Activist Donaciano Martinez comments on the DNC

"On Sunday August 24, the peace rally and peace march went off okay on the eve of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) here in Denver. Government officials estimated there were about 2,000 protest participants, far below the high numbers predicted. Praising attendees for being "bold" in showing up, one rally speaker noted that pre-DNC police public warnings of “trouble” (including a warning about mysterious cardboard boxes found on the outdoor 16th Street Mall the night before) succeeded in scaring people from attending. With my ongoing neurological illness preventing me from making firm plans to do anything, my attendance at Sunday's event was spontaneous."

Read the rest of longtime activist Donaciano Martinez's observations after the jump.


(1) Several rally speakers noted that Senator Obama is contradictory by claiming he is a peace candidate, yet U.S. Senate voting records show that he and his running mate Joe Biden both have voted to appropriate the necessary money to fund U.S. wars.

(2) The speech by 1960s Black Panther Kathleen Cleaver was difficult to hear due to a disturbance near the stage at which some protesters were loudly confronting Fox News reporters for being a “pawn of the Bush regime.” Throughout her speech Ms. Cleaver was subdued, not as fiery as she was in the 1960s.

(3) Ms. Cleaver’s lack of fire was clearly made up by the lively and inspirational speech given by young African American activist Larry Hales, the only speaker who did not use any notes during his presentation.

(4) Very moving speeches were presented by Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney (an African American) and Green Party vice presidential candidate Rosa Cameron (a Puerto Rican).

(5) A very moving speech was given by Fred Hampton Jr., a son of the 1960s Black Panther Fred Hampton who was killed by police officers in Chicago as part of a nationwide crackdown on Black Panther Party leaders. As a modern-day activist in a prisoner rights group, Fred Hampton Jr. is following in his father’s footsteps as a dynamic speaker.

(6) Among the variety of speakers, noticeably absent were speakers from the Chicano community in a city where Chicanos make up almost half of the population. Event publicity listed longtime Chicano activist Ricardo Romero as one of the speakers, but he was not there. Perhaps Chicano/a activists were too busy planning the upcoming immigration reform march to take place this Thursday on the last day of the DNC. As conveyed to organizer Ramon del Castillo, my attendance at Thursday's march depends on how I feel that morning with my ongoing neurological illness for which there is no cure.

(7) Upon leaving home Sunday morning to attend the peace rally and march, I purposely did not take any sign, identification, money or house keys “just in case” something happened that would result in authorities confiscating those items from me. Fortunately, there were no incidents of police overreaction during my participation. Officers were very polite and courteous to me personally.

(8) As the march began, organizers had a pile of signs from which to choose. The messages on most signs were too routine for my mood, so I chose one with the message, “Another Granny for Peace.” You can imagine that such a sign proved confusing and a source of humor to reporters and spectators along the protest route all the way to the Pepsi Center, headquarters of this week’s DNC. Several reporters snapped photos of me carrying the sign and then asked, “Are you Grandpa or Grandma?” To that ridiculous question, my silly reply was, “I am Grandma.” While most walked away with confused looks on their faces, one young reporter stuck around and asked me one more question: “If you are Grandma, why do you have hairy legs?” To that even more ridiculous question, my silly reply was “I couldn’t find the tube of Nair to shave my legs this morning.” At another point along the route, two photographers giggled when one said to the other, “Granny must be a Tranny.” I had so much fun with the sign that it has been adopted by me to use in future peace marches.

(9) Marching next to me was a man wearing a floor-length fluorescent red cape along with a mask of Bush’s face. His costume attracted numerous media photographers. When he removed the mask and cape at the end of the peace march, he was drenched in sweat because of the rubber texture of the mask and the cape's nylon material. It was amazing to me that he made the entire route while wearing such materials in the blazing hot sun on Sunday.

(10) Pre-DNC media stories noted that the federal government appropriated $50 million for security during the DNC in Denver. The media also noted that $1 million of that money was used to buy the most updated technology regarding surveillance cameras. Along the entire route of Sunday’s peace march, police openly used some of those fancy new cameras to photograph those of us walking in the march.

(11) The funniest part of the march took place during a few minutes when the march was brought to a standstill while police redirected some traffic. Standing a few feet from me was a news reporter interviewing an official DNC delegate, who was nicely dressed and had DNC credentials around his neck as he commented on the protest by saying: “I am very confused by why they are protesting against our political party. They should be protesting against the Republicans.” His demeanor and frustrated look on his face were so comical that my wish was to have a camera in order to capture the image.

(12) My pre-DNC memo noted that some protesters distributed leaflets calling for disruption in Denver streets on Sunday afternoon. Carrying out their threat to disrupt, several hours after yesterday’s peace march a few dozen protesters formed a blockade in Civic Center where DNC delegates were having a picnic. Protesters also disrupted traffic at Denver’s busiest intersection at Colfax and Broadway. Right in front of where I was sitting on the bench in front of the public library, numerous police officers in riot gear ran by in pursuit of protesters. Police blocked all traffic on Broadway and Lincoln Streets while trying to clear the area of protesters. The media reported that only one protester was arrested that afternoon.

