The Democratic National Convention will continue to highlight the voices and stories of the LGBTQ+ community when several prominent LGBTQ+ leaders take the stage in primetime on Wednesday. In an evening themed “Fighting for Our Freedoms,” Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson will deliver a speech about the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ Americans.
The lawyer exclusively reports that her address, scheduled for 5:45 p.m. CT, will focus on her family’s journey from slavery to freedom and highlight the stories of LGBTQ+ people from Arizona, California and Texas.
“This convention shows the future we deserve: a future where we all have the freedom to love who we love, be who we are, and get the chance to shine,” Robinson said. “The more than 20 million LGBTQ+ people in this country are living proof of the progress we’ve already made – and we certainly won’t let Donald Trump, JD Vance, and their Project 2025 agenda set us back in time. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz have championed us their entire careers. It’s an honor to show up for them. And you know this: when we show up, we win.”
The LGBTQ+ community has been a focal point of this campaign, and both Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have a long history of support. As a high school teacher and football coach in the 1990s, Walz led his school’s gay-straight alliance as a faculty adviser, demonstrating his commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ students. Harris, meanwhile, has been a staunch ally for years. As San Francisco district attorney, she married some of the first same-sex couples in 2004, and as California attorney general, she refused to defend the discriminatory Proposition 8 law. In 2013, she married Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, making them the first couple to legally marry in California after the ban on same-sex marriage was repealed. Performing same-sex weddings was one of the highlights of Harris’ life, the vice president told The Advocate in an interview last year.
Robinson’s speech will tell the story of Daniel Trujillo, a young transgender man from Tucson, Arizona, whose lobbying efforts have been instrumental in stopping anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and supporting candidates who support equal rights. Trujillo’s work and his family have made them prominent advocates for equal rights in Arizona.
The HRC president will tell the story of Perry and Stier, the couple who made history by successfully challenging California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Their legal victory was cemented when Harris performed their wedding ceremony. Stier and Perry told The lawyer in 2023 that it was a great experience for the civil rights leaders to celebrate and honor the 10th anniversary of their love story last summer at the Vice President’s home with their friend Harris.
Robinson will also discuss the journey of retired Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, the first American soldier injured in the Iraq War, who played a pivotal role in repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule. A gay, disabled veteran of Hispanic and Native American descent, Alva’s story will address LGBTQ+ representation in the military and the broader fight for equality.
Other notable LGBTQ+ speakers scheduled to take the stage tonight include Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who will address the dangers of the Trump-Vance ticket and their “Project 2025” agenda, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who will emphasize the contrast between Trump and Vance’s vision and Harris and Walz’s commitment to freedom and equality for all.
The Democratic National Convention is making history this year with its LGBTQ+ representation. Over 800 delegates identify as LGBTQ+, the largest number ever, including more than four dozen transgender and nonbinary delegates. According to HRC, this increase in LGBTQ+ participation reflects the growing influence of LGBTQ+ voters and allied voters across the country. 75 million equality voters are participating, a record number that will play a decisive role in key swing states.
According to Harris’ campaign, the intention is to put the LGBTQ+ community in the spotlight tonight.
“It has never been more important to protect the rights of all Americans, no matter who you love or who you are. Donald Trump and his extremist allies are seeking to roll back LGBTQ+ rights and erase history with their MAGA Project 2025 agenda,” said Matt Hill, senior communications director for the Democratic National Convention. “We know LGBTQ+ voters are a force within the Democratic coalition, and our stage will have voices heard so voters know that Vice President Harris, Governor Walz and Democrats are the leaders fighting for their freedoms and their future.”
