LGBT Blog

Obama Pride North Carolina Marches!

Jamie Citron — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:15:36 EDT

June may be over but Pride festivals are happening all the way into the fall.

Obama Pride North Carolina spent the weekend registering voters, signing up volunteers and spreading the word about Barack's fantastic record on LGBT issues at North Carolina Pride.

Good work Obama Pride NC!

Breaking: The debate is on!

Jamie Citron — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:38:59 EDT

CNN reports that Senator McCain has agreed to join Senator Obama at the University of Mississippi for tonight's debate.

Don't miss out!

FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
TIME-DATE: 9 p.m. EDT, Friday, Sept. 26.
PLACE: University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
SUBJECT: Foreign policy.
MODERATOR: PBS' Jim Lehrer, "The NewsHour."

Michelle Obama: "He has never stopped pursuing that better world."

Jamie Citron — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:11:17 EDT

Michelle Obama states her case in The Advocate:

The World As It Should Be
By: Michelle Obama
In about a month, Americans will head to the polls to cast their votes for the next president of the United States. It will be a momentous day. But this presidential election has already changed our country in profound ways. The candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have smashed old barriers and broadened opportunities for all Americans. And I’m grateful to them -- both as a citizen and as a parent of two young girls.
But our country’s journey toward equality is not finished. It’s been five years since Lawrence v. Texas. It’s been 39 years since Stonewall. And we still have more work to do before we achieve equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans.
Election Day offers an opportunity to take another crucial step toward equality. Millions have joined this movement for change. People are hoping again -- believing again -- that we can come together to create a stronger, fairer nation. And on November 4 we’ll have a chance to put that hope into action.
Translating hope into action is something Barack has done for his entire career.
Barack and I met in Chicago 20 years ago. He thought the best way for me to know him was to get a sense of the work he cared about most. After college he had worked in neighborhoods that were devastated when steel plants shut down and jobs dried up. He’d been invited back to speak to people from those neighborhoods about how to create new opportunities for their families. He asked me to come with him.
I watched as Barack took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and instantly connected with every person in that room. He gave the most eloquent talk about “the world as it is” and “the world as it should be.”
Too often, he said, we accept the distance between the two, and we settle for the world as it is -- even when it doesn’t reflect our values and aspirations. But he reminded us that we know what fairness and justice and opportunity look like. And he urged us to believe in ourselves and find the strength to strive for the world as it should be.
Barack Obama, the 2008 presidential nominee, is the same man I fell in love with on that day 20 years ago. He has never stopped pursuing that better world.
As an Illinois state senator, Barack championed the law that amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, in housing, and in public places. In the middle of a tight race for U.S. Senate, Barack went on the record supporting a complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. As a U.S. senator, he voted to protect our Constitution from the stain of discrimination by voting against the Federal Marriage Amendment.
He has supported full funding for the Ryan White CARE Act and has pledged to implement a national HIV/AIDS strategy to combat the continuing epidemic in the United States. He has also spoken out against the stigma surrounding HIV testing, a stigma tied all too often to homophobia. And he’s led by example: On our trip to Kenya, we both took a public HIV test.
This is why Barack is running for president—because he believes that if we work together, we can build the world as it should be.
We all know what that world looks like.
It’s a world where we repeal laws like DOMA and “don’t ask, don’t tell” and oppose amendments that would write discrimination into our Constitution—because discrimination has no place in a nation founded on the promise of equality.
It’s a world where the federal government protects us all against hate crimes and we recognize that equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights isn’t an abstract principle but goes directly to whether all Americans can lead lives of dignity and freedom.

Hometown Pride: How to get started!

Jamie Citron — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:33:14 EDT

We are just weeks away from the most critical election of our lifetime and every vote counts. The difference between Barack Obama and John McCain could not be clearer and as LGBT people we know what's at stake. Senator Obama's LGBT Vote team is asking you to take part in a program unlike anything done before. Not only are we asking you to get involved where you live, but we are also asking you to make a difference where you are from. It's crucial to remember all the contacts we have – even if we don't live near them anymore – and talk to them, we can bring in the handful of votes that decide this election. LGBT Americans are from every corner of the country. Join us today and make a difference in a corner of the US that you know best.

Find three to five people back in your hometown who you think you could have a conversation with about Barack and Joe. When you talk with these people, tell them why you personally support Barack and Joe. These are your friends and people who know you, tell them your story.

Get Started Today.

Not sure who to talk to? Think about people you're still close to, like family members – but also think about people you might not have talked to in years. Think about:

Family members, Former Teachers, High School Friends, Your Piano Teacher, Sports or Drama Coach, an old Babysitter, Barber or Sunday School teacher. T-Ball Teammates, College Friends, Mentors and Professors. Your first boss and co-workers at the drive-in, bookstore or corner diner. What about your first boyfriend/girlfriend?

Not sure what to say? If you're talking about LGBT issues, we have some great talking points to help you start the conversation.

· John McCain has never once voted to progress LGBT equality. He voted against federal legislation that would protect LGBT people from being fired just for who they are, he believes gay people should not be able to serve in the military, visit their loved ones in the hospital and he isn't even sure we should be able to adopt.

· Barack Obama has a clear and consistent record in support of LGBT people. He promises to include me and other LGBT people in his vision of America and will work to make sure I am secure in my job, safe from hate crimes and equal in the eyes of the law.

· The Supreme Court is one vote away from overturning important decisions about personal privacy, like Lawrence vs. Texas and Roe vs. Wade, that protect all Americans from government intrusion – especially LGBT people.

Don't stop here. Do you know that your former high school English teacher is worried about social security? Is your softball coach or first boss worried about the struggling economy? Did your uncle just lose his job? Find out about Barack's plans to help every American HERE.