(13) Over the entire weekend, several SWAT team officers were positioned outside the main public library. With so many law enforcement officers near the library entrance, it was uncomfortable and intimidating to other people and me upon entering the library. A library employee told me that the library’s basement was being used by an agency that was preparing meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) to feed hundreds of law enforcement officers while the DNC is in town. Officers in front of the library will be permanent fixtures throughout the DNC.

Last night (Monday August 25), there was a street confrontation between police and about 500 protesters and near Civic Center Park. Media sources reported the official police version that protesters attempted to march last night without an official permit (marches are allowed only between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. while the DNC is in town). Protesters countered that police began randomly harassing protesters gathered inside the park for which protest organizers have an official permit. Media sources reported that police in riot gear began using pepper spray upon charging at protesters running from the park into the street. Protest organizers noted that about 100 people were arrested last night and were taken to the City government warehouse that was reported in my pre-DNC memo as being a temporary detention center for people arrested during the DNC.

Numerous DNC delegates were at the library today (Tuesday August 26) before they departed on special buses en route to the DNC at the Pepsi Center. While sitting on the bench outside and feeding crushed Fritos to the pigeons, I had a nice conversation with a strikingly pretty young African American DNC delegate named Latosha. Never before in Denver, she picked my brain about historical racism in this city and state. She was fascinated to hear my story about the “No Mexicans or Dogs Allowed” public signs that greeted my family and other Mexican American families in the 1940s and 1950s upon moving to Colorado from New Mexico. Upon leaving to catch the special bus to head to the DNC at which Senator Hillary Clinton will be speaking tonight, Latosha shook my hand and told me that several pigeons were staring at me as they were waiting for me to continue feeding them.



DNC Chair and LGBTQ+ Coalition Director Engage with Key LGBTQ+ Community Leaders

Known as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, New York City holds a unique and sacred space within the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. On Monday, June 26, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, DNC LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, and DNC LGBTQ+ Coalition Director Sam Alleman engaged with New York community leaders and advocates during a tour of the Ali Forney Center, followed by a roundtable discussion and listening session with key stakeholders from the LGBTQ+ community and a visit to the historic Stonewall Inn, before attending the DNC’s LGBTQ+ Leadership Council Gala. See below for photos.

“From the Stonewall Inn to the Ali Forney Center, both of which we toured today, New York City is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for equal protections and freedoms under the law,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “With LGBTQ+ rights under attack in states across the country, I am proud to be here in New York where Democrats are fighting to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community, and especially transgender youth, are safe, welcomed, and valued for who they are. New York serves as a reminder of what is possible when we come together to create a more tolerant and inclusive community for all.”

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, DNC LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, and DNC LGBTQ+ Coalition Director Sam Alleman heard and learned directly from key community leaders and activists about their thoughts on how to use the power and influence of the DNC to create a more tolerant and inclusive community, specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. 

This summer, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC LGBTQ+ coalition leaders launched a 57 state and territory tour to amplify critical issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Chair Harrison and DNC LGBTQ+ coalition leaders plan to use the DNC's brand and network to increase visibility and education around vital critical services for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, and to uplift the stories and messages of community advocates and political stakeholders within LGBTQ+ communities. 

Gus Kenworthy to be Among Headliners at DNC LGBTQ Gala

Following his refusal to attend the Winter Olympian visit at the White House, Gus Kenworthy announced he will attend the Democratic National Committee’s annual LGBTQ gala as a “Special Guest” this Pride season. In addition, Kenworthy will also headline a kick-off call with DNC donors and activists to highlight the importance of this event and discuss the upcoming midterm election.

The 19th annual gala will take place on June 25th in New York City. Last year, the resources raised from the gala went to critical investments in races and state parties, which helped elect Ralph Northam in Virginia, Doug Jones in Alabama and helped flip control of the Washington state Senate, enabling the now-Democratic-controlled state government to ban conversion therapy earlier this year.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the DNC at their LGBTQ Gala this Pride season,” said Gus Kenworthy. “Over the last year, the Trump-Pence administration has pushed our community to the sidelines, attacking us for who we are and who we love. It’s time we take a stand against this administration by electing representatives this upcoming November who actively support and believe in equality for everyone.”

“Gus has been a tireless advocate for his community, standing up to hate and a Trump-Pence administration that has repeatedly attacked and demeaned LGBTQ people,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “The 2017 elections were a landmark moment for the LGBTQ community. Not only did we elect the first openly transgender state legislator, but LGBTQ candidates broke barriers from Palm Springs and Seattle to Minneapolis and New York. This year, we want to celebrate that success and refocus the LGBTQ community on just what is at stake in the coming 2018 midterms. With the help of people like Gus, Democrats will win up and down the ballot, from the school board to the Senate.”

“Gus Kenworthy is part of the next generation of LGBTQ activists that are helping lead the resistance against the Trump-Pence administration”, said DNC Finance Chair Henry Munoz. “We will not tolerate the attacks from this White House on the rights and protections of LGBTQ Americans across the country. Standing together in the face of hate and bigotry, we’re going to bring sweeping change to Washington by electing Democrats this November.“

The LGBTQ gala began in 1999 as a small dinner held by Andy Tobias, former DNC Treasurer, and has grown to one of the DNC’s biggest and most successful events. This annual gala is among the DNC’s marquee events. In 2017, the gala took place at Gotham Hall in New York City, with Joe Biden as the keynote speaker.

