In a few days, the democratic party will formally choose Joe Biden to be their nominee for President. This year, New Jersey’s Biden delegation at the  presidential nomination convention includes over a half-dozen LGBT members.

Joe Forte  co-chairs the LGBTQ+ for Biden NJ group.

“This is a historical choice and a winning ticket,” Mr Forte told InsiderNJ. “We are so excited that the DNC Convention is here and that we have our diverse team of LGBTQ+ delegates to vote for the Biden and Kamala Harris ticket.”

NJ’s Biden delegation also includes Brett Cannon who was elected to the Matawan Town Council in November 2016. He’s currently serving his second term.

Mr Cannon is also a civics teacher.

“I’m proud, honored, and humbled to serve as a Biden delegate,” Mr Cannon told InsiderNJ. “I’ve spent years teaching civics, serving local office, and studying the foundations of our government. To represent my district, my fellow LGBTQ community, and my constituents for the Democratic Party, truly embodies what I have always taught my students: American Government is grassroots by the people, for the people. Being a small part of that is an honor, and proves change and progress always start at the grassroots.”

Not mincing words

Biden’s delegation NJ also includes Shannon Cuttle, longtime activist and school board member in the South Orange/Maplewood district.

“Vice President Biden has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ community and both he and Senator Kamala Harris (the presumptive VP) have been strong allies,” Mx Cuttle told InsiderNJ. “The 2020 election is at a critical time in our country as Vice President Biden has said this is truly a battle for the soul of our nation.”

Cuttle snagged the most votes – first place – in an 8-way race for school board to become NJ’s first transgender elected official.

“We know representation matters,” Mx Cuttle told InsiderNJ “We have five transgender elected officials who are also delegates. We know visibility matters. It can change public discourse and inspire youth and create change.”

Biden’s LGBTQ delegation also includes Ian Mosley, Ed Zipprich, Ed Potosnak, Nina Davis, Patrick Convery, and Christopher Hillman.