This week in Philadelphia, a male-to-female transgender will speak at the Democratic National Convention. The Hill reports that Sarah McBride, the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, will address DNC goers, making history as the first openly trans individual to speak at a major political party’s convention.
McBride was invited to address the DNC by the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, which has previously endorsed presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“Hillary Clinton won’t be the only woman to make history this Thursday,” says Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin’s statement, published on Sunday. “When Sarah McBride takes the stage, she will become the first transgender person to speak at a national Democratic or Republican convention.
“Sarah’s inclusion in Thursday’s program is a significant milestone for our community, and it sends a strong message that transgender people and their voices matter,” the statement continues.
Griffin, who will also address the DNC, added: “I’m also honored to address a national convention where LGBTQ advocates will play such an integral and historic role.”
McBride said that he feels “honored” to speak at the DNC. He also remarked on the current transgender political war waged by the left in the United States, claiming that political foes of so-called LGBT “rights” are carrying out an “onslaught of anti-LGBTQ political attacks.”
“People must understand that even as we face daily harassment, tragic violence, and an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ political attacks across the country, we are real people merely seeking to be treated with the dignity and respect every person deserves,” said McBride in a statement.
“I’m so proud to stand with the LGBT Caucus and speak out in support of Hillary Clinton, because we know she stands with us,” he added.
Mr. Griffin, as expected, also used McBride’s speaking slot as a chance to advance an agenda while slamming Republicans: “Next week’s Democratic National Convention will underscore the stark contrast between Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine’s vision for a more equal America, and [Republican presidential nominee] Donald Trump and Mike Pence’s agenda of hate and division,” he said.
During the RNC last week in Cleveland, male-to-female transgender Caitlyn Jenner addressed a small crowd outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here, Jenner poked a hole in the DNC’s “inclusive” message, explaining that it was easier “to come out as trans” than “[i]t was hard to come out as Republican.”