The second night of the Democratic National Convention at Chicago’s United Center once again highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ rights. Specifically, it focused on the 2024 nominee’s track record of enhancing freedoms and safeguards for the LGBTQ+ community.
During the ceremonial roll call on August 20, Vice President Kamala Harris was officially made the nominee. California Gov. Gavin Newsom praised her as someone who has always done the right thing and highlighted her advocacy for voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and the rights of women and girls.
The roll call was led by Jason Rae, openly gay Democratic National Committee Secretary. Back in 2006, he interned at the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which was known as the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund at the time.
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Vermont showcased its dedication to public education by pledging 24 votes for Harris, with Becca Balint, the state’s first LGBTQ+ representative in Congress, serving as a shining example. Balint’s prior experience as a middle school history and social studies teacher underscored Vermont’s emphasis on quality education.
On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) initiated the speeches.
The star of the night was none other than former President Barack Obama. In his captivating speech, he eloquently expressed, “We firmly believe in the essence of true freedom, which empowers every individual to make important decisions about their own lives. This includes personal choices such as our preferred mode of worship, the composition of our families, the number of children we have, and even the person we choose to marry. We firmly believe that freedom also entails respecting the fact that others may make choices that differ from our own.”
“Former First Lady Michelle Obama emphasized the ineffectiveness of shutting down the Department of Education and banning books as means to prepare our children for the future. She pointed out that demonizing our children for their identities and who they choose to love does not contribute to anyone’s well-being.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) expressed concern about LGBTQ students facing discrimination in schools due to state-sanctioned policies. He emphasized that American parents with LGBTQ children do not want their kids to experience such discrimination.
On Monday night, two LGBTQ speakers, U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia and U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler, both Democrats from California, took the stage.
Michigan state Senator Mallory McMorrow, a rising star in Democratic politics, took the stage brandishing a printout of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a governing agenda known for its right-wing and socially conservative principles.
President Joe Biden delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech to conclude the evening, highlighting the importance of preserving our fundamental rights, including the freedom to love whomever we choose.
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