GaySoFla.com political columnist Waymon Hudson attends the Obama rally at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida,  the largest political rally ever for the Sunshine State, and finds himself and his life partner at the center of all the action

So I had the chance this past Friday to go to an Obama Rally here in South Florida.  It was probably one of the most amazing events I’ve ever been to.   

It was a terribly hot Florida day- mid 90’s with enough humidity to make you sweat the second you walked out the door.  That didn’t stop over 17,000 people (the largest political rally ever in Florida) from turning out to hear Obama speak. 

It was amazing seeing the diversity of the crowd.  We were all laughing and sweating together-regardless of age, race, or sexual orientation.  You could feel the excitement in the crowd. 

My partner and I were lucky enough to be snagged out of the mob by Obama volunteers as we went in for special seating.  The volunteers were obviously ‘family’ and pegged us as the same as we came in.  Maybe it was my hair- or the fact I had my arm around Anthony.  It’s really good being gay sometimes… 

Our special seating ended up being right behind Obama, which was AMAZING.  I guess they wanted us as the new “Abercrombie Boys” for the television cameras.  At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 

We met lots of great people while we were waiting for Obama to speak.  The folks around us were all excited about Obama and talk quickly turned to politics (with the required dose of Bush and McCain bashing).   

The huge stadium was packed.  Everyone was singing and dancing, there was even “the wave” going around a few times.  It was a surreal experience. 

When Obama did come out, the crowd completely lost it.  We were all jumping up and down and screaming.  The chant “O-Bam-a” rang out through the stadium as he worked his way up to the podium.   

His speech was amazing- hitting all the points about healthcare, the war, housing costs, and all the other issues that the crowd cared about.  I will admit I was moved to tears as he brought up the basic rights of all people and spoke about the gay community.  My partner and I hugged.  I never thought I would hear someone who wanted to be president, speaking to over 17,000 people, talk about LGBT rights. 

After it was over, we hugged our new friends we had met in the stands.  People were smiling and hugging all around, all excited to be part of making a change in our country.  Anthony and I left, hand in hand, with a new sense of hope.   

Do I think that Obama can fix all the country’s woes?  Of course not.  Do I think that he’ll disappoint me at some point as President?  Most likely.  But for the first time in years, I am hopeful. 

And that is change I can believe in. 

Waymon Hudson, the Homo Politico, is founder and President of Fight OUT Loud, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the GLBT community to fight discrimination and hate.  www.fightOUTloud.org