Among LGBT adults, 60 percent favor Obama while 14 percent favor McCain.

Three percent of LGBT adults favor Barr, while 1 percent choose Nader. Six percent choose "other," while 17 percent of all LGBT voters are not yet sure which candidate to support -- comparable to the general population.

Below are excerpts of the article, which can be found online at:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10464.html

Politico.com
Racial woes: GOP fails to recruit minorities
By: Jim VandeHei and Josh Kraushaar
May 19, 2008

"Just a few years after the Republican Party launched a highly publicized diversity effort, the GOP is heading into the 2008 election without a single minority candidate with a plausible chance of winning a campaign for the House, the Senate or governor...the GOP is fielding only a handful of minority candidates for Congress or statehouses - none of whom seem to have a prayer of victory.

"At the start of the Bush years, the Republican National Committee - in tandem with the White House - vowed to usher in a new era of GOP minority outreach. As George W. Bush winds down his presidency, Republicans are now on the verge of going six - and probably more - years without an African-American governor, senator or House member. That's the longest such streak since the 1980s. Republicans will have only one minority governor, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, an Indian-American, when the dust settles on the '08 elections. Democrats have three minority governors and 43 African-American members of Congress, including one - Illinois Sen. Barack Obama - who is their likely presidential nominee. Democrats also have several challengers in winnable House races who are either black or Hispanic...

"So who's to blame for this diversity deficit? Jack Kemp, the former Republican congressman and vice presidential nominee, says the culprit is clear: a "pitiful" recruitment effort by his party. 'I don't see much of an outreach,' he said. 'I don't see much of a reason to run.'...In all fairness, Republicans have never been very good at attracting strong minority candidates, especially African-Americans...The dilemma is simple: Who wants to run when the Republican brand is so unpopular and money is so scarce?"

The decision overturned the ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that established "separate but equal," ruling that it was unconstitutional.

Today, we celebrate this glorious decision and reaffirm our commitment to the betterment of our schools and the advancement of equality for all.

Read the full decision here.

"The Supreme Court of California today took a step forward in the long march toward protecting equal rights under the law for every American. This should not be a matter of politics or partisanship; it is a matter of protecting the rights and dignity of all American families."

"The Supreme Court of California today took a step forward in the long march toward protecting equal rights under the law for every American. This should not be a matter of politics or partisanship; it is a matter of protecting the rights and dignity of all American families."

DNC Pride at the Polls Update

May 2008

In six months we have the opportunity to win the White House, increase our majorities in Congress and strengthen our Party in states throughout the country. The stakes are high for our community, and indeed for all Americans. Whether talking about equal rights, ending the war in Iraq, putting our economy back on track, or stopping global warming, we all have a stake in the crucial issues facing us in this election. Please, before you go any further, if you want to help us take back the White House, there are two things you can do right now to help:

First, forward this update to at least 10 of your LGBT friends, encourage them to sign up and get involved in this election at www.democrats.org/lgbtsignup, and ask them to forward this to 10 friends. This election is too important for LGBT Americans to not be on the forefront of taking back the White House!

Second, consider joining the DNC's Neighborhood Volunteer Program. By committing to engage your neighbors in the important issues affecting all of us in this election, you will help make the difference in November. Join hundreds of thousands of other Democrats around the country who have pledged to contact 25 voters in their neighborhoods about Democratic candidates at least three times between now and Election Day. For more on the Neighborhood Volunteer Program and how you can be involved go to: www.democrats.org/neighborhoodvolunteer. And when you sign up, stand up and be counted, by writing in the comment section, that you are a proud LGBT Democrat!

If you take a moment and participate in these two important activities you will help to ensure our nominee and the Party is victorious in November. You are the key to Democratic success in 2008!

Rick Stafford Chair DNC LGBT Caucus

Mirian Saez Vice Chair DNC LGBT Caucus

Brian Bond Executive Director DNC GLLC

Congressman Barney Frank Speaks Out On John McCain

In a number of areas, Senator John McCain is praised for moderation that he has not in fact shown in his votes. It is true that by comparison to many of the angry right-wingers that have dominated the Republican Party with Senator McCain's general support he is less extreme and he has from time-to-time shown an amiability that contrasts with the snarling demeanor of some of his co-partisans. But all this shows is that it is possible to be prejudiced all of the time and pleasant some of the time when it comes to the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. With one exception, the relevance of which Senator McCain himself is rapidly diminishing, John McCain's record is completely opposed to our efforts to combat prejudice and gain legal equality.

The one exception has to do with his vote against the constitutional amendment that would have banned marriage. He did vote against that amendment on states' rights grounds. But in his effort to win over the right wing support he has needed to secure the Republican nomination and hold Republican votes in November, he has paved the way for a retreat from that position. He has begun to outline circumstances in which he would support such an amendment, even taking the unconstitutional position that he would "sign" a constitutional amendment if elected president. In fact, presidents do not get to sign or not sign constitutional amendments, and McCain did subsequently clarify that he would only support such an amendment if the courts had held that states must recognize each other's marriages. He has of course made it clear that he will support constitutional Amendments banning marriage at the state level, including in his own state of Arizona, and he regretted the fact that Arizona rejected such an amendment.