"Show your Hometown Pride"

Amanda Scott — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:28:04 EDT

LGBT Vote Director Dave Noble just sent out this email...

Dear Amanda,

We're just 42 days away from the most important election of our lifetime, and every vote counts.

You know that there is no better way to grow this movement than by connecting with people directly -- talking to friends, family and others about why you support Barack Obama.

Our LGBT supporters have done an amazing job of reaching out to people in their communities. But in the final stretch, we want to make sure we are getting the word out as broadly as possible.

That's why we are asking you to be a part of Hometown Pride, and talk to the people in the places you know best.

Connect with people in your hometown and tell them why Barack Obama is the candidate that will bring the change we need. Look up friends you haven't seen in a while and tell them why you support Barack. Then invite them to join this movement for change.

Hometown Pride is a great way that the LGBT communities can make sure they are connecting with people all over the country -- and make a difference in battleground states.

You can do that just by telling your story, and explaining why there is so much at stake for all of us this year.

We've made it easy. Click here to find suggestions on who to contact and what you can talk about:

http://pride.barackobama.com/hometown

Thanks for everything you do,

Dave

Dave Noble
LGBT Vote Director Obama Pride

Friday Night

Jamie Citron — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:19:16 EDT

Don't forget to tune in to the first Presidential Debate this Friday night! The theme of this week's debate is Foreign Policy.

FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
TIME-DATE: 9 p.m. EDT, Friday, Sept. 26.
PLACE: University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
SUBJECT: Foreign policy.
MODERATOR: PBS' Jim Lehrer, "The NewsHour."

Find a place to watch with other supporters, or host an Obama Pride Watch Party and invite your friends who are still undecided.

Find details on all four debates HERE.

An intolerable risk?

Jamie Citron — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:18:58 EDT

Two weeks ago in St. Paul, Minnesota, John McCain and the Republican Party justified continuing the discriminatory ban on LGBT Americans serving openly in the United States military by including a plank in their national platform extolling "the benefits of traditional military culture, and the incompatibility of homosexuality with military service." This was no surprise in light of Sen. McCain's longstanding support for the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. In fact, in a 2007 letter, McCain said that the law "unambiguously maintains that open homosexuality within the military services presents an intolerable risk to morale, cohesion and discipline." An intolerable risk? Barack Obama thinks differently. It's time for a change.

Few people know this better than Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alva underscored the need to repeal Don't Ask, Don't' Tell and his support for Barack Obama in a YouTube video message HERE.

In a September 17th conference call with reporters, the campaign's LGBT Vote Program underscored Sen. Obama's strong belief that the key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should have no place in our military.

On the call, Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, the first female three-star general, said Senator McCain is "out of touch with reality" and "reckless … to put aside the reality of our world and try to stick with a very old, outmoded way of thinking about people. We should be looking at people on the basis of merit and on the basis of performance… Senator Obama, in my view, is the perfect commander-in-Chief for the Twenty-First Century." Kennedy emphasized that our nation's security was particularly undermined when intelligence officers, like translators, are discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA), a West Point Graduate and Army JAG recruiter, told reporters that Barack Obama was prepared to "put the full force of his administration on repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and for that I applaud him and think that's exactly the right approach." Murphy also observed that "John McCain does not believe our military personnel are as professional as the twenty-three other NATO countries that allow their military members to serve openly."

It's clear that John McCain is wrong. After gay Navy linguist Jason Knight was discharged in 2005, he was recalled back to service and sent to Kuwait where he had the support of his commanders and colleagues. You can watch Knight's video message HERE.

Barack Obama's commitment to LGBT equality does not end with his vow to rescind Don't Ask, Don't Tell. As president, he also pledged full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and promised to sign into law LGBT inclusive hate crimes and employment nondiscrimination legislation

OUT in the Field: LGBT Students for Obama Penn State

Jamie Citron — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:31:20 EDT

Daniel Kolbe, working with Penn State Students for Obama, wants to make sure the LGBT community on campus is throwing it's weight behind Barack Obama and that LGBT and human rights issues are at the forefront of the debate. The Daily Collegian reports:

Daniel Kolbe said this election will directly affect how he lives his life.
"It's important to me to have the right to be an equal citizen in our country," said Kolbe, a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT).
Passionate about his beliefs, Kolbe is president of LGBT Students for Obama, created in March. Kolbe (junior-information sciences and technology) would like to bring LGBT issues into the spotlight this election by informing voters.
Both Kolbe and Zachary Zabel, president of Penn State Students for Barack Obama, said Obama has the community's best interests in mind.
"We want to basically try and bring a lot of LGBT and basic human rights issues to the front and have people look honestly at all the issues within the campaign and make informed decisions on who they are going to be voting for... Ultimately, considering the age of the average college students, this election is what's going to impact their future," Kolbe said.

OUT in the Field: Rebecca & Julia

Jamie Citron — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:20:05 EDT

Periodically, we at Obama Pride want to share with you the voices and views of LGBT Americans across the nation. The reasons why LGBT people choose to support Barack Obama for President are as diverse as our community itself. This week we bring you Rebecca & Julia from San Francisco, California. Check back often for other LGBT Voices in support of Obama.

