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DNC Pride at the Polls Update

The following newsletter was recently sent to thousands of Democratic LGBT activists around the country:

March 2008

Dear Friend,

In eight short months, Americans will go to the polls for one of the most crucial elections in our nation's history. We don't need to tell you that, especially for the LGBT community, the stakes couldn't be higher. We need a Democratic President and a larger majority in Congress to promote fair and equal rights under the law.

We have already seen the success of Governor Dean's 50-State Strategy for our community in the 2006 election. The election of Democratic governors and state legislatures across the country has meant tangible progress and real rights for the LGBT Community:

• In places like Massachusetts, Colorado, Iowa, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Indiana, the Democrats you helped elect in 2006 have blocked anti-LGBT ballot initiatives, passed civil union bills, extended protections against employment discrimination, and passed second parent adoption bills.
• The Democratic governors elected in 2006 have signed employment protections in Iowa, Ohio, Colorado, and Oregon.
• Newly-elected Democratic governors have signed a second parent adoption bill in Colorado and domestic partner or civil unions laws in Oregon and New Hampshire, while keeping an anti-marriage amendment off the ballot in Massachusetts.
• The Democrats in state legislatures elected in 2006 defeated anti-marriage efforts in Indiana, New Hampshire, Alaska, Maryland and North Carolina.

We would never ask you to support the Democratic Party simply because the Republicans are bad. The LGBT community should support the Democratic Party because Democrats believe in an America that respects the rights and dignity of every American. We haven't won every battle, and we know there is still more work and education that needs to be done, but the facts speak for themselves: Democrats better represent the values and aspirations of LGBT Americans.

We look forward to working with you in the coming months as we get ready to mobilize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Americans all across the country. With your help this year, we will retake the White House, increase our majorities in both houses of Congress, and elect more Democratic governors and legislatures that will not only put an end to divisive scapegoating of our community, but will work to promote fairness and equality under the law for all Americans.

Over the next eight months we will do our best to keep you informed on how to keep the momentum building towards the November election. We have already seen unprecedented numbers of Democrats - including LGBT Americans - participating in primaries and caucuses across the country during the current Presidential Primary season. In this monthly newsletter, we will do our best to keep you informed on the issues and the election, as well as on how you can get involved as LGBT Americans. We need your support and commitment in order to build upon our successes this year.

Rick Stafford Chair DNC LGBT Caucus

Mirian Saez Vice Chair DNC LGBT Caucus

Brian Bond Executive Director DNC GLLC

DNC Outreach to the LGBT Community

• The DNC's political trainings for field staff included essential outreach to the LGBT community -- educating thousands of political operatives and activists from state party staff down to the precinct level.
• The DNC's National Lawyers Council has set up a working group to advance voter education and opportunities for people in the transgender community, which will educate political and electoral staff at every level on the special concerns for transgender voters.
• Governor Dean appointed a record number of 7 openly LGBT members to the standing committees of the Democratic National Convention, including four members of the Platform committee. Governor Dean became the first chairman in DNC history to appoint an at-large transgender standing committee member.
• The DNC aggressively continues to work with State Parties and National Stonewall Democrats to reach out to LGBT organizations of color to promote greater inclusion.
• The DNC is building a 2008 "PRIDE at the Polls" program that will include unprecedented outreach during the Pride season by the DNC, State Parties, and Stonewall Democrats to engage LGBT Americans in the effort to elect a Democrat to the White House.
• At the DNC's 2007 Winter Meeting, which coincided with World AIDS Day, the DNC passed a resolution calling for a comprehensive National AIDS Strategy and hosted HIV/AIDS awareness workshops in each of the caucus meetings.

Governor Dean Tours San Diego LGBT Community Center

From The Center: On Feb. 19, 2008, Howard Dean visited the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center (The Center) to speak with members of the local LGBT community. Gov. Dean, who is also an MD, has a special interest in both health and programs for youth, and wanted to learn more about the many health and human services programs The Center provides.