In every other area, McCain has a consistent voting record against our efforts. In 1996, the only time the Senate voted on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, McCain was one of those who voted no. He has also consistently voted against extending hate crimes protection to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals.

In the area of gays in the military, he is one of those who made sure that President Clinton's effort to lift the ban would fail. For example, when President Clinton first proposed lifting the ban, McCain was one of its leading opponents, saying for example on January 27, 1993, "It is incredible to me that President Clinton ... has decided to lift the ban without consulting any leading military official or veterans' organization." In fact, there had been such consultations with military officials and they had opposed the president. Colin Powell, then the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was our leading opponent and McCain, Sam Nunn and other leading pro-military figures combined to defeat the effort.

Now that many who supported the ban when it was first imposed, including former Republican Senator Alan Simpson and former Army Chief of Staff John Shalikash-Vili, and with Senators Clinton and Obama firmly committed to lifting the ban, John McCain has firmly renewed his support for it -- "I believe that the don't ask don't tell policy is working ... I hear that from our military commanders all the time. There are some issues in which you just have to rely on the views of our military leaders if you're going to give them responsibility for the lives and the welfare of men and women who are serving under their command."

This apparently reflects the prejudiced view that he expressed in 1993 when he was helping block President Clinton's effort when he said on February 4th, as recorded in the Congressional Record, "The issue of allowing open gay lifestyles in the military is completely different from the kind of changes taking place in civil life ... Homosexuality is a behavioral trait, unlike skin color."

In addition to strongly opposing same-sex marriage, suggesting that he could modify his opposition to a federal constitutional amendment banning states like Massachusetts from adopting same-sex marriage, voting against ENDA, consistently opposing hate crimes coverage for us, and being recorded against every other effort in the Senate to give us fair treatment, Senator McCain also promised if he becomes president to reduce those protections we have been able to achieve at the Supreme Court level. He has noted his admiration for those justices who have consistently voted against any efforts by GLBT people to establish any right to legal equality, for example Chief Justice Rehnquist, a dissenter in the Lawrence v. Texas case, in which the sodomy laws against gay and lesbian people were stricken.

Given the alignment of Supreme Court Justices, and their ages, it is virtually certain that if John McCain is president, he will appoint justices who will overturn the Lawrence decision and the leading Supreme Court opponent of fair treatment for gay and lesbian people, Antonin Scalia, will gain allies from McCain's appointments.

It is also the case that under Republican presidents we have seen virtually no significant appointments of openly gay and lesbian people, with the exception of an ambassador and some appointments to fairly unimportant commissions. In the Clinton administration, by contrast, and the administrations of most Democratic governors, there are appointments made to high positions without regard to any LGBT prejudice and so we are fairly represented.

DNC Voter Protection Outreach Includes Transgender Education

The DNC's National Lawyers Council (NLC) set up a working group under the leadership of New York NLC Member Matthew Morningstar and DNC Deputy Political Director Anna Martinez, working in conjunction with Transgender Democratic leaders to develop educational resources which will be used to educate political and electoral staff at every level on the special concerns of transgender voters. The following text was prepared by the working group for inclusion in Voter Protection Outreach:

It is important to consider the unique issues facing transgender voters (Transgender is an umbrella term used to designate a community of people who regularly present in a gender different from the sex assigned to them at birth and who live a significant part of their lives in that gender. This includes people who have undergone medical procedures to change their sex and those who have not.) These issues are especially acute because of the voter identification law.

In general, transgender people often are harassed because of their transgender status and fearful of a public and open conversation about their gender presentation. In the context of a voting situation governed by the voter ID law, many transgender people have identification that either doesn't match their gender presentation or reflect their affirmed names.

Therefore, should a transgender voter encounter any issues at your polling locations, follow these steps to defuse and resolve the situation:

1. If a situation arises where a voter's ID is challenged based on a discrepancy between the name and/or gender classification on the voter rolls as compared to the ID, ensure that the conversation between the poll worker and the voter occurs in a private area, if possible.
2. If the ID identifies the voter by a different name or different gender than what appears on the voter rolls, ask the voter if s/he has any other identification that matches the information on the rolls. If so, instruct the voter to offer this identification to the poll worker.
3. If the voter has no identification that matches the information on the voter rolls, have a conversation with the poll worker and explain the situation in an attempt to allow the voter access to the polls.
4. If the poll worker refuses to give the voter access to the polls, work with the voter and poll worker to obtain a provisional ballot for the voter.

REMEMBER, always be respectful of the voter's situation and the potential for embarrassment or discomfort, which could lead to the voter leaving the polling station without casting a vote. Always remember to refer to voters by their preferred name and refer to the voters using pronouns consistent with their gender presentation.

For more information, please go to http://www.nctequality.org/Resources/resources.html#voting

Democrats Advance Equality

Washington State Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire Signs Historic Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill!

