To ensure diversity, the Democratic National Committee has mandated that the racial, ethnic, and sexual composition of each state's delegation to the national convention be proportional to that of the Democratic voters in each state. To make sure these quotas are filled, a pool of reserve delegates is on call in case any group's representation needs to be boosted.

The Florida state Democratic party even put out a press release with a handy breakdown of each delegate's religion, age, race, occupation, and sexual orientation. One delegate, whom the press release named, is "retired, but works with underprivileged kids, gay and in a 20-year relationship." The man, who had told only a few people he was gay, was shocked and displeased to learn that his own political party had outed him.

†