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Loading ...Democratic platform gay-positive without saying ‘gay’
08.11.2008 5:01pm EDT
(Washington) The party platform that will be presented to delegates at the Democratic National Convention carefully never mentions the words gay, lesbian or transgendered, yet it’s the most positive LGBT platform in memory.
The platform also calls for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the ban on LGBT people serving openly in the military, and for the first time it calls for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act used to bar gay and lesbian couples from receiving federal benefits.
The platform additionally calls for the full inclusion of same-sex couples and their families and for a national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS.
“The platform addresses many of our community’s critical issues, however it does not explicitly use the words gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “While this has prompted much discussion, it is our responsibility as a community in this election year to compare this document with the soon-to-be-adopted Republican platform and to judge which party would best advocate for us. Additionally, we challenge the Republican Party to, for the first time, adopt equally supportive language.”
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis said she was pleased to seek repeal of DADT tell in the platform adding that it “firmly advocates that all who are qualified be allowed to serve in the military without regard to their sexual orientation. This is a bold and historic moment for all those who must serve in silence today and for all who believe in equality.”
Meanwhile, a record number of LGBT delegates are expected to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Over 350 LGBT participants are being sent to the convention.
This represents approximately 6 percent of total convention attendees and is a 27 percent increase from the 282 LGBT participants who attended the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004.
I like the fact that it puts focus on all families, and instead of going “Look, Look we used your community lingo to make you feel special now go away,” I feel like by being inclusive and not going there I am finally starting to become seen as a whole citizen and not something that needs to be given a cookie and told to go away.
If I’m not very wrong here, ‘gender identity’ is not the same as sexual preference/orientation. I thought the word was only used for transsexuals. And yes, it’s ‘only a word’, but considered in a legislative context this one word could mean a lot.
And on the issue of Democrats being more in sync with what the LGBT community needs: duh! However, I fully agree with Ross that our party system is a bit on the lean side when compared to other countries. A two party system has, after all, only one more party than a one party system. Living in Belgium, I never had any problems making up my mind for which of the 4 (major) parties I was going to vote (the Greens, as they were a driving force in passing the gay marriage bill).
Not sure to be happy or insulted? Let me say that you should not be surprised. As I’ve said, the Dems and the Republicans show very little difference. The difference is that the Dems will pander for your vote and for your money. They will put up “lofty” goals and then when they fail to achieve them they will say that they “did their best.”
DOMA and DODT have a Democratic President’s signature on it. We should never forget this.