DNC Announces New Coalitions Department, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Other Hires

Yesterday, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Executive Director Sam Cornale announced the creation of the Coalitions and Community Engagement Department, the creation of the Counsel and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position and new hires to both the Coalitions and Mobilization Departments. Brencia Berry will lead the newly created department as Director of Coalitions and Community Engagement. Ebony Baylor has been promoted to serve as Deputy Director of Coalitions, Community Engagement and Black Coalition Director. Eric Salcedo will be AAPI Coalition Director. Maria Martinez has been named Latinx Coalition Director. Theresa Sheldon will be Native American Coalitions Director. Helen Brosnan has been hired as Progressive Coalitions Director and Atoyia Deans will serve as Coalitions Manager. Tamara Chrisler will serve as Counsel and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a newly created position reporting to Chief Operating Officer Monica Guardiola. LGBTQ and Women’s Coalitions Directors will be announced in the near future.

In the Mobilization Department, Andrew Gauthier has been hired as Creative Director. Christian Richard has been promoted to serve as Design Director and Hal Irish has been hired as Digital Advertising Director. Olivia Hill has been promoted to Director of Grassroots Donor Relations and Erin Conway has been promoted to Direct Mail and Telemarketing Director.

In the Special Projects Department, Mansoor Khadir has been promoted to serve as Special Projects Director. Chelsey Cartwright will serve as Deputy Special Projects Director and Malik Haughton will be Special Projects Manager.

“These hires, and our deepened focus on coalitions work, will ensure the DNC leaves nothing on the table as we fight to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in the months and years ahead,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “Each and every one of these staff members is among the strongest talents in our party and will bring deep experience and unique perspective to the work we do. I could not be more excited to welcome them to the DNC family and look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

“The DNC continues to recruit top talent to meet the moment,” said DNC Executive Director Sam Cornale. “The fight for 2022 will live or die on our ability to message and organize voters key to rebuilding the Biden coalition, especially voters of color and younger voters. Our team keeps getting stronger, and come 2022, our deep experience and early investments will help to ensure our party builds on our successes.”

DNC LGBT Advisory Board Co-Chairs Announced

Last year, the Democratic National Committee took the unprecedented step of creating an LGBT Advisory Board to elevate grassroots LGBT Democratic voices. This Board will work with the DNC to advance LGBT equality, to identify causes of concern to the LGBT community at the local level, and to get out the LGBT and allied vote in order to elect Democratic candidates who respect and support the rights of the LGBT community.

Members will be selected from all 50 states and will represent the full diversity of the LGBT community. The LGBT Advisory Board was initiated under the leadership of DNC LGBT Caucus Chairman Earl Fowlkes. Whereas membership of the DNC LGBT Caucus is limited to elected DNC Members, membership on the Advisory Board is open to all LGBT Democrats who apply.

Today, Chairman Fowlkes is proud to announce that former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and LGBT & HIV/AIDS activist Rev. José M. Román have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the Advisory Board. Together they will ensure the LGBT Advisory Board regularly convenes to discuss issues of local importance across the states and ways Democrats can continue to take action to advance LGBT rights.

“The LGBT community has made huge strides the past 7 years under Democratic leadership, but with few exceptions the Republican Party continues to fight against equality at every turn,” said Mayor Parker. “During the fight to pass the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance in my own city, the despicable depiction of transgender people showed us how far our opponents will go to stop progress on protecting the rights of LGBT Americans. We see anti-LGBT pieces of legislation from Congress to local councils blocking equal rights, promoting discrimination under the guise of religious speech, and blocking transgender people from going to the restroom. The DNC’s LGBT Advisory Board will give us new opportunities to elevate local battles like HERO and to share strategies across communities about way to organize and win. I look forward to using the lessons learned in Houston to help lead this effort.”

“The diverse voices of the LGBT community have not always been represented in the national LGBT movement,” said Rev. Román. “This Advisory Board will help those voices be heard in the Party’s continuing efforts to advance LGBT rights. It will also help shine a light on LGBT Democratic candidates and the efforts of elected Democrats fighting for our community. I look forward to helping lead and shape this diverse body so that we can continue to fight for and protect the progress we have made.”

“The LGBT Caucus is very grateful that Reverend Román and Mayor Parker have stepped up to volunteer their time and leadership as co-chairs of the LGBT Advisory Board,” said DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes. “I look forward to working with them and the entire Advisory Board in advancing equality for the LGBT community and helping to stop Republican efforts that would bring us backward.”

DNC Mediamockracy

Listen Productions presents the multimedia event “DNC Mediamockracy”. Using original video footage from the Democratic National Convention, media coverage of the DNC, live satire and interactive media “DNC Mediamockracy” will investigate how the relationship between media and the political system impacts our democracy. The project includes 18 live performances at Buntport Theater, an interactive website, and a High Definition video documentary.

“DNC Mediamockracy” opens September 26, 2008 and runs through October 25, 2008 at Buntport Theater (717 Lipan in Denver). Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $20, and available at 720-290-1104. Thursday performances are 2-for-1 admission. For more information visit DNCMediamockracy.com.

