The 2024 platforms of both major U.S. political parties offer significant insights into their stances on LGBTQ issues—one through vocal advocacy, the other through marked silence. The Democrats’ 2024 platform, largely mirroring the 2020 version, showcases a strong commitment to LGBTQ rights. Under Vice President Kamala Harris, the platform continues to highlight achievements such as the Respect for Marriage Act, the reversal of Trump’s transgender military ban, and the expansion of gender-affirming healthcare. It renews promises to pass the Equality Act, protect queer adoptive parents, and combat conversion therapy. While many Republican-led states have introduced bans, Democrats firmly pledge to protect the rights of parents and doctors to make healthcare decisions for transgender youth. The 2024 Republican platform, on the other hand, is surprisingly sparse on LGBTQ issues, particularly concerning gay, lesbian, and bisexual rights. In sharp contrast to the 2016 platform, which vehemently opposed same-sex marriage, this year's document offers silence. The only queer-related focus in the GOP platform is on transgender issues, with promises to combat “gender indoctrination” in schools, end taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries, and restrict transgender participation in women’s sports. While far from supportive of transgender rights, Trump has taken a more hands-off approach to same-sex marriage. This shift has made room for Republican groups like the Log Cabin Republicans, who represent LGBTQ conservatives, to gain a more visible presence. In the ongoing culture wars, the Democrats reaffirm their progressive commitment while the Republicans quietly step back from previous stances on marriage. #Queer Up Gay Culture