Taylor Swift Comes Out — as a Democrat and Vocal LGBTQ Ally

Taylor Swift is using her considerable influence to sway voters to Democratic causes ahead of the midterm elections next month, saying she can't support a candidate who doesn't fight for women's issues or LGBTQ rights.

Acknowledging she's kept her political beliefs close to her vest, Swift announced on Instagram that she's changed her mind; it's simply too important to stay quiet about issues and candidates anymore.

"I'm writing this post about the upcoming midterm elections on November 6th, in which I'll be voting in the state of Tennessee," Swift wrote on Sunday. "In the past I've been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now."

Swift then announced that fighting racism, homophobia, and transphobia are the issues most important to her:

"I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.

"I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love."

Swift, a resident of Nashville, made two specific Tennessee endorsements -- Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper in the House, both Democrats. Swift said she's unable to support the female Republican Senate candidate, Marsha Blackburn, because of Blackburn's extensive anti-woman, anti-LGBTQ record.

"[Blackburn's] voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. These are not MY Tennessee values."

Swift also encouraged all young people to vote, including those who came of voting age since the 2016 election: "Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values. For a lot of us, we may never find a candidate or party with whom we agree 100% on every issue, but we have to vote anyway."