Check out Examiner.com today for a DNC blogstravaganza

Examiner.com has dedicated today to the DNC and every single one of us Examiners (I'm Denver's Gay Examiner in case you didn't know) has committed to posting, in our respective fields, about the upcoming Democratic National Convention to be held here in Denver at the end of August.

Head on over to read such bloggerific posts as:
Barack 'n' Roll
What Does Your Style Say About Your Political Views?
Looking to do some celeb watching during DNC week? Check out these DNC hot-spots
DNC Housing Shortage!!

Liveblogging the LGBT Caucus at the DNC: Schedule of Events

We just got our press packets and it looks like the schedule of events for the LGBT Caucus should last for about two hours and will be as follows:

Meeting Begins - Rick Stafford and Mirian Saex, DNC LGBT Caucus Chair and Co-Chair open caucus

Welcome from Colorado Sen. Jennifer Viega and Rep. Mark Ferrandino

Remarks by DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford

Presentation and Profile of LGBT Delegates and Alternates: Marjory Hill, John Perez, Hon. Evan Low, State Rep. Al McAffrey, Melissa Sklarz

DNC Secretary Alice Germond and teh Roll Call of States by DNC LGBT Caucus Secretary Garry Shay

Presentation about the platform - U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin

Discussion of Marriage Bans - State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Shannon Minter

Remarks by Tim Gill

Presentation of Jane Fee Award

Briefing from Victory Fund on Presidential Appointments Project - Chuck Wolfe, Victory Fund

DNC on the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, DNC Chair Tom Perez, DNC LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, DNC Treasurer William Derrough, and DNC Secretary Jason Rae released the following statement:

“Today, we celebrate the birth of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. We honor the courage and diversity of the activists at Stonewall. We remember heroes like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson – two trans women of color – whose bravery changed our country for the better. And we recognize all who have followed in their footsteps to fight for the dignity and equality every human being deserves.

“50 years after Stonewall, that fight continues. There is no doubt that we’ve made progress. From Lawrence, Windsor, and Obergefell, to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Act, to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, our nation has taken great strides forward in our march toward a more perfect union.

“But we still have so much work left to do. The legal protections that so many LGBTQ Americans and their allies have fought for are under threat. For two and a half years, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have tried to drag our nation backwards, emboldening bigots and breaking Trump’s empty promise to support the LGBTQ community. From banning transgender troops from serving in our nation’s armed forces, to undermining workplace discrimination protections, to opening the door for the denial of health care services to trans Americans, his administration has rolled back our progress time and time again.

“No one should face violence, bullying, or discrimination because of who they are or who they love. But in the face of Trump’s bigotry, the Democratic Party has a message for LGBTQ people everywhere: We see you. We hear you. We have your back, and we will never stop fighting for your rights.

“In the last election cycle, LGBTQ Democrats ran for office and won in record numbers, tearing down old barriers and transforming our democracy. As we head toward Election Day in 2019 and 2020, we’re going to continue to stand with the LGBTQ community. We’re going to carry the standard of every American who said enough is enough and love is love. And we’re going to keep fighting with the courage and pride of the countless activists and organizers who came before us.”

DNC Announces 20th Annual LGBTQ Gala Celebrating 50 Years Since Stonewall

Fresh off helping elect the largest number of LGBTQ members Congress has ever seen, the Democratic National Committee will host its 20th Annual LGBTQ Gala in New York City on June 17. Attending the event will be DNC Chair Tom Perez, along with every LGBTQ member of the new House Democratic majority, and special guest Queer Eye star Karamo Brown, who will highlight the historic progress the LGBTQ community has made since Stonewall 50 years ago.

Additional speakers and celebrity guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

What started as a small dinner held by former DNC Treasurer Andy Tobias in 1999 has since grown exponentially to one of the DNC’s marquee galas, and traditionally the organization’s top-raising event. This year’s 20th Anniversary Gala will celebrate the growth of not only this gala, but of the political power of the LGBTQ community.

“I’m ready to do my part in helping elect Democrats up and down the ballot,” said LGBTQ activist and TV personality Karamo Brown. “Last year, our community joined together and broke records. Now, it’s time to continue that momentum and help build the infrastructure our eventual Democratic presidential nominee will need to win. I’m excited to join Chair Tom Perez and our LGBTQ members of Congress to kick off the 2020 election cycle.”

“The 2018 midterm election was a landmark moment for the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ representation was boosted all across the country and at every level of government. Now, as we enter the most important presidential election of our lifetime, it’s critical that we build on the progress we’ve made," said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “The new House Democratic Majority is holding President Trump accountable and putting forward a legislative agenda to expand opportunities for everyone, including the LGBTQ community through the Equality Act. I’m excited to host LGBTQ activist Karamo Brown and fellow allies at this year’s gala.”

“Fairness and equality are core American values. I’m proud to be a member of the only political party that’s fighting to bring our country closer to realizing these ideals in our time,” said House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chair David Cicilline. “I’m looking forward to taking part in this event and to continue this fight until every LGBTQ American is equal in the eyes of the law.”

