Why Philly's DNC is 'gayest convention' ever
At the luncheon sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and the Victory Institute, a group that works to elect LGBT officials, DNC LGBT caucus chair Earl Fowles told the gathering, "This is the gayest convention in history."
At the luncheon sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and the Victory Institute, a group that works to elect LGBT officials, DNC LGBT caucus chair Earl Fowles told the gathering, "This is the gayest convention in history."
Fowles said the makeup of the delegation was now 11.5 percent LGBT, up from 7.8 percent in 2012, including 28 transgender delegates, up from 14.
Several speakers noted that Wednesday night, Sarah McBride, a transgender woman who is national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, will be the first trans person to address a national convention.
State Rep. Brian Sims of South Philadelphia said Philadelphia "has become the most LGBT-friendly city in America."
Further, he said, "It is clear this is hands-down the most LGBT friendly Democratic National Convention in history," he said.
Victory Institute president Aisha Moodie-Mills said the institute is working with a record 16 LGBT congressional candidates running in November, and a total of 152 candidates in a variety of races.
There are currently six openly gay members of Congress and one U.S. Senator.
California Rep. Mark Takano said the Democratic platform was light years ahead of the Republican platform for LGBT rights. "The Republican platform is a hot mess, he said.