In the Democratic Party 's 2016 national platform , the Democratic Party adopted its most progressive agenda in supporting LGBT rights . According to that agenda , " Democrats believe that LGBT rights are human rights and that American foreign policy should advance the ability of all persons to live with dignity , security , and respect , regardless of who they are or who they love . " The agenda is supportive of : The agenda opposes : In the section on HIV/AIDS : Democrats believe an AIDS-free generation is within our grasp . But today far too many Americans living with HIV are without access to quality care and too many new infections occur each year . That is why we will implement the National HIV and AIDS Strategy ; increase research funding for the National Institutes of Health ; cap pharmaceutical expenses for people living with HIV and AIDS ; reform HIV criminalization laws ; and expand access for harm reduction programs and HIV prevention medications , particularly for the populations most at risk of infection . Abroad , we will continue our commitment to the President 's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and increase global funding for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment . Democrats will always protect those living with HIV and AIDS from stigma and discrimination . " Pete Buttigieg 's run for the 2020 Democratic nomination for President made him America 's first openly gay Democratic presidential candidate
2016 national platform
2016 Democratic National Convention
LGBT rights in the United States