THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Clinton kept the tone hopeful and optimistic as she countered Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" mantra with the belief that America is already great.

Her daughter Chelsea introduced her at the arena in Philadelphia.

The nominee included LGBTs in her speech, which touched on a wide range of domestic and international issues. She also spoke about being a detailed policy person, and said that is a good thing.

Hillary Clinton said in part: "America is once again at a moment of reckoning. Powerful forces are threatening to pull us apart. Bonds of trust and respect are fraying. And just as with our founders there are no guarantees. It's truly is up to us. We have to decide whether we're going to work together so we can all rise together.

"We are clear-eyed about what our country is up against. But we are not afraid. We will rise to the challenge, just as we always have.

"So I want to tell you tonight how we're going to empower all Americans to live better lives. My primary mission as President will be to create more opportunity and more good jobs with rising wages right here in the United States. From my first day in office to my last. Especially in places that for too long have been left out and left behind. From our inner cities to our small towns, Indian Country to Coal Country. From the industrial Midwest to the Mississippi Delta to the Rio Grande Valley.

"The choice we face is just as stark when it comes to our national security. Anyone reading the news can see the threats and turbulence we face. From Baghdad and Kabul, to Nice and Paris and Brussels, to San Bernardino and Orlando, we're dealing with determined enemies that must be defeated. No wonder people are anxious and looking for reassurance — looking for steady leadership.

"Every generation of Americans has come together to make our country freer, fairer, and stronger. None of us can do it alone. That's why we are stronger together."

Full speech is here: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/In-Philadelphia-Hillary-Clinton-Accepts-the-Democratic-Nomination-/56037.html .

SPEECH EXCERPTS: Select Remarks from Thursday Night's Program at the Democratic National Convention

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Hillary for America released a selection of excerpts from the prepared remarks of speakers who will address the Democratic National Convention tonight in Philadelphia. On Thursday, in the culmination of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton will make history by accepting her party's nomination for President.

Excerpts from select speeches from tonight's program are included below:

U.S. Representative Tim Ryan ( Ohio )

But Donald Trump? He's been stabbing workers in the back for years. Trump got rich ripping people off. Stiffing small businesses and contractors. Now he says he's gonna bring back our jobs? Hey, Ohio — don't buy it! This guy cut deals to make the Trump line of products in China, Mexico, Bangladesh! Not Youngstown, not Akron, not Niles!If he really cared about our jobs, he would have hired some of our people!

As a Catholic school boy, my favorite Bible verse became Isaiah 6:8. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord say, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? …here I am; send me." At every stage of her life, Hillary has said… "send me". When our children needed health care, Hillary said, "send me." When our first responders in New York and New Jersey needed support after 9/11, Hillary said, "send me". When President Obama needed a Secretary of State to rebuild America's standing in the world, Hillary said, "Send me." And each of these times she got it done! So now it's our turn

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

Thirty years ago, almost to the day, I lost my job. Whether it's being laid off, downsized, or fired, it's not funny, and not a reality show punchline when it happens to you.

Now—I've never hosted a reality TV show—but I know that the true mark of a successful businessman is not the number of times you say "you're fired", it's the number of times you say "you're hired."

That's right, I'm a business guy. But unlike that other candidate's businesses, my business didn't go bankrupt six times.

I've spent time with Hillary, and I can tell you—from a small business perspective, she gets it……She's going to make the largest investment in jobs since WW II. She'll cut red tape and taxes so it's easier to start and grow a small business. Hillary Clinton is going to work for the young entrepreneur who wants to open a brewpub, or launch a start-up, or even create a drapery business - just like her dad, Hugh Rodham, did all those years ago in Chicago.

Dave Wills — North Carolina — A teacher from NC with $40,000 in student debt

None of us are looking for guaranteed success — just a fair chance at it. That's why I'm so proud to support Hillary Clinton. She's going to make college debt-free for all, and help millions of people like me with existing debt save thousands of dollars. I don't know her. But, it feels like she knows me. Hillary Clinton has our backs

Beth Mathias — Ohio - OHIO - Beth works two jobs and her husband works the nightshift at a factory in Ohio. Hillary met Beth at a roundtable in Marion.

Four months ago, Hillary Clinton sat with me in a doughnut shop in Marion, Ohio. And she asked to hear my story. I told her that my husband and I work three jobs just to make ends meet…… We work hard, and yet it feels like the world is against us. But I told Hillary Clinton that even though every day is a struggle, we don't want a handout. We want a hand to help us up.