"We are delighted that Gov. Dean was able to take time out of his busy schedule to ask about the real needs of this community and the work that's being done here at The Center," said Richard Valdez, chair of The Center's board. "His willingness to come to our Center, ask questions and truly listen to what the community had to say shows the depth of his engagement with our issues. We appreciate his interest in San Diego's LGBT community and his outspoken support for equal rights."

"Equality is our birthright under the U.S. Constitution," said Gov. Dean. "That means civil rights should be the same for every single one of us, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation or any other factor that has been used to divide us. The Democratic Party stands proudly with the LGBT community to build a hopeful and optimistic vision of America that is inclusive of all Americans, rejects the politics of fear and division, and renews our commitment to ending discrimination in all its forms. Together we can achieve that vision."

For more information on the San Diego Center, please visit: http://www.thecentersd.org

The Road to Denver -- Convention Update

Democrats from across the country will gather in Denver, August 25th - August 28th to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States. This will be one of the most historic conventions our nation has ever witnessed. Thanks to the efforts of Convention CEO Leah Daughtry, not only will it showcase the diversity of the Democratic Party and its values, but it will also be the greenest convention yet.

For more information on the 2008 Democratic Convention, please visit: http://www.demconvention.com

LGBT Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

 

• Building on the previous successes of the DNC LGBT Caucus, for the first time in history, the DNC's 2008 Delegate Selection Rules require state parties to adopt inclusion plans for increasing LGBT participation in the convention and in party affairs. As a result, 50 out of 56 states and territories have set numeric goals for LGBT delegates - up from 16 states in 2004.
• In conjunction with National Stonewall Democrats and other allies, the DNC sponsored the inaugural delegate selection trainings, which educate LGBT activists on how to become delegates and to further engage in Party affairs.

If you are interested in becoming a Delegate or Standing Committee Member as a LGBT American, please visit the National Stonewall Democrats' Pride in the Party website: http://www.prideintheparty.org

DNC Elects Record Number of LGBT Members to the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, Including the First Transgender Appointment

During the month of January, the 2008 Executive Committee of the DNC unanimously elected Governor Dean's nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees. These nominations include a record number of openly LGBT members. Governor Dean's LGBT appointments include: Dr. Marjorie Hill of the Gay Men's Health Crisis organization in New York, Diego Sanchez from the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, State Representative Patricia Todd of Alabama, and Ingrid Duran of Virginia to serve on the Platform Committee, along with Campbell City Council Member Evan Low, DNC GLLC Chair to the Rules Committee Claire Lucas, and Bob Rogan of Vermont to the Credentials Committee. In addition to increasing previous record numbers of LGBT standing committee members, Governor Dean is the first DNC Chair to appoint a member of the transgender community to a Convention Committee.

The elections included the Chairs of twenty-five Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) members to the three Convention Standing Committees: Credentials, Platform and Rules. The Standing Committees of the Convention are responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates.

For a list of and biographical information on the PLEO members from each Standing Committee, please visit: http://www.democrats.org/StandingCommittees

Other LGBT News...

DNC Provides Seed Money to Increase the Pool of LGBT Candidates of Color

"We are at a point in history in this country where it is more than just a place at the table to help bring about change; it is about a place on the ticket for the LGBT community."
--Governor Howard Dean

In a non-partisan effort to increase the number of LGBT candidates as well as more accurately reflect the diversity of the LGBT community, the DNC has provided the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI) with resources for scholarships for qualified applicants for its upcoming Candidate of Color training. This training will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, from April 23rd to April 26th in partnership with the National Black Justice Coalition. The GLLI training program is renowned for providing the essential road map and educational tools necessary for successful LGBT political participation.

For more information on the training, please visit: http://www.glli.org/training
For scholarship information, please email: lauren.peters@victoryfund.org

DNC Highlights Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Governor Dean, Vice Chair Lottie Shackelford, Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins, and LGBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford issued the following statement on February 7th recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day:

"National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an important opportunity to renew our commitment to a national strategy for combating the devastating impact HIV/AIDS continues to have on the African American community here in the United States. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a humanitarian issue that affects all of us, but while African Americans represent 13 percent of the American population they account for nearly half of all new HIV infections. So today we renew our call for the development of a comprehensive, science-based strategy for combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic that includes expanding access to treatment, fully funding research and education programs, expanding HIV prevention efforts, and reducing HIV-related racial disparities. If we do these things, we can save lives and ensure the quality of life for all Americans."

