Photo: Chris Johnson/Human Rights Campaign
Michelle Obama continues to shine at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. The woman who would (and hopefully) be the next first lady made a surprise address to the DNNC's LGBT Caucus. The luncheon was co-hosted by out Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and the Victory Fund, attracting some 600 plus LGBT delegates, activists, bloggers and media.
"I want to thank the Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign for helping set the tone for what we area doing this weekend. We have to move people away from fear and to hope to win this election," she sad. "Change never happens easily. We need you. I am grateful to you. ... We want to make our nation a place where everyone gets a shot regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation."
Before the packed audience, Michelle Obama outlined Barack Obama's support for LGBT families, such as the full repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act, passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, expansion of hate crimes and full for funding for HIV/AIDS. Michelle Obama spoke about the progress made by gay men and lesbians, and, noted that 88 years ago this week, women won the right to vote and 45 years ago this week, Martin Luther King, Jr. made his famous "I Have a Dream” speech.
“It’s been five years since Lawrence v. Texas and 39 since Stonewall, and we’ve still got work to do before we achieve equality,” she said to much applause.
This is Michelle Obama's second speech to a primarilty LGBT audience. In June, the potential first lady keynoted the DNC's Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council gala at a New York City fundraiser. Her much-praised "From Selma to Stonewall" speech on the connection between gay rights and civil rights.
Video of Michelle Obama's speech at HRC Backstory.
Michelle! Michelle! Michelle! [HRC Backstory]
Michelle Obama Crashes Barney Frank's Luncheon [Advocate Election 2008]
Michelle Obama Speaks to GLBT Delegates [365]
Some Background ...
Michelle O at DNC Gay & Lesbian Ldrshp Council [R20]
Michelle Obama to Keynote DNC Gay Ldrship Council [R20]
Obama Camp Marches in Boston, DC and Indy Prides [R20]
Obama Talks to "The Advocate" [R20]
Obama: Not "Very Christian" to Criticize Gays [R20]
Obama Buys Ads in Gay Newspapers in TX, OH [R20]
Obama: Hospital Visitation for Gay Couples is "Not a Special Privilege" [R20]
Right-Wing Townhall.com: "Obama Would Be First Gay President!" [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [The Advocate + PDF]
A Tale of Two Cities [The Advocate]
I Have a Dream ... Ticket [The Advocate]
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Obama Snubs Clinton at SOTU [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Obama Addresses Homophobia and Anti-Semitism [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
Thanks for linking video. This is excellent.
Posted by: David | 27 August 2008 at 15:13
I love her ... :-)
Posted by: S. Flemming | 27 August 2008 at 15:27
Another great lady, great Democrat, great speaker, and oh, so great husband.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 27 August 2008 at 16:10
Michelle Obama is a very good speaker. If Obama is elected she will be a strong chamopion of our causes.
Posted by: Donovan | 27 August 2008 at 16:14
Flemming, I love her more...:-)
Hillary included gays in her speech and so did Ted. I expect Barack to be just as inclusive if not more. Brotha is gonna work it out Thurs!
Posted by: Lavenderpop | 27 August 2008 at 17:30
God bless Michelle Obama!
Posted by: Mel Smith | 27 August 2008 at 22:15
I'm so in love with Michelle Obama!! even more so than Barack.
In fact I never supported him much as I felt him quite distant and guarded as a politician, but I've long thought that if Michelle was to run for public office, I'd join her team and support her campaign. I just think she has what it takes to be a great leader.
Posted by: Ling | 28 August 2008 at 23:07