How to Watch the Democratic Candidates’ LGBTQ Forum Tonight
Tonight, 10 Democratic presidential candidates will take the stage in Iowa individually to discuss issues affecting LGBTQ Americans, such as the Equality Act , bans on conversion therapy, and some candidates’ conflicting records of marriage equality. This will be the first of two LGBTQ forums. (Another is scheduled for October.)
Candidates to speak include former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttijeg, and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro of Hawaii. Tulsi Gabbard, Senator from California Kamala Harris, Senator from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar, former Pennsylvania representative. Joe Sestak, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and writer Marianne Williamson.
Bernie Sanders is conspicuously absent from the list, who will not be able to attend both forums due to ” scheduling conflicts.” “Who could be under the crossfire tonight? Earlier this week, Buttijig, who is openly gay, was criticized for the statements he made against LGBTQ media . (Some advocates have also criticized the mayor for his “unwillingness” to discuss issues affecting the LGBTQ community.) Expect him to make some high-profile statements to allay fears of LGBT voters tonight. And Gabbard, who is known for her controversial congressional reputation that included anti-LGBT rhetoric, will similarly work to convince voters that she is worthy of the presidency.
If you’d like to watch today’s forum, GLAAD (which co-sponsors the forum) will be streaming the two-hour event live onYouTube, starting at 7:00 pm CET / 8:00 pm ET. NBC News will also broadcast the forum on its website. And for some of the LGBTQ candidates’ tapes, be sure to check out Splinter’s extensive guide .