According to the Stonewall Democrats, 38 state delegations to the Democratic National Convention, currently underway in Charlotte N.C., have met or outperformed goals each had set in terms of including openly LGBT members among their ranks. Three state that have been counted in the “red” GOP column during national elections for decades have their first openly gay or lesbian delegates this year.
Founded in 1999 by Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the organization announced that at least 534 official LGBT participants were registered for the 2012 Democratic National Committee Convention.
“This record number of participants represents a marked increase in LGBT participation from four years ago in Denver where just over 350 LGBT participants were identified,” the organization said in a statement.
“What an amazing and inspiring convention this will be,” said Jerame Davis, Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats. “With (more than) 530 LGBT participants identified for this year’s convention, we not only set a new record for LGBT participation in a national convention, we have sent the clearest message possible that the Democratic Party is the party of inclusion.”
Pride in the Party, National Stonewall Democrats’ program to increase LGBT participation at conventions and within the various state and national Democratic Party organizations, was launched in 2007 with director Rick Boylan at the helm. Boylan, who currently consults for the DNC, emphasized the importance of the record number of LGBTs at Charlotte.
“You cannot overstate the critical role presidential campaigns play in working with state parties and Democratic leaders to meet the demographic goals set by state parties,” said Boylan. “The Obama campaign understands that the LGBT community is a key constituency in the 2012 election. Their support for the community and the issues important to LGBT Americans will help reelect the president and elect Democrats down the ballot in all states.”
