Joe Biden slams Donald Trump’s record on LGBTI rights

US Democratic nominee Joe Biden was one of the notable guests at HRC’s Unite For Equality online event last night. The LGBTI advocacy group – the biggest in the US – normally holds an annual, star-studded dinner and fundraiser. This year’s event had to go online because of COVID-19.

Unsurprisingly, Biden took the opportunity to denounce President Trump’s record on LGBTI rights. He also pointed out how he would do better if elected President in November.

“We’re facing multiple crises — an epidemic, recession, racial injustice, climate change, wildfires, an assault on LGBTQ rights, declining faith in a bright American future,” said Biden.

“What’s the common thread? A president who makes things worse, not better, who brings chaos, not order, who sees violence and only fans the flames. Folks, this is not who we are.”

“An ally of the light, not the darkness.”

“For four years Donald Trump has tried to roll back the protections for the LGBT community,” said Biden. “Denying access to health care, denying transgender Americans a choice to serve our country, letting adoption agencies and homeless shelters and public services discriminate, turning a blind eye to the epidemic of violence against transgender women of color,” Biden said.

“Folks, the White House should never be a source of opposition, or fear or oppression. It should be a source of hope and moral courage and unification.”

Watch Biden speak (below) at the 50.52 mark.

He said, “As President, I promise you I’m going to draw on all the best of us, not the worst. I’ll be an ally of the light, not the darkness.

“It’s a time of real peril, but it’s also a time of extraordinary possibilities. And you deserve a partner in the White House to fight with conviction and to win the battles ahead.

“Together, we’ll pass the Equality Act, protect LGBTQ youth, expand access to healthcare, support LGBTQ workers, win full rights for the transgender community, recommit to ending HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2025, advance the LGBTQ rights around the globe, not just at home.”

Introducing the former Vice President, HRC President Alphonso David called Biden a, “champion of equality.” Other to take part in the event included Pete Buttigieg and husband, Chasten; actress Annette Bening; singer Melissa Etheridge; Olympic athlete Adam Rippon; and model Naomi Campbell.

What do the polls say?

Currently, Biden is around 7% ahead in the national polls (50% against Donald Trump on 43%). However, being ahead in the national polls does not guarantee victory. Hilary Clinton was also ahead in national polls ahead of her defeat to Trump in 2016. However, at the time the US went to vote, she was only 2% ahead of her Republican rival. Trump won by securing more of the electoral college votes.