Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is set to address the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday evening, underscoring the rising influence of the LGBTQ community and advocating for a path to equality.
In her statement released Wednesday, Robinson emphasized the convention’s vision for an inclusive future, stating, “This convention is putting on display the future we deserve: one where we all have the freedom to love who we love, be who we are, and get the chance to shine. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz have shown up for us their entire careers. It’s an honor to show up for them. And know this: when we show up, we win.”
Scheduled to speak at 6:45 p.m. EDT, Robinson’s remarks will celebrate LGBTQ achievements and connect Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights.
Harris’s historic candidacy has received strong support from major LGBTQ advocacy groups, though she has faced criticism for her role in a 2015 case as California’s attorney general, which sought to deny a transgender inmate gender-affirming surgery. Harris later apologized for her involvement in the case.
A recent FOLX Health survey revealed increased enthusiasm among transgender Americans for the upcoming presidential election with Harris as the candidate.
Additionally, LGBTQ advocates such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), the first openly gay U.S. governor, are also scheduled to speak. They will argue that electing former President Trump could endanger LGBTQ rights. The Democratic National Convention has not confirmed their participation in the evening’s lineup.