“In 2018 we reset expectations across the country of who runs for office and who we support as candidates. In the 116th Congress, there are more women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community than ever before. Together we are working to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and everyone has access to opportunity. I'm proud to be a part of this new House Majority -- and a co-chair of the Equality Caucus --  as we work towards these goals, “ said Rep. Sharice Davids

Stonewall Dems speak out about Raymond Buckley

Today, the Stonewall Democrats congratulated board member and New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, the Hon. Raymond Buckley, upon his election as President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. With his election, Buckley also becomes a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee and the highest-ranking openly-gay official within the national Democratic party. Elected with an overwhelming 72% of the vote, Buckley will serve as ASDC President for the next two years.

"The election of Raymond Buckley elevates another strong voice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans within the Democratic Party," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director of the Stonewall Democrats. "Democrats from across our country elected Raymond because he will work tirelessly to strengthen state Democratic parties, the backbone of grassroots politics. Because Stonewall Democrats has always believed in grassroots politics, we believe in President Buckley's leadership. President Buckley has been an driving force behind increasing support for issues of equality among state Democratic parties and his election as President will only enhance that record."

With his election as President of the ASDC, Buckley also becomes a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The five Vice Chairs of the DNC greatly influence party policy and direction. Each Vice Chair ranks only second to the Democratic National Committee Chair. As the first openly-gay Vice Chair of a political party, Buckley becomes the highest ranking openly-gay party officer in national history.

"Stonewall Democrats has proven a great resource to our state parties," said Raymond Buckley. "I'm thankful for their early and enthusiastic support for my candidacy in this competitive race. I'm looking forward to deepening the partnerships between state parties and LGBT Democrats as we move towards additional Democratic victories over the next two years."

The Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) is the national body of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of state Democratic parties in 56 state and territories. The ASDC influences the priorities and policy of both the national and state Democratic parties. Buckley is the first openly-gay president of the organization, after previously serving as its vice president for six years.

The election of Raymond Buckley follows on the heels of the announcement that Andrew Tobias would continue serving as Treasurer of the DNC. Mr. Tobias was recently honored by a coalition of LGBT organizations for his outstanding service at the Democratic National Committee.

Raymond Buckley is currently the only openly-gay chair of a state Democratic party. As Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party Buckley was a familiar face with Democratic presidential candidates as they campaigned in the New Hampshire Democratic Party primary. In his role as New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, Buckley is also a Member of the Democratic National Committee where he has been elected both Chair of the Eastern Region Caucus and a Member of the DNC Executive Committee.

Buckley has served on the Board of Directors for National Stonewall Democrats for the past eight years. Prior to his election as New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Buckley served for 18 years in the New Hampshire legislature. Under his chairmanship in New Hampshire, Buckley has led his state party to record level of Democratic gains on the local, state and federal level. At the same time, Buckley also moved the New Hampshire Democratic Party to become on of the most aggressive advocates for issues of equality, including the freedom to marry. That strategy has helped New Hampshire demonstrate how the combination of smart politics and pro-equality policy can lead Democrats to victory.

The Association of State Democratic Chairs was an influential partner in the DNC's "50 State Strategy" program. The ASDC worked closely with Stonewall Democrats and its "Pride in the Party" program in 2008. That program increased the participation of LGBT Democrats within state parties, including a record increase in LGBT Democrats elected to party office and as delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

The officers elected today for the Association for State Democratic Chairs were Raymond Buckley (President), Cordeilia Lewis-Burks of Indiana (Secretary) and Teresa Krusor of Kansas (Treasurer). Four Vice-Presidents of the ASDC were elected by region. They were Karen Thurman of Florida (Southern), Deb Kozikowski of Massachusetts (Eastern), Dan Parker of Indiana (Midwestern), and Meredith Wood Smith of Oregon (Western).

National Stonewall Democrats is the national voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. Stonewall Democrats works to elect more pro-equality Democrats regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity - and to improve the Democratic Party on issues important to LGBT Democrats.

DNC Announces Caucuses and Councils for the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Committee announced today the list of caucus and council meetings that will take place over the course of the Democratic National Convention from August 17-20, 2020.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, the DNC is committed to holding typical convention events that would normally take place in-person throughout the day, just in a new way. Our convention stage is bigger this year than ever before—located in cities and towns across America–and so are the caucus and council meetings. No one will need a convention credential to experience these meetings up close, and we’ll hear from people who represent our nation’s strength, decency and humanity.

The 30 events planned for this week will be led by caucus and council chairs from across the country and will be open to the public. Attendees will hear from activists, labor leaders, community leaders, former 2020 presidential candidates, DNC leadership, elected officials, and more.

Speakers at various caucuses and council meetings include: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DNC Chair Tom Perez, and 2020 presidential candidates Julián Castro, Cory Booker, Andrew Yang, Elizabeth Warren, Jay Inslee, Tom Steyer, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O’Rourke, Pete Buttigieg, and Tim Ryan.

Delegates and members of the public will be provided an engaging experience through a unique digital platform allowing participants to chat with others, complete calls to action, post to social media, and participate in polls throughout the programming to engage viewers in a meaningful way. The live landing page can be found here.

“This historic 'Convention Across America' anchored in Milwaukee is an extraordinary opportunity to unite our party around our common values, lift up the stories of hardworking Americans, and showcase the steady leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “We will be doing it in a way that protects the health and safety of the American people while using new and innovative ways to share our message with more voters than ever before, and engage with our delegates and members of the public through our caucus and council meetings each day of the convention."

