Harris pleads against Trump in speech at the Democratic Party Convention

CHICAGO – Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, Vermont's first woman and first out LGBTQ member of Congress, spoke exclusively to the Washington Blade shortly after her remarks before the second meeting of the LGBTQ Caucus on Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention.

“There is so much energy and light” this week, “and I think people understand that we are craving connection,” she said. “We are craving connection – and it's not just in our community.”

“Across the country, people don't want to live in a hateful, cynical place. They just don't want to. And we have a special job of helping people not only see the joy, but channel it. And I think that's a big part of our community.”

It was “a lot of fun,” the congresswoman said as she was praised for her educational training during Tuesday's ceremonial roll call vote that officially named Vice President Kamala Harris the Democratic presidential candidate.

When asked about her experiences as an LGBTQ teacher at a time when schools have become the focus of Republican attacks on the community, particularly targeting queer and transgender youth, Balint said, “Our students across the country need us, and I mean all of us adults, to be there for them.”

“Educators are under attack too,” she said. “Librarians are under attack. And they believe – I mean the MAGA, the people who support Project 2025 – that they can somehow suppress who we are by attacking teachers and educators and [it’s] won’t work.”

Balint continued, “We are who we are. We will continue to be who we are. But we have to be there for these teachers. We have to be there for these librarians because they are the ones who are advocating for our children every day.”

Harris was “great,” she said. “The day [Joe] Biden supports [her]I supported [her]”I believe she is exactly the kind of leader we need right now. She has done a lot of good for our community over a very long period of time.”

“And you know, she's the right one,” Balint said. “She's the right one. She's there, she's doing her job, and that's what we need.”

During the LGBTQ Caucus meeting, author and LGBTQ activist Charlotte Clymer noticed that the convention's prime-time program at the United Center did not feature any transgender Democrats. She argued that congressional candidate and Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, who would become the first transgender member of Congress, should have been invited to speak.

“We must continue to work together within the Democratic Caucus and the Democratic National Committee to ensure that the face we present to the American people truly represents all of us,” Balint said.

“I know there are other groups that wish they were more represented as well,” she said. “And that's a work in progress.”

Balint added: “That's one of the reasons I'm so excited to have Sarah McBride as my colleague. She's going to win in Delaware. She's going to do it. She's a star and I can't wait to welcome her.”