The recent Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, which many hailed as one of the best political conventions in recent history, was not without its shortcomings. Among the bright lights and powerful speeches, there was a noticeable absence: the robust discussion of transgender rights. For a party that has historically championed LGBTQ+ rights, the limited mention of transgender issues at this year’s convention was a stark contrast to past gatherings.
In 2016, the DNC made history when Sarah McBride, a transgender advocate, became the first trans person to address a national convention. Rep. Patrick Maloney, D-N.Y., introduced her speech, which was a turning point for transgender visibility in American politics. Four years later, in 2020, Danica Roem, the first openly transgender person to be seated in a state legislature, made another groundbreaking appearance during the virtual DNC.
These moments were not just symbolic; they were powerful affirmations of the Democratic Party’s commitment to transgender rights. They sent a clear message to the transgender community and their allies: “You belong, and we will fight for you.”
The 2024 Convention: A Disappointing Silence
Fast forward to 2024, and the DNC in Chicago felt different. While LGBTQ+ rights were broadly addressed, and same-sex marriage was mentioned several times, transgender issues were conspicuously absent from the main stage. Only Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson mentioned transgender people during the 20 hours of the convention’s main programming. Neither had a prime-time speaking slot.
This omission did not go unnoticed by the transgender community. Charlotte Clymer, a longtime trans advocate who attended the convention, expressed her disappointment. While she praised the overall quality of the convention, she pointed out the “extreme lack of consideration for the pain trans people are feeling right now.”
Why the Silence?
The Democratic National Committee and the Harris campaign have declined to comment on the limited discussion of transgender rights at the convention. However, political analysts suggest that the omission may be part of a broader strategy to appeal to independent voters, particularly in swing states.
Melissa Michelson, a professor of political science at Menlo College, noted that the prime-time slots at the convention were filled with “middle-of-the-road” figures like Oprah Winfrey, rather than more controversial or polarizing figures. “Transgender rights are not a high priority issue for those voters and not the way they’re going to decide their vote,” she explained.
Public sentiment on transgender rights is indeed mixed. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, while 61% of Americans oppose laws banning transition-related healthcare for trans minors, 69% believe that trans people should participate in sports teams aligned with their sex assigned at birth. Additionally, more than half of Americans believe that changing one’s gender is morally wrong.
This ambivalence likely influenced the DNC’s decision to limit discussion on transgender rights during the convention. However, this approach has left many in the transgender community feeling sidelined and ignored during a critical time in the fight for their rights.
The Current Climate: A Time of Unprecedented Attacks
The timing of this omission is particularly concerning, given the current political climate. Since the 2020 election, more than 1,500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the United States. The majority of these bills specifically target transgender individuals, particularly trans youth, aiming to restrict their participation in sports, access to transition-related medications, and other essential rights.
At the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee in July, at least a dozen speakers referenced transgender people or issues negatively in their speeches. This rhetoric, combined with the surge of anti-trans legislation, has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for many transgender Americans.
Many people viewed the DNC’s limited discussion of transgender issues as a missed opportunity to combat this wave of anti-trans sentiment. “This could have really been a great opportunity to be the antidote to a lot of that venom that trans people experience,” Clymer said.
The Democratic Party Platform: A Silver Lining
Despite the lack of visibility at the convention, the Democratic Party’s official platform remains strongly supportive of transgender rights. The platform includes commitments to vigorously oppose state and federal bans on gender-affirming healthcare, prioritize the investigation of hate crimes against trans and non-binary people, and push for federal legislation to enact anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Many people believe that Vice President Kamala Harris has one of the most pro-LGBTQ+ policy records of any presidential candidate due to her long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Her presence in the White House, alongside Gov. Tim Walz, is viewed as a positive force for the transgender community.
However, as trans activist and writer Erin Reed pointed out, there is often a disconnect between what Democrats are willing to support with their political capital and what they are willing to vocalize publicly. “In the states and in the trenches and in the legislatures, Democrats have been on transgender people’s side,” Reed said. “But rhetorically there’s always this hesitancy between what they’re willing to support with their voice and with their chest.”
The Need for Better Representation and Advocacy
While the Democratic Party’s platform is commendable, the lack of vocal support at the convention highlights the need for better representation and advocacy for transgender rights. It is more crucial than ever for transgender people to have their voices heard in a time when harmful rhetoric and discriminatory legislation are increasingly targeting them.
The Democratic Party has a responsibility to ensure that transgender issues are not just included in their platform, but also given the prominence they deserve on the national stage. As Clymer emphasized, “This was a rare opportunity to really stand with the trans community on national television to tens of millions of Americans who are vulnerable to a lot of the awful propaganda we see on a daily basis from the Republican Party.”
Looking Forward: The Path Ahead
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party must recognize the importance of transgender rights as a key issue in their platform. The LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, played a crucial role in the 2020 election and are poised to do so again in 2024. More than one in five Gen Z Americans identify as LGBTQ+, making them a significant voting bloc.
For the Democratic Party to truly be the party of inclusion and equality, they must do more than just include transgender rights in their platform—they must actively advocate for these rights on the national stage. This means giving transgender voices a platform, not just in policy discussions, but in prime-time speaking slots at conventions and other high-visibility events.
The DNC in Chicago may have missed an opportunity to fully support and uplift the transgender community, but there is still time to course-correct before the November election. By amplifying transgender voices and issues, the Democratic Party can show that they are not just allies in name, but in action.
The Bottom Line
The absence of transgender voices at the 2024 Democratic National Convention was a disappointment for many in the transgender community and their allies. However, it also serves as a wake-up call for the Democratic Party. As the fight for transgender rights continues, it is imperative that these issues are given the attention and advocacy they deserve.
The Democratic Party must do more than just include transgender rights in their platform—they must actively champion these rights on the national stage. This is not just a matter of political strategy; it is a matter of human dignity and equality. The transgender community deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, not just in policy, but in every aspect of the party’s public discourse.
As we move forward towards the 2024 election, let us remember the words of Sarah McBride: “We can show a young trans person that no matter what extremists say or do, that here in America, they belong.” It is time for the Democratic Party to live up to these words and ensure that transgender voices are not just included, but amplified, in the fight for a more just and equitable future.