A complete schedule can be found here.

Sean Meloy to Serve as New Victory Fund Political Director

Today Victory Fund announced Sean Meloy will serve as its new Political Director, leading the organization’s efforts to recruit and elect LGBTQ people at every level of government. In his previous role as Director of LGBT Engagement at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Sean worked to ensure LGBTQ support for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

“Our endorsed candidates will benefit tremendously from Sean’s political, campaign and fundraising experience, and will advance our efforts to build LGBTQ political power across the country,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. “We know LGBTQ elected leaders are the antidote to anti-equality legislation emerging in dozens of state legislatures, so Sean will focus his attention on increasing LGBTQ representation in these low-equality states.”

Prior to joining the DNC, Sean ran two congressional races, including the reelection of Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14) in 2010 and Kristin Cabral’s 2012 race for District 10 in Virginia. Sean has also worked on building coalitions, grassroots and digital engagement, and legislative strategy in the areas of intellectual property, telecommunications access, and community college affordability. Most recently, Sean acted as Deputy National Outreach Director for Congressman Keith Ellison in his bid for DNC Chair.

“As a staffer on the Hill and in my time at the DNC, I continuously witnessed the impact openly LGBTQ leaders have on policy and legislation that affects our lives,” said Meloy. “Now more than ever, we need LGBTQ elected officials who can be difference-makers. That is why I’m thrilled to be joining Victory Fund in its efforts to ensure LGBTQ candidates win big in 2017 and beyond.”

All over the place with Nuclia Waste

All over the place with Nuclia Waste
By Drew Wilson

Denver’s Princess of Plutonium Nuclia Waste is a very busy girl these days. She covered the DNC for 5280 magazine, performs a weekly show at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret and is slated to be the hostess with the mostess at Boulder PrideFest this Saturday, September 13. I caught up with her today between gigs and found out about everything she has going on.

How did you get roped into covering the DNC?
5280 wanted a video blog on their website so they could have something different and they figured what better way than to have Nuclia Waste?

Excellent point – what’s differenter than Nuclia Waste? So what’d you think of the DNC?
The DNC was amazing. It was just so interesting and colorful and so many people with so many agendas trying to make their voices heard. Everybody got to say something and I love that freedom of speech that comes with the Democratic party. I don’t think you see that with the Republican party.

So that means you’re an Obama girl?
Of course!

What do you think about McCain/Palin?
Well you know I think they picked her for shock value and hopefully that wears off pretty soon. Nobody knows what she stands for it seems like everybody is just interested in seeing how much lipstick she can put on.

Lots and lots.
When it comes down to the issues and debates I think we’re going to realize that she’s nothing but a Caribou Barbi. Google some interviews her where she’s not reading speeches written by Cark Rove and you’ll realize that she doesn’t know too much.

Tell me about the show at Lannie’s.
Well there are only six shows left for our country Western show Totally Plowed. People say it’s our funniest show ever. Country music is already a parody of itself so it doesn’t take much to push it over the edge of craziness. We have bigger hair and bigger boobs than Dolly Parton and there’s cowtipping, too!

What happens when you’re finished with Totally Plowed?
After that we’ll have a drag queen bingo Halloween themed fundraiser on Oct. 29. Once a quarter we always do a charity drag queen bingo at Lannies. Then we’ll be opening our Holiday Show in November and December which is the Buttcracker. It’s a ballet like you’ve never seen before.

It sounds like something I’ve seen before.
Well, probably you have but nobody else.

And even with all that you are still able to find the time to serve as the hostess of Boulder PrideFest?
I’m the emcee all day on the main stage on the pearl street mall for Boulder PrideFest and I’ll be performing as well. It’s a nice intimate pride clebration where you can just walk around and have fun. The pearl street mall is pretty entertaining to begin with and we all just add to it.

This year will be my first Boulder PrideFest. Am I gonna have fun?
This is my third year going up there. It’s really fun. The crowd is fun and there’s a fun dance party afterwards and it’s just a great time.

What would you like to say to readers of MileHighGayGuy.com?
Always remember it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.

For more information go to nucliawaste.com and lannies.com.

DNC on DOJ Request to Implement Trans Military Ban

Friday, the Department of Justice requested the U.S. Supreme Court review President Trump’s ban on transgender people from serving in the military. Currently, there are 3 cases navigating the federal judicial system. This request, if granted, would allow the cases to skip the traditional process and review of the various regional U.S. Courts of Appeals.  

In response, DNC Chair Tom Perez; DNC Secretary Jason Rae and DNC LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes released the following statement:

“This ban goes against our values as a nation and has already been struck down by several lower courts. But now the Trump administration wants to bypass those courts in an effort to discriminate against the brave transgender troops serving our country.

“We are confident that the appellate court would follow the lower courts and side with the rule of law. Around the world, transgender service members are separated from their families in order to serve our country. Those who put their lives on the line and defend our right to live freely should be able to serve freely.

Discrimination is not a national security strategy and has no place in our country.”

