The focus on LGBT rights at the Democratic National Convention didn’t end with Tuesday’s historic vote to embrace marriage equality as part of the Democratic Party platform. In Charlotte this week, convention speakers—both gay and straight—have celebrated the remarkable progress the LGBT community has achieved during President Obama’s first term, and stressed the need to keep pushing forward to full equality. These are just a few of their remarks:

"The Democratic Party under the leadership of Barack Obama has dramatically improved the lives of millions of lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual Americans and at no cost to anyone else." – DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias

"If a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream…and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love…then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream." – First Lady Michelle Obama

"This is the president who ended "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so that love of country, not love of another, determines fitness for military service." – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick

"The America I believe in is the America Barack Obama believes in. It is the America you believe in. One where if you play by the rules and work hard, you can get ahead and succeed. One in which loving families of all forms are respected and celebrated as the backbone of society." – Colorado Congressman Jared Polis

"The sheer size of [the LGBT] caucus is but one example of the progress we’ve made toward equality." – Wisconsin Congresswoman and Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin, who if elected will be the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate

"I started volunteering for Barack Obama in 2007. But nothing compares to what I saw behind the scenes at the White House, when I had the honor to serve for two years as President Obama's liaison to young Americans. I saw how hard he fights for us. One of the most special days was a Saturday in 2010. The Senate repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," so anyone can serve the country they love, regardless of whom they love." – Kal Penn

"There has been a lot of progress in a relatively short period of time, but there is still a lot more to do. November is the most important election of your lifetime—and my lifetime.” – Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot of work to do. There’s a stark choice in this election between a candidate who’s fighting for equal rights for LGBT Americans, and one who would roll back the progress we’ve made. Don’t stand by and watch—help re-elect Barack Obama by joining Dashboard, our online organizing hub.

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