Transgender Woman To Speak At DNC

Sarah McBride, a 25-year-old transgender woman, will speak at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night -- making her the first openly transgender person to address a major political party convention. Photo courtesy of Sarah McBride Sarah McBride, a 25-year-old transgender woman, will speak at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night -- making her the first openly transgender person to address a major political party convention. Photo courtesy of Sarah McBride

PHILADELPHIA, July 28 (UPI) — Sarah McBride, a 25-year-old, is scheduled to become the first openly transgender person to address a major political party convention when she speaks at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.

McBride works as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign and was previously an intern in the White House Office of Public Engagement, the first openly transgender woman to hold the position.

“I’m certainly excited to have this opportunity … I just hope I do my community proud,” McBride told NBC News. “I really want to use this moment to reinforce and underscore that behind this debate on trans equality, there are real people who are seeking dignity and fairness throughout their lives, people who hurt when we are ridiculed and mocked and discriminated against, people who are facing violence … I want to make sure that people realize the humanity behind the conversation.”

McBride came out as transgender four years ago while serving as student body president at American University, attracting national attention.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also speak on Thursday at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center where she will formally accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 2016 presidential election. Chelsea Clinton will also speak Thursday.

President Barack Obama on Wednesday praised Hillary Clinton as a battle-tested politician who has taken on big fights and is prepared to do so again, this time with the weight of the presidency behind her.

“I can say with confidence there has never been a man or woman, not me or Bill [Clinton], who is more qualified to serve as president of the United States of America,” Obama said.

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