We endorsed Barack Obama for president last fall and we want to tell you why.
First, let us introduce ourselves. We are Julia Adams and Rebecca Prozan. We have been together for 6 ½ years, 5 ½ of which we've had the fortune of legal recognition and protection as domestic partners. We met in law school. Julia has been committed to public interest law and social justice issues all her life and currently manifests that practice as an attorney focusing on plaintiff-side employment discrimination and tenant's rights. Rebecca has been deeply dedicated to public service, both pre and post law school, and currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco.
Prior to law school, Julia worked with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. There, she became very familiar with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Currently, SLDN estimates that every single day two highly-trained, devoted Americans are fired from the military as a result of DADT. For more than a decade, thousands of lives have been ruined by this policy. While some of us may not choose to serve our country in this way, those who do should be able to do so openly and proudly. Obama has been clear – the only test should be a sense of duty and an ongoing willingness and capacity to serve our country, without consideration of one's sexual orientation.
Rebecca worked as the LGBT Community Liaison for San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. before attending law school. During that time, she helped organize the first public domestic partner ceremonies, which became an annual event during Mayor Brown's administration. The public ceremonies provided many people with their first view of same sex commitment ceremonies. This year, domestic partnership finally evolved into marriage rights for same sex couples in California. The issue of marriage equality is important to Californians, and Obama supports the extension of equal rights and benefits to same sex couples under both state and federal law. Obama opposes Proposition 8, a discriminatory ballot initiative on the November 2008 ballot that seeks to amend the California Constitution to prohibit same sex marriage.
We are lucky to live in tolerant San Francisco, which is home to the most vibrant LGBT community in the country. However, we've noticed that San Francisco has become inaccessible for many. Like the rest of the country, our economic outlook is not as bright as it once was. Layoffs are more and more common and no longer a surprise to hear about. Families are leaving the City due to being priced out of our housing market and because the school system is failing. Public safety concerns continue to threaten our quality of life. And we would like to see a world where folks do not have to call the streets their home.
We trust Barack Obama to firmly and appropriately address these nuts and bolts issues once elected. Obama's experience as a community organizer gives us confidence that he understands how the White House will need to concretely step up and take action to turn things around. The fact that he and his wife recently paid off their graduate school loans, from the proceeds of one of Obama's books, demonstrates that the Obama family knows what it is like to work to make ends meet.
In addition, Obama had the good judgment to stand up and oppose the war in Iraq from day one. He knows that every day we fail to address global warming means another day less for humankind in the end.
We cannot wait another four years for action – Obama must win this November.

NEW VIDEO: Michelle at the LGBT Delegates Luncheon

Jamie Citron — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:24:15 EDT

Lawrence Goldyn, openly gay professor and mentor to Barack Obama, speaks to the Washington Blade

Jamie Citron — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:30:04 EDT

Around 1980, Lawrence Goldyn was an openly gay political science professor, an outspoken supporter of Civil Rights and a conduit for open discussion at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Not an easy thing to be on a campus known for its socially conservative leanings. Goldyn was also a mentor to a politically burgeoning Barack Obama. He recently sat down with the Washington Blade to talk about his experience teaching eighteen year old Obama.

Goldyn on Barack:

“He was remarkable in that he was not intimidated by a publicly gay figure and, in fact, was interested in learning from me, whether formally or informally. That required an extraordinary kind of confidence in an 18 or 19 year old — the kind that comes from somewhere deep inside, that was still finding its way into his adult personality.
“He demonstrated a kind of social courage, which has served him well and helped get him where he is today,” said Goldyn, who described himself as a strong supporter of Obama’s presidential campaign.

Barack on Goldyn:

“He was a wonderful guy,” Obama said of Goldyn in that interview. “He was the first openly gay professor that I had ever come into contact with, or openly gay person of authority that I had come in contact with... just his comfort in his own skin and the friendship we developed helped to educate me on a number of these issues.”

Colorado has its say

Jamie Citron — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:51:20 EDT

The Colorado Stonewall Democrats enthusiastically endorsed Barack Obama today:

After the historic National Democratic Convention held in the Mile High City the Colorado Stonewall Democrats proudly endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States as the best candidate in this presidential race looking out for LGBT Americans. From hate crimes legislation to an inclusive ENDA and from HIV prevention to Gays in the Military, Senator Obama is on the right side of the issues. As demonstrated during Senator Obama’s acceptance speech at Mile High he, like millions of fair minded Americans believes that we can rise to our greater natures and find respect and a place at the table for LGBT Americans.

Between The Lines endorses Barack Obama

Jamie Citron — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:11:16 EDT

Michigan's LGBT newspaper endorsed Senator Obama today, and in no uncertain terms, made it clear how much is at stake in this election. Read the whole thing here.

Unlike four long years ago, the Michigan LGBT vote is being strongly courted outloud and proud by the National Democratic party this year with the leadership of Barack Obama... The stakes in this election could not be higher. All of us in the 11 battleground states of 2004 know the effects of letting our opponents win wars that restrict our rights. We cannot afford to risk anything less than electing and swearing into office President Obama on Jan. 20, 2009.
The stark contrast between candidates is easy to see with a look at LGBT-issue Web site www.pride.barackobama.com versus Sen. John McCain, who has no such site. Or, look at the National Democratic Platform and compare it with the National Republican Platform on LGBT issues...
BarackObama has asked for and will receive our support, endorsement and anything else we can help them with in the next 60 days. We urge all our readers to educate themselves, their family members and co-workers about the urgency of this election in our lives. Tell them how harmful the last four years have been for those of us living under this assault. Enough is enough. Pick up the phones, register people to vote (last day is Oct. 6), share your stories and please vote for Barack Obama on Nov. 4. because, "Yes we can!"

Quinn on Obama

Jamie Citron — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:18:11 EDT

The first openly gay New York City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, joined 50 LGBT organizational leaders and Obama Pride New York for an Obama Pride Rally and mass endorsement on the steps on City Hall.

"I am confident . . . he will be the most pro-LGBT president we've had", said Quinn.

Barack talks to the Washington Blade

Jamie Citron — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:18:22 EDT

Recently LGBT newspaper The Washington Blade submitted a series of questions to Senator Obama regarding his potential Administration and the LGBT Community. Below are a few excerpts.

