Leading Presidential Candidates to speak at televised LGBT forum -- are we getting our place at the table?

Judging from the political blogs I follow, I'm not the only gay voter who feels taken for granted by Democratic candidates. Too often, statements supporting LGBT rights seem to be cautiously phrased to offend the fewest number of people, trying hard to not to alienate anyone by being too friendly to our issues while reminding us there aren't many great alternatives.

However, here's some news that leaves me feeling encouraged: on August 9, Logo (AfterElton.com's parent company) and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation will co-present a live forum with Democratic presidential candidates to discuss issues important to the LGBT community. This is the first time a group of Presidential candidates have addressed a queer audience in a national forum, which is a big deal. This also strikes me as the first time we're being addressed as a community of individuals instead of as a handful of leaders of "special interest" groups -- or at private fundraising dinners that don't get much media coverage.

In some ways, I'm reminded of how Bill Clinton addressed young voters by appearing on an MTV News special. I guess you could say that the Democrat's support of gay issues will officially "come out" with this debate.

Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama are confirmed as appearing at the forum, so far. Melissa Etheridge and Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese will lead the discussion. It all takes place August 9 in Los Angeles at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Logo and LOGOonline.com. Plus, viewers will be able to submit questions to the candidates.

Hats off to the candidates, Logo and HRC for pulling this one off!