGBT Westoboro Baptist Church.

Chris Schultz/Facebook

Restaurateur Chris Schultz announced his candidacy Monday morning, becoming the first openly LGBT person to ever run for mayor in Topeka.

In his announcement, he acknowledged that while he knew some in the conservative community wouldn’t vote for him because of his sexuality, he wouldn’t let that deter him from running.

“I know some people will try to use [my sexuality] against me, but I’m someone who fights for the rights of everyone, and I will continue to do that,” he explained.

“We are more than the traits that define us,” he continued. “We are a community, and we can accomplish good things if we work together instead of tearing each other apart.”





Schultz is a partner of two successful downtown restaurants, Field of Greens and The Break Room. He’s currently one of five candidates vying for the position of Mayor.

It’s worth noting that if he were to win, he would be leading the community that the vehemently anti-LGBT Westboro Baptist Church calls home. The church is well-known for protesting against any and all signs of progress, most notably with its regular demonstrations outside the funerals of LGBT individuals.