On Role Models

Blade: Do you have any role models who are openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender?
Obama: A college professor of mine helped me to see the lives of LGBT people from a different perspective. He was the first openly gay professor that I had ever come in contact with, or openly gay person of authority that I had come in contact with. And he was just a terrific guy. His comfort in his own skin and the friendship we developed helped to educate me on a number of these issues.

On Executive Appointments

Blade: Would you resume the practice started by President Clinton but discontinued by President Bush of creating a high-level White House staff position serving as liaison to the GLBT community?
Obama: I will make sure the voices of LGBT people are heard in the White House and I thought it was wrong that the Bush White House eliminated this position.

On Judges

Blade: Would you decline to nominate a qualified Supreme Court justice or cabinet member who had a history of anti-gay rulings?
Obama: I would have to consider the totality of the candidate’s record and qualifications. However, I think someone who has an established record of failing to support equal opportunities for all Americans would not fare well in an Obama-Biden administration.

On HIV/AIDS

Blade: President Bush has been praised for his AIDS relief efforts in Africa, but many domestic AIDS service providers say the U.S. focus on the epidemic abroad ignores growing infection rates here at home. How would your AIDS policies differ from President Bush’s and would you put a greater focus on the domestic problem?
Obama: President Bush has done a good job with international AIDS programs, but I think we need to do more, especially domestically. If elected, during my first year in office, I will develop and implement a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies. That strategy will reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities. Congress should pass the JUSTICE Act to combat infection within our prison population. And, as President, I will continue to confront the stigma — too often tied to homophobia — that continues to surround HIV/AIDS.

On DOMA

Blade: You have called for the full repeal of DOMA. If elected president, will you introduce legislation calling for its repeal during your first year in office?
Obama: I have long been on record opposing DOMA, and an Obama-Biden administration will work hard to ensure that we can pass a repeal of that law as soon as possible.

On the passing of Del Martin

Blade: Del Martin died on Aug. 27 — she and Phyllis Lyon, her partner of 55 years, got married in the first legal gay union in California in June — affording Phyllis many of the basic protections and rights granted to married couples, such as hospital visitations and estate planning issues. Do you envision a time when all GLBT citizens will have similar basic rights? During your administration?
Obama: Michelle and I were extremely saddened to learn about Del’s passing. Del committed her life to fighting discrimination and promoting equality.
As I have said before, I’m running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all — a promise that certainly extends to the LGBT community. I do envision a time when we all enjoy that promise, but we have to work hard to get there. LGBT Americans deserve real change, and they deserve it now. Certainly as a nation we can all agree that discrimination has no place in our America. Same-sex couples face legal discrimination every day — that we can, and must, end — by repealing DOMA, providing federal rights and responsibilities to same-sex families, and supporting LGBT parents, to start. And we need to remember that it’s not just couples that need protection — we need to pass long overdue legislation that ends employment discrimination, enhances hate crimes protections, and repeals “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”

Compare Obama and McCain on LGBT Issues

Jamie Citron — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:01:13 EDT

Obama Pride has released a comprehensive list of issue contrasts between Senator Obama and Senator McCain covering an array of topics. You can view it by CLICKING HERE or by visiting the resources section on pride.barackobama.com

Below is a sample of some of the issues covered, click above for the whole piece and spread the word! Please send to at least five of your friends and encourage them to do the same.

Obama Pride at Gender Odyssey

Jamie Citron — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:19:11 EDT

Obama Pride National Co-Chair, Marsha Botzer, led a team of Obama Pride volunteers registering voters and signing up supporters at the 6th annual Gender Odyssey Conference. Here is what she had to say about their efforts:

Labor Day Weekend saw the 6th annual Gender Odyssey Conference at the Convention Center in downtown Seattle, and Obama Pride was there with a table right at the entrance. This conference deals with gender identity and expression concerns, and hundreds of individuals, families, professional providers, allies and friends attend this conference each year. We talked about Obama to most of them! This conference draws folks from all over the world, many quickly affirming their support for Obama, their commitment to vote, and their thumbs up support and best wishes. We signed up lots of new Obama Pride members, handed out a huge number of Obama Pride stickers, and registered a good number of first-time voters! All in all, a very successful Washington State Obama Pride effort.

Thanks Marsha and Obama Pride Washington!

Obama Pride launches official Facebook page!

Jamie Citron — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:55:10 EDT

Obama Pride is now officially on Facebook. Join and find other supporters in your area, keep up with the blog, take a peek at new photos and videos from speeches and events around the country, register to vote, post and find Obama Pride activities near you.

JOIN TODAY!

WashBlade: "Biden called a proven advocate for gay rights"

Jamie Citron — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:14:50 EDT

Last week, Washington Blade reporter Lou Chibbaro Jr. took the time to speak with some LGBT Delawareans about Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s decision to pick Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) as his vice presidential running mate drew immediate praise from gay activists in Delaware, who called Biden a strong and reliable friend of the gay community... He has voted for gay-supportive legislation and against anti-gay measures nearly every time such legislation came before the Senate during his 35-year tenure as a senator, according to Delaware activists.
"He’s a great choice for vice president,” said Steve Elkins, executive director of Camp Rehoboth, a gay social and community service organization in Rehoboth Beach, a Delaware resort town with a large gay community.
“Biden has always been very supportive of everything we’ve done,” Elkins said.
"We have reason to think he's very positive on all LGBT issues," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

CLICK HERE for the whole article.

Our Brothers & Sisters

Jamie Citron — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:06:34 EDT

Happy Labor Day!

CLICK HERE (or click the picture below) to watch a new Obama Pride video! It was originally premiered at the LGBT Caucus meeting at the Convention last week.

"When I am President of the Unites States, gays and lesbians will have somebody who will fight for equal rights for them, because they are our brothers and they are our sisters."
-Senator Barack Obama

Equality.

