The Democratic National Convention is underway in Charlotte. Democrats from across the country have gathered to officially nominate President Barack Obama and to drum up support before the fall election season gets underway.

First Lady Michelle Obama stole the show during her closing speech last night. She talked about her husband, the couples' history and continuing his vision ahead of the November election. There were some laughs but mostly a touching account of the couple before, during and after the last presidential election.

The first lady also recognized the ongoing struggle for marriage equality:

So in the end, for Barack, these issues aren’t political -- they’re personal.  Because Barack knows what it means when a family struggles.  He knows what it means to want something more for your kids and grandkids.  Barack knows the American Dream because he’s lived it.  And he wants everyone in this country -- everyone -- to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we’re from, or what we look like, or who we love.

Other speakers, including gay Rep. Jared Polis (D-Co.) and Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick, mentioned the ongoing gay rights struggle during their Tuesday speeches.

“We believe that freedom means keeping government out of our most private affairs, including out of a woman’s decision whether to keep an unwanted pregnancy and everybody’s decision about whom to marry,” Patrick said.

Democrats also included the ongoing quest for gay rights as a central piece of the 2012 party platform. Republicans, however, were far less inclusive in their own platform, which calls for a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.

Tonight's speakers include former President Bill Clinton and Mass. Sen. candidate and friend-of-the-family Elizabeth Warren.

Top photo: First Lady Michelle Obama (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)