2012 DNC Convention Starts Tonight

Now that lying season and that illusion of inclusion better known as the Republican National Convention is mercifully over, it's time for America to see what inclusion and diversity really looks like. 

The 2012 Democratic National Convention kicks off tonight in Charlotte with First Lady Michelle Obama being one of the keynote speakers this evening at the Time Warner Cable Arena along with San Antonio mayor Julian Castro.

Yes people, there are Texas Democrats, and you're about to find out we live up to that long, distinguished history of liberal-progressive Texas leadership. 

I miss Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan (sniff, sniff)

I'm happy to note this convention is making trans history on many levels.   We have the first African-American trans man delegate in TPOCC Executive Director Kylar Broadus, who is part of the most diverse trans delegate contingent to ever attend a DNC event.  Dr Marisa Richmond is also in Charlotte for her second consecutive DNC convention as a delegate representing Tennessee. 

So yes, Black transpeople are here owning our power and we couldn't have two better people representing our community.   But they are two of the 13 total transfolks representing our community.   Also wanted to note that Diego Sanchez is part of this diverse trans contingent and representing the Latino community.

Will be interested to hear over the next few days from the various trans participants as they discuss their experiences interacting with the various groups, and participating in the activities and caucuses they'll attend from September 4-6.  

But definitely looking forward to seeing the First Lady tonight and President Obama's acceptance speech on Thursday.

The 2012 DNC Trans Delegates

When I say in my posts that the Democratic Party has an inclusive big blue tent, I'm not kidding   One of the things I'm most proud of about my party is that trans delegates since 2000 have been part of the proceedings and that will also be the case when the Democratic National Convention kicks off September 4-6 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

When the Democratic Party gathered for their 2000 convention in Los Angeles, Minnesota's Jane Fee became the first ever trans delegate to take part in a DNC.   Four years later at the DNC 2004 convention in Boston, the delegations from Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas had trans people as members of them. 

At the historic 2008 DNC in Denver, not only was 'gender identity' included in the language of the Democratic Party platform for the first time, we had transpeople as part of the delegations from the states of Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas.

History was also made in 2008 as the first ever African-American trans delegate, Dr. Marisa Richmond, was elected as part of Tennessee's DNC contingent.   

When the 2012 DNC convention is gaveled into session in Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena tomorrow, there will be 12 trans Democrats in attendance as delegates when it starts.  They are from blue states such as Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and Wisconsin and red states such as Arizona, North Carolina, Missouri and Texas. 

They also range from superdelegates to committee members, so we as a trans community will be well represented during this event by the time President Obama makes his acceptance speech at Bank of America Stadium on September 6. 

I'm most proud to note that for African-American transpeople, it will be a historic occasion for the second time.  In addition to Dr. Marisa Richmond returning for her second consecutive DNC convention as a Tennessee delegate,  Kylar Broadus makes history again this year by becoming the first ever African-American trans masculine delegate to attend a DNC convention.  

I'm also happy that a trans Texan will be part of that DNC trans contingent for the third consecutive convention.   Meghan Stabler will be part of a record sized LGBT Lone Star contingent headed to the Tarheel State.

The 12 transpeople making up the DNC's trans contingent is not only a record, it is also the most diverse group of trans people to represent our community at a Democratic National convention.   You also have to consider how far we've come since 2000 and the time it took for us to get to this point.

Makes me proud to be a Democrat and wonder how many trans delegates we'll have at the 2016 DNC.  I also wonder whether those delegate ranks in 2016 will include trans political office holders for the first time in addition to the mix of convention vets and party members.. 

Draft Language Of 2012 Democratic Party Platform ENDA Plank

If you TBLG community voters are still pondering with less than three months to go which party really wants your rainbow votes on November 6, perhaps this latest news should get your attention.

The draft language for the 2012 Platform plank on ENDA.

We know that putting America back to work is job one, and we are committed to ensuring Americans do not face employment discrimination. We support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act because people should not be fired based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

President Obama and the Democratic Party are committed to ensuring all Americans are treated fairly. This administration hosted the first-ever White House Conference on Bullying Prevention and we must continue our work to prevent vicious bullying of young people and support LGBT youth. The President’s record, from ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in full
cooperation with our military leadership, to passing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to ensuring same-sex couples can visit each other in the hospital, reflects Democrats’ belief that all Americans deserve the same chance to pursue happiness, earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love.

One of the people participating on the 2012 Democratic Party's platform committee is TPOCC's executive director Kylar Broadus.   It looks like trans Democrats voices and the allies who support an inclusive ENDA were heard in this process.    .