Jamie Citron — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:26:05 EDT

Last night, Barack Obama gave a landmark speech at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Eighty thousand people were in attendance and another thirty eight million watched on TV. The following is an excerpt I wanted to share with you:

“The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past… I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.”
- Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), August 27, 2008

Barack on the passing of activist and pioneer Del Martin

Jamie Citron — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:30:25 EDT

It was with heavy hearts that we learned that civil rights activist and pioneer Del Martin passed away. Senator Barack Obama made the following statement on her passing:

“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear that Del Martin had passed. Del committed her life to fighting discrimination and promoting equality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her spouse Phyllis Lyon, and all those who were touched by her life.”

Rick Stafford honored with the Transgender Caucus' Hero Award

Jamie Citron — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:23:25 EDT

Congratulations to Rick Stafford, Chair of the Democratic National Comittee's LGBT Caucus on his reception of the 2008 Transgender Caucus' Hero Award. Rick was presented with the award at today's LGBT Caucus meeting by Babs Casbar, New Jersey Delegate and President of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats. Congratulations to our friend Rick on the honor and to the 2008 Transgender Delegation for a historic year!

Other speakers at today's meeting included Governor Howard Dean, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Minnesota Congressman and Ally Tim Walz, Massacusetts Congressman Barney Frank, Obama Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand and a visit from Alan Cumming. What a day!

Hillary calls all of us to action

Jamie Citron — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:14:17 EDT

Last night, to thunderous applause, Senator Hillary Clinton took the stage and gave the speech of a lifetime.

I am honored to be here tonight. A proud mother. A proud Democrat. A proud American. And a proud supporter of Barack Obama.

My friends, it is time to take back the country we love.

Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines.
This is a fight for the future. And it’s a fight we must win.

One line in particular gave way to cheers that nearly shook the Pepsi center. Everyone cheered while waving Hillary, Obama and Unity signs by the thousands.

No way. No how. No McCain.

Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our President.

Senator Clinton ended by reminding us of the weight this election holds, and asked every American to give their all to bring about the change we need.

We are Americans. We're not big on quitting.

But remember, before we can keep going, we have to get going by electing Barack Obama president.

We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare.

Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance.

It was a historic speech and a thrilling night and as Chelsea Clinton said when introducing her mother (and I apologize for paraphrasing) Senator Clinton put eighteen million cracks into the glass ceiling, and in doing so, shattered it allowing new opportunities and a brighter future for everyone.

Michelle at LGBT Luncheon

Laurin Manning — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:45:47 EDT

This afternoon Michelle dropped by a luncheon honoring the LGBT Delegates in Denver. Building on what she shared last night, Michelle spoke about Barack's vision for the world as it should be, focusing on themes of equality and justice.

Barack believes that if we come together, and work together, we can build the world as it should be.

In the world as it should be:

We work together to repeal laws like DOMA and Don't Ask Don't Tell, and we oppose divisive constitutional amendments that would strip civil rights and benefits away from LGBT Americans--because discrimination has no place in a nation founded on the promise of equality.

Anyone willing to put in an honest day's work can make a good living and support their family--and employers are held accountable for discrimination against LGBT Americans.

The federal government fully protects all of us--including LGBT Americans--against hate crimes.

In the world as it should be, we recognize that equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights isn't an abstract principle, but goes directly to whether all Americans can lead lives of dignity and freedom.

Watch a clip from Michelle's remarks at the LGBT caucus meeting below:

Michelle pays a visit to the LGBT Delegates Luncheon

Jamie Citron — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:18:35 EDT

Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign held a lunch to honor the 360+ LGBT Delegates attending this year's convention and were joined by our very own Michelle Obama! Michelle spoke on the promise of equality, Barack's commitment to justice and the spirit of public service that they both share.

“We all know that our country’s journey toward equality is not finished yet. We know it right here in this room. It’s been five years since Lawrence v. Texas, and 39 years since Stonewall, but still we’ve got work to do before we achieve equality.”

Pam Spaulding over at Pam's House Blend does a great job of capturing the mood of the room and even has a video clip of Michelle's entrance. CLICK HERE to head on over and check it out. Michelle closed by saying:

“Discrimination has no place in a nation founded on the promise of equality.”

UPDATE: Lauren Manning, another Obama blogger, wrote up a piece on the LGBT delegate lunch as well and has some fantastic video. Check it out HERE.

Obama Pride at Convention: Day One

Jamie Citron — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:22:17 EDT

Day One. We are officially one full day into the convention. I am writing to you right now from the Pepsi Center, while Michelle Obama gives tonight’s keynote address. I wish I could convey the feeling here to you. The excitement is palpable; I see the same hope in the eyes of the delegates that I saw in the eyes of the caucus goers back on a cold January night in Iowa. Democrats from every state, all so excited to be here, and I have lost count of all the rainbow Obama, Biden and Clinton buttons I see all over the convention center!

Earlier today was the first DNC LGBT Caucus meeting led by Caucus Chair Rick Stafford.

Incredible speakers including Tim Gill, Shannon Minter, Melissa Sklarz and Marjory Hill reminded us of the central place LGBT Americans hold in the party, and of the role we play in changing America for the better. Tammy Baldwin concluded the meeting by letting us know that there are 40% more LGBT delegates than in 2004 and more total than have ever participated before.

As I am typing this Michelle is speaking about the common thread that runs through all Americans. It reminds me of when she said,

“We are only here because of those who marched and bled and died, from Selma to Stonewall, in pursuit of that more perfect union.”

We are all in this together.

America is in Denver tonight. The convention room is filled with an amazing quilt of people, all strengthened by a common cause and empowered by unshakeable hope. Every time I saw another Obama Pride or LGBT for Clinton button I was excited by the part our community is playing in this convention conversation, in this historic election, and in the future of our country... and it is still only day one!