And she understood—because she believes that America is strongest when we look out for one another. When no one who works full-time has to choose between making a car payment and feeding their children. That's why I'm here—taking time off from both of my jobs - to ask you to put in the time to elect Hillary Clinton, and help make life better for me and millions of people just like me.

I believe we can do it. And I believe in Hillary Clinton.

JENSEN WALCOTT AND JAKE REED — Two friends, Jensen and Jake, were both hired on the same, for the same job at the same pizza store. When Jensen found out she was being paid less than Jake, she called her new boss to ask if it was a mistake. He fired both her and Jake on the spot for discussing their wages.

JENSEN: We couldn't believe it when Hillary Clinton tweeted her support for me and shared our story. I may have lost my job, but I'm proud that I spoke up for myself. And I'm glad that Jake stood with me. And we're both glad that Hillary Clinton stood with us.

JAKE: Our story isn't just about fighting for equal pay. It's about doing the right thing and having each other's back. Because if we don't do that, nothing will change.

JENSEN: It doesn't matter how old you are. We all need to be brave enough to speak up for ourselves and stand up for each other. That's what this country is all about. We are stronger when we stand together.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf

Donald Trump? He runs businesses so that they only help — you guessed it — Donald Trump. In his six bankruptcy filings, he used the process to protect himself and even enrich himself while his employees were left out of luck.

As President, Hillary Clinton will reward companies that share profits with employees, not just executives. Under her proposal, companies will get tax credits worth 15 percent of the profits they share with their employees.... Because Hillary believes that if you work hard, you should share in your company's success!

At this moment, when we need to restore the fundamental American idea that if you work hard, you can get ahead and stay there, we need a President who recognizes that an economy that doesn't work for everyone, doesn't work at all. We need a President who believes that our society can only succeed when economic prosperity is shared broadly. We need Hillary Clinton.

Doug Elments - Former Reagan Administration official

I haven't just voted Republican. I worked in President Reagan's White House. I recently led an effort to place a statue of Ronald Reagan in California's Capitol. I'm here tonight to say: I knew Ronald Reagan; I worked for Ronald Reagan. Donald Trump, you are no Ronald Reagan.

This year's Republican platform is the most alarming I've ever seen. It's laced with anti-immigrant, anti-gay, anti-women positions that do not represent the views of most Americans. That is why this year, I will vote for a Democrat for the first time.

To my fellow Republicans: if you, like I do, believe loyalty to our country is more important than loyalty to party; if you want a President with a good judgment, a steady hand, and the temperament to represent our Nation to the world — and our children; I ask you to join me in voting for Hillary Clinton as President of the United States.

Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez

When my officers report for duty, they have no idea what might come up that day….They don't know whether the next 911 call will be their last. But they keep showing up. They keep answering the call. They keep putting their lives on the line. They are doing the best they can to protect our communities. We put on our badges every day to serve and protect, not to hate and discriminate

Violence is not the answer. Yelling and calling each other names is not going to do it. Talking within our own group in a language only our group understands leads nowhere. We have to start listening to each other.

General John Allen ( ret. USMC ), former Commander, International Security Assistance Forces, and Commander, United States Forces - Afghanistan

I am joined by my fellow generals and admirals, and with these magnificent young veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. They went there and risked their lives because they love this country.

From the battlefield to the capitals of our allies, friends, and partners… the free peoples of the world look to America as the last best hope for peace and for liberty for all humanity… for we ARE the greatest country on this planet. So we stand before you tonight to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States of America.

We trust her judgment. We believe in her vision for a united America… With her as our Commander in Chief, America will continue to lead in this volatile world.

New Video, "Hillary" by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers Introduces Hillary Clinton

Philadelphia, PA — As Hillary Clinton prepares to officially accept the Democratic nomination for president, tonight, Hillary for America and the Democratic National Convention Committee will introduce Hillary Clinton with a film from award-winning television producing partners Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.

Narrated by Actor Morgan Freeman, the twelve-minute film, "Hillary" also features interviews with President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, a 9/11 survivor and first responder, as well as Hillary Clinton's childhood friend.

"It is an honor to provide America with an intimate portrait of Hillary. Everyone already knows the powerhouse — now, with this piece, everyone will also get to know the person." - Shonda Rhimes

"Producing this film was a major highlight of my career, and I am incredibly honored that the campaign entrusted us with the responsibility. It is beyond inspiring to see this amazing woman secure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. There is no other voice I would rather have speak for all of us, and lead this country, than Hillary Clinton." — Betsy Beers

Throughout the film, Americans will once again hear that Hillary Clinton has never forgotten where she comes from, and more importantly, who she's fighting for.