Support for fairness & our common humanity

Our common humanity was a key theme of the opening of the DNC gathering in Charlotte, N.C. Task Force staff is on the ground there, talking about issues important to LGBT people and our families, as well as a broader progressive agenda.

In a historic move yesterday, the Democratic Party platform included support for marriage equality and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, while presenting the party’s platform, said: “This platform of big and practical ideas sets forth an emboldened pathway toward the historic hope which has driven generations of Americans forward. It is our most fundamental national aspiration — that no matter who you are, no matter what your color, creed, how you choose to pray or who you choose to love, that if you are an American — first generation or fifth — one who is willing to work hard, play by the rules and apply your God-given talents — that you should be able to find a job that pays the bills.”

In addition to the platform, this convention also makes history by being the first one with LGBT delegates from every state, totaling 551. Those delegates convened for an LGBT caucus yesterday, and were received by movement leaders and officials from the Obama administration.

In addition to the caucus, many speakers at the convention expressed their support for LGBT equality. References to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were met with applause, as was the right to love free of discrimination.

First Lady Michelle Obama gave a moving speech with an overall message that we must ensure equal opportunities for all Americans, stating: “If farmers and blacksmiths could win independence from an empire…if immigrants could leave behind everything they knew for a better life on our shores…if women could be dragged to jail for seeking the vote…if a generation could defeat a depression, and define greatness for all time…if a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream…and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love…then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream.”