Governor Sebelius has just adjourned the convention until tomorrow at 3:00 PM so I will leave you for tonight but please check back tomorrow! The LGBT Delegates are gathering for lunch with Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank and a host of exciting speakers. I look forward to telling you all about it.

UPDATE: Rocker and gay rights activist Cyndi Lauper spent day one on the floor of the convention with Obama Pride staffer Alex! Cyndi spent the evening visiting with LGBT Delegates, talking to press about LGBT equality and even had a visit with the Biden family. Check back later today for photos!

Obama Pride prepares for Convention

Jamie Citron — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:22:58 EDT

Evening everyone! It has been three exciting days here in Denver and the festivities have not even technically begun. Shortly after arriving in Denver we were greeted by this poster in the DNC Convention Headquarters:

Obama Pride Denver is ready to go!

We settled in quickly and got to work but took some time to take a sneak peek at the convention podium.

We rounded out Sunday evening by speaking at the closing ceremonies of the College Democrats of America Convention and we were truly moved by the passion and excitement of the young LGBT and allied future leaders of our party.

It is time to pack it up and call it a night but check back tomorrow for photos of the first DNC LGBT Caucus meeting and the opening night speeches!

Obama Pride welcomes Joe Biden to the team!

Jamie Citron — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:09:40 EDT

Obama Pride is glad to welcome friend of the community, Senator Joe Biden, to the 2008 Democratic ticket. You can welcome Joe too, and share your story with him, HERE.

Touched down in Denver

Jamie Citron — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:03:20 EDT

Obama Pride heads to the Convention!

Greetings from Denver, Colorado. The LGBT Vote team just landed and we are tired, but we are excited about joining thousands of other Democrats all working hard towards electing candidates who care about our issues!

Obama Pride will be participating on the convention floor, in caucus meetings and in events all over Denver. Check back often for daily updates from every corner of the 2008 Democratic National Convention!

Barack Obama's fight to expand hate crimes protections

Jamie Citron — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:54:43 EDT

This month, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released a report highlighting a spike in hate crimes against LGBT people in June and July of this year. This disturbing report reminds us that LGBT people continue to be targets of bias-motivated violence while the law continues to fail them. The law does not provide federal officials with the law enforcement tools that they need to prosecute these crimes for what they are -- bias-motivated hate crimes -- and it does not provide local law enforcement with the resources that they need to prosecute hate crimes at the state and local level.

Barack Obama has made strengthening and expanding the federal hate crimes law a priority.

As a United States Senator, he co-sponsored the bill that would expand hate crimes protections to include crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill also would provide local law enforcement agencies with federal aid in fighting and prosecuting hate crimes.
Barack cast the critical 60th vote that prevented the bill from being defeated by a Republican-sponsored filibuster. [2007 Senate Vote #350]
He has pledged to continue his support for enacting these protections into law if elected President, promising earlier this year to “place the full weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes… on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.” [New York Blade, 6/10/08]
Barack has pledged to reinvigorate enforcement of all hate crime laws at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section. [www.barackobama.com]

While Barack Obama has been fighting to expand hate crimes protections, John McCain has been standing in the way. He has consistently stood in the way of the bill becoming law.

McCain voted against the hate crimes bill in 2000. [2000 Senate Vote #136]
McCain voted against the hate crimes bill in 2002. [2002 Senate Vote #147]
McCain voted against the hate crimes bill in 2004. [2004 Senate Vote #114]
In 2007, McCain was the only member of the Senate to not cast a vote at all on the bill. [2007 Senate Vote #350]

President Bush has threatened to veto hate crimes legislation, and John McCain is promising to yet again follow in his footsteps on an issue important to the LGBT community.

Last year, Damien Skipper lost his brother Ryan in a brutal hate crime. Ryan, just 25 years old, was beaten, stabbed and killed just because he was gay. Ryan’s family has since become forceful advocates for expanding the federal hate crimes law, and they support Senator Obama in large part because he is committed to passage of a federal hate crimes law. Damien recorded the following clip and wanted to share it with others:

Expanding and strengthening hate crimes protections is just one of the many issues important to the community where Barack Obama stands with LGBT people and John McCain has turned his back. Share Damien’s story, and your own support for Senator Obama, by forwarding this message to five friends who might still be undecided about who to vote for in November.

Obama Pride North Carolina goes to the movies

Jamie Citron — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:24:03 EDT

Obama Pride North Carolina spent the weekend registering voters at the 13th annual North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Durham. OPNC reports that the festival was a success and so was Voter Reg!

BUILD OBAMA PRIDE TODAY:

Jamie Citron — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:06:52 EDT

ORGANIZE AN OBAMA PRIDE WATCH PARTY FOR BARACK’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH THURSDAY AUGUST 28!

On Thursday, August 28, Barack Obama will address 75,000 campaign supporters at Invesco Field in Denver, concluding the 2008 Democratic Convention and accepting the Democratic nomination for President. LGBT Supporters and Obama Pride are organizing watch parties in their homes and at popular LGBT venues across America and you can be part of the action, organize an Obama Pride Watch Party!

Anyone can organize a house party using tools on My.BarackObama.com and their own friends and contacts in the LGBT and Allied community.

CLICK HERE for some suggestions on how to organize your watch party, and, advertise it to folks outside your circle of friends.

Obama Pride Atlanta: On the move

Jamie Citron — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:40:16 EDT

Obama Pride Atlanta has been busy reaching out to LGBT Georgians all across the state and recently caught the eye of local LGBT paper, The Southern Voice:

The historic Democratic candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama — combined with a strong Libertarian contender from Georgia, Bob Barr, and the less dynamic campaign styling of presumptive Republican nominee John McCain — could tilt the state from red to blue. And to get there, Obama is counting on a bit of pink by openly courting gay Georgia voters like no other presidential candidate has before.