Excerpts from Press Call with Congressman Jared Polis & Congressman Mark Takano To Discuss What’s At Stake for the LGBT Community in Filling the Supreme Court Vacancy

Yesterday, the DNC hosted a media call with Congressman Jared Polis and Congressman Mark Takano to discuss what’s at stake for LGBT Americans in filling the Supreme Court vacancy. The press call followed the DNC’s launch of a new media campaign, #FillTheSeat, to explain why it’s so critical for Republican senators to do their jobs and allow a vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. Each day this week, the DNC is highlighting how the Republican obstruction on the vacancy in the Supreme Court affects every American, focusing every day on a different issue. Today’s focus is on LGBT Americans.

The DNC also released a video in conjunction with the new campaign entitled “We’re Not Done” to highlight how much is at stake.

Excerpts from the call are below:

Congressman Jared Polis 

In 1988, Ronald Reagan said “The federal judiciary is too important to be made a political football.” I couldn’t agree more. Of course, Reagan said that while building support for his Supreme Court nominee Anthony Kennedy, who was confirmed in the final year of Reagan’s presidency. Contrary to Republican protestations of late, this country has a long history of confirming justices and federal judges in the final year of a president’s term. As a reminder, presidential terms last for four years, not three.

Today, we’re highlighting what’s at stake for the LGBT community in filling this Court seat. With last year’s marriage equality case, the Supreme Court has changed the legal landscape for LGBT Americans. But our community’s history with the Court dates back far beyond the marriage cases, and will continue into the future as we continue striving to achieve full equality. It’s still legal for private employers to fire someone for being gay in 28 states and for being trans in 30 states.

That’s one reason why we’re building support for the Equality Act, which would ensure protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations for LGBT people nationwide. The Equality Act has been endorsed by 200 members of Congress, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and President Obama, but it’s still not the law. Until then, the Courts are the final recourse for many LGBT Americans.

At the same time, Republicans in Congress have proposed the First Amendment Defense Act, which would allow government employees like Kim Davis and private businesses to discriminate against LGBT people under the guise of so-called religious freedom. Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and the Republican National Committee have endorsed that law.

Should that law come to pass, it would be up against serious constitutional challenges. We need someone on the court who is going to give any potential case a fair hearing. As important, we can’t leave a vacancy on the court while these and other issues move up to it. If we were to wait until the next President is sworn in, we may not have that seat filled until the summer or even later in 2017, and to have as many as two years of Supreme Court terms with an empty seat is simply unacceptable.

Congressman Mark Takano

As my colleague Mr. Polis said, the Supreme Court has given the LGBT community major wins in recent years. But LGBT Americans have a long history with the court filled with both victories and setbacks. As a result, the LGBT community understands better than most Americans what a direct impact the Court can have on our everyday lives.

In 1954, a gay rights organization published a pro-gay magazine but was blocked from mailing it by a Postmaster who said the magazine was “obscene, lewd, lascivious and filthy.” The Post Office was objecting to a story in the magazine about a 20 year old woman leaving her boyfriend to live with another woman. In those days, that was considered obscene until the Supreme Court took up the case, One Inc v. Oleson in 1958.

Unfortunately it wasn’t all uphill from there. In 1986, in Bowers v Hardwick, the Supreme Court ruled that states could continue banning consensual sex between same-sex couples under sodomy laws. The case was brought about by a man who had been arrested in his own home for having sex with another man. Unbelievably, it took until 2003’s landmark Lawrence v. Texas decision to overturn Bowers and finally declare that states could not criminalize love between two men or two women. Until then, sex between two men or two women was still illegal in 14 states.

In his dissent, Justice Scalia wrote that the Lawrence v Texas decision could lead to same-sex marriage. And of course, it did. 2013’s Perry and Windsor cases struck down Prop 8 and DOMA respectively, leading us to 2015’s Obergefell decision that extended the right to marry nationwide.

But we’re not done. The Supreme Court certainly could play a role in current and future fights over LGBT equality. Just recently, a federal judge in Virginia ruled that a transgender student who faced discrimination at his high school was not protected by the law under Title Nine of the Civil Rights Act. The student’s attorneys are now appealing that. In January, another judge ruled that sexual orientation was NOT protected by current employment discrimination law under Title Seven.   

Officials in Mississippi are still refusing to allow same-sex parents to adopt children. And as Congressman Polis said, it’s still legal for private employers to fire someone for being gay in 28 states and for being trans in 30 states. All of these issues and more could make their way to the Supreme Court in the coming years. That’s why it’s so critical for our community that the court isn’t left with a vacancy, and that President Obama’s nominee is afforded a fair hearing and a vote  in the Senate.

The President was elected twice by the American people. The argument that somehow we should wait to see whom they elect next is disconnected from reality. He has the constitutional duty to nominate, and the Senate has the duty to act on it.

