Three LGBTQ People Make History At 2020 Democratic National Convention

August 17, 2020 Queer Forty Staff 1 min read

Yesterday, the Democratic Convention announced the Keynote address participants slated to speak Tuesday evening at the 2020 Democratic National Convention including 3 openly-LGBTQ people who together will make the first openly-LGBTQ people to speak in the keynote address.

In response, Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David issued the following statement:

From the most pro-equality platform in history to the first LGBTQ people to speak as keynote speakers, the 2020 Democratic National Convention marks a turning point for our community. We have fought for a seat at the table for generations, and at this convention more LGBTQ people will serve as delegates than any other party convention in history. It’s clear our voice is not only valued but seen as essential by the Democratic party.
Leaders like Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Del. Danica Roem, State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Sam Park, and Mayor Robert Garcia represent not only the diversity of our community but the future of our movement.
This convention season, one thing is clear: Democrats are leading with unity, inclusivity and diversity while Republicans are leading with ignorance, divisiveness and bigotry.
Alphonso David, HRC President

LGBTQ people have made history across the board at this convention. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the history makers:

First openly LGBTQ person to keynote a party convention: State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Sam Park, and Mayor Robert Garcia.
First LGBTQ Presidential candidate earn delegates, and speak to a party convention: Mayor Pete Buttigieg
First transgender elected official to participate in a convention: Del. Danica Roem

The 2020 Democratic platform also marks the most pro-equality platform in history. LGBTQ people are integrated into almost every aspect of policy discussed throughout the platform. There will be more LGBTQ delegates at this convention than any other convention in history, including a historic number of transgender delegates.

To find out more about the Democratic National Convention, visit www.demconvention.com. To find out more about the Human Rights Campaign, visit www.hrc.org.