LGBT delegates prepare for conventions

DENVER, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Denver's political convergence is under way with a conference of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender delegates before the Democratic National Convention.

The Stonewall Democrats, nearly 360 in total, have set up a four-day series of sessions to plan ways to promote an anti-bias agenda within the larger convention and in fall elections, The Denver Post reported Thursday.

"I think a lot of delegates, especially LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) delegates, are looking at how they can use the convention effectively," said John Marble, spokesman for the Stonewall Democrats. "If we do this right, we can really use this as an organizing convention."

The group expects to particularly work to defeat anti-gay-rights legislation in three states, Florida, California and Arizona, along with pushing to ensure "strong language" opposing LGBT discrimination be included in the Democratic Party national platform.

Jimmy LaSalvia, a spokesman for the Log Cabin Republicans, told UPI about 100 Log Cabin members and openly gay delegates, alternates and convention guests are expected to attend the Republican convention, but since Republicans do not track demographic groups in their delegate counting, there is no way to know for sure how many delegates are gay.

"We view the Republican National Convention as an opportunity to engage in conversations with our fellow Republican leaders," LaSalvia said. "It's by making our case and winning folks over to our side, our community will achieve full equality."