DNC on Transgender Day of Remembrance

DNC Chair Tom Perez, DNC LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, and DNC Member Dr. Marisa Richmond released the following joint statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance:

“Today, we remember and honor the transgender and gender non-conforming people, especially women of color, whose lives have been tragically cut short because of transphobic violence. This national epidemic has taken the lives of at least 22 Americans — nearly all Black transgender women — this year alone. We will not forget:

Dana Martin

Jazzaline Ware

Ashanti Carmon

Claire Legato

Muhlaysia Booker

Michelle “Tamika” Washington

Paris Cameron

Chynal Lindsey

Chanel Scurlock

Zoe Spears

Brooklyn Lindsey

Denali Berries Stuckey

Tracy Single

Kiki Fantroy

Bubba Walker

Pebbles LaDime “Dime” Doe

Jordan Cofer

Bailey Reeves

Bee Love Slater

Jamagio Jamar Berryman

Itali Marlowe

Brianna “BB” Hill

“Today, and every day, Democrats stand with the transgender and non-binary community, and will continue to fight for their rights and their lives. While Republicans and the White House try to drag us back and erase trans people, House Democrats have taken action by passing the Equality Act to prohibit discimination based on gender identity, sex, and sexual orientaiton. We recognize there is more work to be done to reach full trans equity. Democrats are committed to that work, and Republicans will face consequences for their bigotry and inaction in 2020.”

Transgender people in crisis can find help by calling the TrevorLifeline at 866-488-7386 or the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.

DNC Celebrates LGBTQ Victories

DNC Chair Tom Perez issued the following statement following the results of last night's elections:

“Congratulatations to all of the newly-elected LGBTQ Democrats on their historic victories last night. The DNC was proud to invest and organize in LGBTQ communities across the country this cycle, and I want to congratulate all of our LGBTQ Democrats for running extraordinary campaigns on the issues that matter most. From Oregon and Colorado, to Kansas and Michigan, Democratic LGBTQ candidates broke down barriers and made history yesterday, while voters in Massachusetts soundly rejected discrimination based on gender identity.

“We’ve come a long way as a nation in our march toward LGBTQ equality, and none of our progress would have been possible without the courage of the countless LGBTQ organizers and activists who marched for it, refused to back down, and demanded a seat at the table.

“The Democratic Party stands with the LGBTQ community in the fight for dignity and equality for all people, no matter who they love or how they identify.

“Democrats put hope on the ballot, and that’s why the American people elected Democrats up and down the ballot across the country. We never backed down from our values of inclusion and opportunity, because we know that those are not only our party’s values, they’re America’s values.”

Congratulations to all of tonight’s newly-elected and re-elected LGBTQ Democrats, including:

Federal
WI-Sen: Sen. Tammy Baldwin
CA-25: Katie Hill
CA-41: Rep. Mark Takano
KS-03: Sharice Davids
MN-02: Angie Craig
NH-01: Chris Pappas
NY-18: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney
RI-01: Rep. David Cicilline
WI-2: Rep. Mark Pocan

Statewide
CO-Gov: Jared Polis
CT-Comptroller: Hon. Kevin Lembo
MA-AG: Hon. Maura Healy
MI-AG: Dana Nessel
NC-Court of Appeals: Hon. John Arrowood
OR-Gov: Gov. Kate Brown
Guam-LG: Josh Tenorio 

Some Historic State Legislative Wins:
 
Sonya Jaquez Lewis is the first openly LGBTQ Latina elected to the Colorado State House. 

Jennifer Webb is the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida state legislature.
Brandon Woodward and Susan Ruiz became the first two openly LGBTQ members of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Laont Robinson is the first openly LGBTQ man and first person of color elected to the Illinois General Assembly.

J.D. Ford became the first openly LGBTQ member of the Indiana General Assembly.

Mary Washington became the first openly lesbian woman elected to the Maryland state Senate, and Gabriel Acevero became the first openly gay man of Afro-Latino descent elected to the Maryland General Assembly;

Jeremy Moss is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Michigan state Senate;

Megan Hunt became the first openly LGBTQ member of the Nebraska House of Representatives.

Gerri Cannon and Lisa Bunker both won seats in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, becoming the first openly transgender people to serve in the New Hampshire State House.

Nickie Antonio became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Ohio state Senate

Malcolm Kenyatta became the first openly LGBTQ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania state legislature

Cody Thompson restored representation in the West Virginia House of Delegates, becoming the body’s only openly LGBTQ member.

For additional LGBTQ wins and live tracking of LGBTQ Candidates, go to victoryfund.com/results2018

DNC on Trump-Pence Administration’s ‘License to Discriminate’

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services finalized long-awaited rules that would allow health care workers to refuse treatment based on “moral convictions.” In response, DNC LGBTQ Media Director Lucas Acosta and DNC Women’s Media Director Elizabeth Renda issued the following statement:

“Access to health care can be life-or-death. But rather than seek to improve our health care system, the Trump-Pence administration is determined to strip away access to health care from women, people with HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQ people, particularly transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. This license to discriminate is unethical and dangerously undermines the health of some of the most vulnerable among us.

“Every individual deserves access to quality health care and life saving emergency services. No one should ever be refused medical care because of who they are. It’s clear Republicans still haven’t learned what the 2018 midterm elections mandated -- the American people want more access to health care, not less.”

Gay activist serves on DNC jury

Although there might be more than one rabble-rousing activist in Denver named Peter Gross on the DNC jury, I'm pretty sure Bill Johnson's column is referring to our own Peter Gross, who has been involved for years in GLBT causes in Colorado and who sits on the mayor's GLBT commission.

BTW, the pic doesn't have anything to do with the story except that I took it during the DNC and I think it's kind of awesome.