Now, this stops short of declaring all committed relationships fully equal, but it is the most encouraging rhetorical step forward I have heard in a very long time.  Certainly, this is the strongest step towards equality that has ever been offered by a serious contender for the White House.  The "Domestic Partnership Benefits & Obligations Act" should it be passed would be a very positive step in the right direction, but it only extends to Federal employees.  Obviously, that is problematic, but I think it a strategic move forward in an increment that has both the possibility of passing, and the least number of hurdles.  I am thinking of it in terms of "baby steps."  Admittedly that may be naive, but the rhetoric she offered was clear and resolute.  If and when she becomes President, she will be our ally, not our adversary.

"You will always have an open door to my office in the White House."

I think few declarations could be more clear. Hillary definitely wants the support of the LGBT community.  She is unafraid to offer it before she enters the White House, and is willing to bravely promise her support once she is there.

She also came out strongly against her husband's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation.  Progress is clearly manifesting itself in the former, and possibly future Clinton Administrations.

"Courage, honor, patriotism, and sacrifice; the traits that define our men and women in uniform have nothing to do with sexual orientation."

Calling an end to, and rightfully claiming a part in the demise of this ridiculous policy is but another positive step for equality in America.

Other high points included support for adoption rights, ENDA, and the passage of the Federal Hate Crimes Legislation.

I am not ready to throw my full support behind any Presidential candidate.  I just think it's silly to consider this so early on,  but for now Hillary has me in her corner.  She is offering just the sort of "partnership" that the LGBT community needs if we wish to see equality in our life times.  Her words are strong and carry power with them.  The mere fact that she is drawing a line of equality in the sand with logical arguments to our credit is enough to offer great potential momentum to our rights as a community.  She speaks of making us full American citizens on paper, not just by birthright.

That works for me.

You can see the entire speech on YouTube at this link.

Enjoy and share!  I think we have a horse in the coral that could win the race, and she has chosen to wear the proud colors of the rainbow.