Sarah McBride makes history, first transgender person to address the DNC
By Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer
The first transgender person to address a Democratic convention spoke today at the DNC.
Representative Sean Patrick Maloney began the speeches for the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus Thursday at the Democratic National Convention.
He uplifted his lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters, denouncing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and uplifting his rival, Hillary Clinton.
He repeated that Clinton cares, so the American people should care to elect her.
Maloney introduced Sarah McBride, the first transgender person ever to address a national convention.
Sarah McBride is an LGBT rights activist, and National Press Secretary of the Human Rights Campaign.
“It’s about time,” Maloney said. “Sarah, it’s an honor to make history with you. Because we are stronger together.”
McBride introduced herself as a “proud transgender American” to wild applause.
“Four years ago I came out as trans…at the time I was scared, I worried that my dreams and my identity were mutually exclusive. Since then, I’ve seen change is possible.”
McBride acknowledged the hard road that will continue ahead: “Despite our progress, work still remains. We are stronger together.”
McBride then told how she met her late husband, a transgender man. He had been battling cancer, and just three days after their marriage in 2014, he passed away.
“His passing taught me that every day matters when working to building a world where every life matters.”
McBride pledged to work to pass the Equality Act, a measure that would protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. She also is working to end violence against trans women of color, and end the HIV epidemic once and for all.
McBride said that LGBTQ people are still very much targeted by hate in laws, and in hearts.
“I believe tomorrow can be different,” she said. “I’m with her!”
Copyright 2016 The Gayly - 7/28/16 @ 9:00 p.m. CDT