The Democratic National Convention is underway and is as inclusive of LGBTQ people as ever before! From countless states selecting celebratory music by out queer musicians during the roll call, to several LGBTQ politicians having the opportunity to represent their state, this was an historic night.
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To start, each of the 50 states and U.S. territories were invited to select a song to represent its constituents when taking roll call. The roll call was led by out Secretary of the Democratic National Committee, Jason Rae of Wisconsin.
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During the roll call, each state got to symbolically cast their vote to select Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential nominee.
The state of Missouri selected what has to be the song of the summer, Good Luck, Babe! by sapphic icon Chappell Roan.
Roan is a Willard, Missouri native and dedicated her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess to this region of the country so often overlooked.
New Mexico used the song Confident by nonbinary artist Demi Lovato. Lovato is originally from Albuquerque, NM.
Other LGBTQ favorites played during roll call included Utah using Animal by Neon Trees, a Utah based rock band led by gay lead singer Tyler Glenn, American Samoa using Edge of Glory by bisexual icon Lady Gaga, Idaho using Private Idaho by LGBTQ pioneers The B-52s, and Delaware who selected Higher Love by Whitney Houston and Kygo.
This portion of the night was meaningful in many ways. Also during the opening roll call ceremony, New Jersey’s delegates were cast by out transgender doctor, Joeigh Perella. Perella took this special opportunity to shout out the LGBTQ community.
Later in the night, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, took the stage. As the governor of the state hosting the convention, Pritzker took the opportunity to share that, “We believe the government should help you prosper, not police who you are sleeping with.”
Then came what was among the most anticipated speeches of the night. Former First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage and brought the crowd to their feet.
Obama, who is a Chicago native, spoke to her delegates about the LGBTQ experience, and how their lives are at stake at this upcoming election in November. She stated, “Regardless of where you come from, what you look like, who you love or what’s in your bank account, we all deserve the opportunity to build a decent life. All of our contributions deserve to be accepted, and valued. No one has a monopoly on what it means to be an American. No one.”
GLAAD is working to ensure media covering the convention and campaign is inclusive of LGBTQ voices in the national conversation. Research, data, and best practices for political reporters can be found here.