DNC delegates and guests arrive in Charlotte

Story by Matt Comer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Delegates and special guests arrived Monday for the 2012 Democratic National Convention while festivities celebrating the renomination of President Barack Obama began in earnest across the city.

Organizers for the convention say 30,000 people attended a special street festival in downtown Charlotte on Monday, one day before official convention kicks off in Time Warner Cable Arena. LGBT community groups also celebrated. Hundreds of LGBT elected officials and supporters gathered for an evening reception where Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield and Houston, Texas Mayor Annise Parker — both out lesbians — addressed the crowd.

The National Stonewall Democrats also hosted a special party Monday, giving LGBT employees of the local convention committee, Obama campaign and convention organizers a chance to relax before official convention events kick off on Tuesday.

LGBT community members here said they welcome the attention to their city. Toryn Stark, who volunteered to meet convention delegates at their hotels, said she wants Charlotte to be known for its uniqueness.

“I hope that they know that Charlotte is a very diverse city,” said Stark, who ventured out to a local bar for a special convention-themed drag show on Monday. “It might not be what they are expecting … We definitely are excited to have the convention here.”

The Stonewalls will hold a special convention party and dance party tonight, as First Lady Michelle Obama addresses the nation. Delegates are  also expected to vote on the party’s platform on Tuesday making the Democratic Party the nation’s first major political party to offer support for full marriage rights for same-sex couples.