Congresswoman Baldwin to Secretary Rice - February 21, 2008

In a Congressional letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and three of her colleagues called on the Secretary Rice to address workplace inequities facing gay and lesbians in the U.S. Department of State. The letter states that "the lack of equitable treatment could force dedicated, intelligent, and needed FSO's and officials to make a needless choice between serving their country and protecting their families."

To read Congresswoman Baldwin's full letter, please visit: http://tammybaldwin.house.gov/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1437

Decline to Sign - Stop Divisive California Ballot Measure That Would Put Scapegoating Marriage Issue on the November Ballot

In an effort to scapegoat the LGBT Community in California and "ratchet up" the turnout of right wing voters for the California November election, a petition drive is underway to put an anti-gay marriage issue on the ballot. The proponents of this measure only have until mid-April to collect 1.1 million signatures. The DNC has joined many fair-minded allies in an effort to stop this measure from getting on the ballot.

If you want to help keep this unnecessary and divisive measure off the November ballot in California, please visit "Equality for All": http://www.equalityforall.com

Florida Red and Blue

Similar to the proposed measure in California, a divisive Marriage issue will be on Florida's November 4, 2008, ballot. It is clear that, since "same-sex" marriage is already illegal in Florida, this measure is an obvious attempt to not only scapegoat the LGBT Community, but also to increase right-wing voter turnout in the November Presidential election. Florida Red and Blue has been mobilized as a non-partisan, independent campaign dedicated to defeating this so-called "marriage protection" amendment.

To find out more on how to stop this unnecessary state constitutional amendment, please visit: http://www.floridaredandblue.com

Out Mayor to Head Democratic Mayors - January 2008

David Cicilline, the openly gay mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, was recently elected president of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors. This is a major show of support of his leadership by his colleagues of Democratic mayors from around the country. Cicilline is in his second term as mayor of Providence.

For additional information on Mayor Cicilline, please visit: http://www.providenceri.com/government/mayor.php

DNC Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council - Fundraising

Under the leadership of DNC Treasurer Andy Tobias and Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council (GLLC) Chair Claire Lucas, the GLLC is gearing up for what promises to be an expensive election. The GLLC has sponsored a record number of five events in the month of February alone. Governor Dean headlined LGBT grassroots fundraisers in Miami, Denver, Chicago, and Palm Springs, CA, and met with LGBT activists in Seattle.

Aside from raising money to supply our nominee with the necessary tools and resources for victory in November, these events attracted hundreds of past, current, and new donors - a sure sign that the LGBT community is energized and motivated as we enter the general election. As we move closer to the November election, the GLLC will continue to highlight the important role of the LGBT community in the political process.

To make a contribution through the GLLC, visit: http://www.democrats.org/gllc. For more information about the GLLC, please contact GLLC National Finance Director Tom Petrillo at petrillot@dnc.org.

The DNC is Recruiting Interns

The DNC is currently accepting applications for our summer 2008 internship session. With the Presidential Election ahead, the DNC is a busy and vibrant place. Interns are a vital part of the team at the DNC and work in all departments. This exciting and enriching experience in politics is an opportunity to get an insider's view of the Democratic Party and to make valuable life long connections. The DNC internship program encompasses every department, including Internet, Finance, Communications, Political, Research, and American Majority Partnership. Applications for the summer session are due on March 15th. For more information and to start your application, please visit the DNC website at http://www.democrats.org/interns.

Please Give Us Your Feedback

The DNC is eager to reclaim the White House and provide a new direction for America. Our staff is busy working with our state parties to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running once we have a nominee. Your feedback on any grassroots activities that we can implement around the convention, and ultimately on Election Day, are essential to our victory in November. Send your thoughts and ideas to bondb@dnc.org. To sign up for updates on LGBT issues from the DNC, including this newsletter, The LGBT Democrat, please click here: http://www.democrats.org/page/s/glbt. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Brian Bond at bondb@dnc.org.