"You don't want to take anyone for granted. You want to let everyone know that their vote counts, that you care about their issues and that you're listening,” said Caroline Adelman, communications director for Obama’s Georgia campaign, in an interview this week at the campaign’s recently opened office on Spring Street.

Local volunteers are partnering with Georgian and national staff to spread the word about Barack's relationship with the LGBT community.

Former Georgia Equality political director Kyle Bailey serves on Obama’ national LGBT steering committee and is organizing an informal group of two-dozen volunteers in Atlanta. His group is working to register and motivate voters in places like Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Ansley Mall, Blake’s on the Park and other gay establishments.
“I think Obama’s taken a very strong positions on behalf of the GLBT community,” Bailey said. “From the start, he was one of the candidates to support a complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, not just the definition of marriage, but the part that keeps states from recognizing marriages from other states.”

SOVO also points out the tremendous voting power held by Georgia's sizable LGBT community.

Georgia is home to approximately 280,000 gay, lesbian or bisexual adults, according to a 2006 analysis of U.S. Census figures by UCLA’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law & Public Policy, and many activists think the true number is much higher.

While gay voter turnout is difficult to measure, any population of that size can play a role in a close election.

“If it’s close enough, than it can make a difference,” Bullock said. “An energized gay community could help [Obama] gain support in the white community, and going back as far as 2002, Democrats have not done well there.”

George and other gay Obama supporters were more optimistic.

“If 100 percent of the gay people in Georgia turn out to vote, Obama will win,” George said.

Would you like to join Obama Pride Atlanta? JOIN HERE.

Barack's LGBT Friends & Colleagues

Jamie Citron — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:11:49 EDT

The Advocate has spent the last month talking to personal friends and colleagues, all LGBT, of Barack's, as well as Illinois activists who know his work the best. The piece does a great job of reminding us of his great stances on our issues but also shines light on the important ways LGBT people have impacted Senator Obama's life. I strongly urge you to read the whole piece.

Barack Obama had just finished a long day of campaigning for the U.S. Senate in 2004 when he called his daughters on the cell phone to say good night. Then he sat back in the car, turned to an aide (who had also been a close friend for more than a decade), and asked, “So, Kevin—have you and Greg thought about having kids?”
The aide, Kevin Thompson (who no longer works for the candidate), says Obama often asked questions about his life as a gay man: wondering how he and his partner made various decisions, why they didn’t want to get married, why they weren’t planning to have kids. And after Obama marched in a Chicago pride parade for the first time, Thompson says, questions again poured forth: “He wanted to know the history of Pride—how is it that every city has one, what was the origin of it, what was the whole story about Stonewall.”
Obama had seen Thompson through ups and downs. They first met when Thompson worked with Michelle Obama in the Chicago mayor’s office in the early 1990s. At the time, Thompson was married to a woman, but in the difficult period when his marriage ended and he started coming out, he says, Michelle became one of his closest confidantes. “I knew that [my coming out] made a lot of people uncomfortable, no matter what they said. I never worried, never wondered for a second what Michelle and Barack thought of me. They were the kind of friends who I knew would always be with me.”

Please take a minute to read the entire article here.

Team Obama further empowered by LGBT Clinton supporters

Jamie Citron — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:25:09 EDT

Yesterday, the Washington Blade reported on the recent influx of prominent LGBT activists who have joined Team Obama who supported Senator Clinton in the Primary. It is an honor to have them join us and we look forward to working together towards November.

As the Democratic National Convention fast approaches, former supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign are joining Sen. Barack Obama’s gay steering and policy committee.

Among the most prominent new members of Obama’s campaign is U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), the only openly lesbian member of Congress. The Obama campaign recently invited Baldwin to join the committee as co-chair alongside sitting chair Tobias Wolff, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania...
Other former Clinton supporters who have joined Obama’s gay policy committee include Mandy Carter, a lesbian North Carolina activist; Jesse Garcia, president of the Dallas Stonewall Democrats; and Peter Rosenstein, a gay D.C. activist.

Obama campaign spokesperson Ben LaBolt said Clinton attracted strong support from gay leaders during the primaries. The Obama campaign is “grateful that so many of those supporters have joined our efforts to bring the change to Washington that we desperately need,” LaBolt said.

Baldwin said Obama’s decision to bring so many Clinton supporters on board “is clear sign of unity in the party and momentum building behind Sen. Obama’s campaign.”

CLICK HERE to read the whole article.

Northalsted St. Wrap-up

Jamie Citron — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:27:57 EDT

Congratulations Obama Pride Chicago on registering and re-registering over 1,000 voters from all over the Midwest at Northalsted Market Days!

Would you like to get involved with an Obama Pride event near you? Click here for events in your city.

Meet NY States' LGBT Delegates

Jamie Citron — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:34:09 EDT

A record number of openly LGBT constituents will attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver this month, with participation up 27 percent from 2004.

New York State alone will have 30 LGBT participants at the convention as delegates, alternates and committee members, with participation up from 22 in 2004, according to state Democratic parties. The National Stonewall Democrats said that 358 LGBT Democrats from 48 states will participate in the convention, held Aug. 25–28.

To learn more about New York's LGBT Delegates, CLICK HERE.

LIVE from Northalsted St.

Jamie Citron — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:32:18 EDT

Obama Pride,

I am blogging to you from booth #333 at Northalsted Market Days, the largest street festival in the Midwest and Chicago's most famous LGBT event. We are registering voters from all over and have registered or re-registered 800 people and counting! Check back tomorrow for our grand total. Do you need to register? Have you moved since you last registered and you need to re-register? CLICK HERE.

Obama Pride DSM

Jamie Citron — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:15:10 EDT

Obama Pride launched a new chapter in Des Moines, Iowa on August 5th! One more city where LGBT Americans are making the difference and campaigning for change!

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI): "Why I am backing Barack."

Jamie Citron — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:57:21 EDT

Yesterday, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin wrote a compelling op-ed about why she is supporting Barack Obama for president. In it, Tammy cites the following reasons:

If elected President, Barack Obama will move us forward charting a new, hopeful, progressive course, while John McCain would keep us mir ed in the failed policies and divisive politics of the status quo.
Barack Obama will get our troops out of Iraq. John McCain is willing to leave them there indefinitely.
Barack Obama will work to ensure health care for all Americans. John McCain is willing to leave people behind while enriching insurance companies.
Barack Obama will make it a priority to protect and safeguard Roe v. Wade. John McCain has pledged to fill Supreme Court vacancies with justices who willoverturn Roe v. Wade.
Barack Obama wants to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. John McCain believes the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy has been ‘very effective’ and wants to leave it in place.
Barack Obama will support legislation expanding federal employment non-discrimination laws and federal hate crime laws to assure the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. John McCain will not.

Congresswoman Baldwin continues by saying:

I am working to elect Barack Obama President, not because I’m toeing a party line, but because we share a commitment to equality for all Americans. We share core values – a commitment to the common good and an aversion to power being granted through friendship and favors. And we share a belief in the power of the individual to create change and the knowledge that in a democracy , “We, the People” decide what is possible.
I am working to elect Barack Obama President because he dares to believe in and work for ‘one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

To read the entire op-ed CLICK HERE.

Barack Responds to the New CDC Numbers on HIV/AIDS in the US

Jamie Citron — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:29:40 EDT

Senator Obama released the following statement on the Center for Disease Control's report about new cases of HIV/AIDS in the United States.

"We have now learned that 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006, not 40,000 that had been previously cited. These new figures should bring new focus to our efforts to address AIDS and HIV here at home.
"As president, I am committed to developing a National AIDS Strategy to decrease new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for Americans living with HIV/AIDS. Across the nation, we also need to prevent the spread of HIV and get people into treatment by expanding access to testing and comprehensive education programs. This report also demonstrates the need for more timely data about HIV transmission so that we can effectively evaluate prevention efforts.
"Combating HIV/AIDS also demands closing the gaps in opportunity that exist in our society so that we can strengthen our public health. We must also overcome the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS – a stigma that is too often tied to homophobia. We need to encourage folks to get tested and accelerate HIV/AIDS research toward an effective cure because we have a moral obligation to join together to meet this challenge, and to do so with the urgency this epidemic demands."

To read Senator Obama's plan for fighting HIV/AIDS world wide and at home, click HERE

Estimated 27% Increase in LGBT Convention Participation

Jamie Citron — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:00:57 EDT

National Stonewall Democrats, the national voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Democrats, announced today that a total of 360 LGBT delegates will participate in the Convention in December at the end of the month. The number represents a 27% increase from last year and breaks any previous record.

"The Democratic Party is being positively shaped by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates who believe in Democratic principles of fair play, hard work, security at home and equal opportunity for all," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director. "The Democratic National Convention is an avenue for our community to participate in civic life and advance the values that the majority of Americans share. Many of our brightest elected officials, chapter leaders and party officers began their participation in Democratic politics as delegates to past conventions and by increasing the number of LGBT participants, we are growing the ranks of future Democratic leaders."
Stonewall Democrats announced their unofficial count based on numbers reported by state Democratic parties to the Secretary's office of the Democratic National Committee. 324 LGBT participants were reported by state parties to the Secretary's office. Additionally, Stonewall Democrats was able to identify for the Secretary's office 34 more openly-LGBT participants than were first reported. As with previous years, as the convention nears, it is expected that more LGBT delegates will self-identify as openly-LGBT.

Click HERE to read the full release.

Message from Dave Noble: How You Can Help Barack

Amanda Scott — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:16:20 EDT

The LGBT Vote Team at Obama for America is excited to invite you to sign up to be a part of our fifty-state campaign to bring change to Washington for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. As November draws nearer, we continue to build a grassroots network of supporters all across the country and we need your help! There are vast differences between Barack Obama and John McCain when it comes to LGBT issues, and we’re committed to making sure our community knows what’s at stake this year. Every LGBT vote counts this election season and because of that, we have a lot of work to do! After all, you can cast – or find – the deciding vote this November.

Obama Pride is a national network made up of LGBT Obama supporters across the country who are dedicated to making sure Barack Obama is our next President. Linked to this email is our new Obama Pride Pledge Page - a comprehensive list of the ways in which you, your friends and all LGBT Americans can get involved in the Obama Pride Movement. Even if you have signed up for our updates before, we need leaders like you to click this link to become part of the network of supporters who are finding, registering, and turning out voters for Barack this November.

http://my.barackobama.com/pridesignup

Most importantly, we need you to find five of your friends who are undecided between voting for Barack Obama or John McCain - or who are undecided about voting at all. Convince them to vote for Barack and then ask them to join Obama Pride too. Do you need more information or materials to help convince your friends? After you sign up, we will be in touch to make sure you have everything you need. Want to get started by forwarding this email? After you sign up for one of our new programs, you will be directed to a ‘tell your friends’ page. All we need from you are some email addresses.

Thank you again for signing up to be a part of Obama Pride and Barack’s Campaign for Change. It is grassroots leadership like yours that will make the difference this November. You will hear from a local Obama Pride volunteer soon.

Want to learn more? Visit www.pride.barackobama.com and check out the Pride blog, updated daily with new ways to get involved, upcoming events, issue papers, supporter profiles, Obama Pride in the news, informative video, fun photos and more! Visit today and see Michelle Obama speak to the DNC Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council, get to know the staff, or read a recent op-ed from the Bay Area Chronicle. Make sure to check back often!

Dave Noble
Director of the LGBT Vote
Obama for America