"This bill strengthens Washington by strengthening families," Gregoire said. "It strengthens families by providing domestic partners with rights and responsibilities they need to maintain stable, loving relationships for them and their children." According to Out State Senator Ed Murray (D-Seattle), "With Governor Gregoire signing this bill today, we're taking another important step in giving financial equality and fairness to loving families. This work is not about more rights, it's about equal rights."

To read more please go to:
http://wintest3.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=815&newsType=1 or
http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=17130

Arizona Democrats Help Representative Kyrsten Sinema Derail Proposed Constitutional Ban On Gay Marriage

Out Democratic State Representative Krysten Sinema "out maneuvered" right-wing attempts to place a proposed anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution on the November ballot. In an effort to overturn the will of the voters in 2006 to keep an anti-gay marriage amendment out of the state constitution, Republicans in the state legislature have tried to put it back on the ballot this November. In a related effort, Sinema is playing hard ball against equality foes by promoting potential ballot strategies that would rally fair minded voters to the polls.

According to Sinema, "Arizonans support legal protections for unmarried families, and the House's vote on my amendment showed this support. The House Republican leadership is trying to make the so-called 'same-sex marriage ban' an issue again this election cycle, but what Arizonans want is for them to solve the budget crisis and focus on real priorities like education, health care, and immigration."

For more information go to:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/04/040408az.htm or
http://www.victoryfund.org/news/view/url:sinema_serves_as_leader_on_lgbt_issues_in_arizona_legislature

Also In Arizona -- Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano, Regulatory Review Council Approve Rule To Grant Domestic Partner Benefits For State Employees

On April 1, the Arizona Governor's Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) approved a rule granting domestic partner benefits for state employees. Equality Arizona, has been working in coalition with lawmakers and civic leaders to advocate for fair and equal benefits for Arizonians. According to Out Democratic State Senator Ken Cheuvront, "we fought hard for domestic partnership benefits for state employees for eight years, and it wasn't until we elected a Democrat as Governor that our dream became a reality."

For more information go to:
http://eqfed.org/ahrf/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=22098775

Virginia Democratic Governor Tim Kaine Signs Medical Rights Bill

With the stroke of a pen, Governor Kaine signed into law a measure which establishes a state registry for living wills and advanced medical directives. According to the Washington Blade and Equality Virginia, while not aimed specifically at the LGBT community, this law will enable same-sex relationships to designate their partner as the person who would make medical decisions on their behalf.

According to Out Democrat Virginia State Delegate Adam Ebbin, "The signing of legislation to establish an Advance Medical Directive registry by Governor Tim Kaine is another example of support from Virginia Democrats. Governor Kaine, former Governor Warner and Senator Webb all opposed the 2006 anti-gay marriage amendment and are friends of our community."

For more information go to:
http://www.washingtonblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=17149

New York Democratic Governor Paterson Stands Up For LGBT Rights

In a video taped speech from Albany to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's New York Leadership Awards on April 7, 2008, Governor David Paterson assured the community that he would work for marriage equality for New York and was committed to fight for an end to school bullying, transgender rights and affordable health care for all New Yorkers. Governor Paterson was being honored by the Task Force for his long commitment to LGBT rights.

For more information go to:
http://www.thetaskforce.org/press/releases/pr_040708

Watch Governor Paterson's remarks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGvVO6CI5H4

Oklahoma Democratic Party Condemns Homophobic Remarks By Republican State Representative

Oklahoma Democratic State Chair, Ivan Holmes, issued a press statement, publicly condemning recent homophobic remarks by Oklahoma Republican State Representative Sally Kern. Calling her remarks inflammatory and offensive, Holmes called on the Republican leadership of the House to condemn her remarks. Holmes noted, "As an elected Representative to the Oklahoma State Legislature Rep. Kern is held to a higher standard in her public remarks ... Rep. Sally Kern did not show such responsibility..."

Deep in the Heart of Texas!

With 65% of the vote in the Democratic run-off in Travis County, Texas, Out Democratic candidate Rosemary Lehmberg has secured the Democratic nomination for District Attorney. There is no Republican challenger on the ballot in this Democratic enclave, all but ensuring Lehmberg's election.

For more information go to:
http://www.victoryfund.org/news/view/url:lehmberg_trounces_opponent_in_texas_d_a_runoff

Colorado Democratic Legislators Blast Republicans Over Discrimination

The debate over a bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, places of public accommodation, consumer credit, labor unions and school enrollment became very heated and emotional in the State Senate. The bill which is being sponsored by Out Democratic State Senator Jennifer Veiga, stated while pushing back on Republican attacks, "It must be nice as a white male to sit back and mock the real discrimination that occurs in our society, especially on the basis of sexual orientation." Disgusted by Republican attempts to belittle the discussion over discrimination, Senate President, Democrat Peter Groff referred to discrimination as a "birth defect of this country," and said it's time we deal with that.

For more information go to:
http://www.denverpost.com/dnc/ci_8974184

The Road to Denver -- Convention Update

As you know, the Democratic Convention will be held in Denver, Colorado, August 25th -- August 28th to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States. For more updates and information on this historic convention please visit: http://www.demconvention.com.

LGBT Delegate Push to the Democratic National Convention

As previously mentioned, 50 of the 56 states and territories have set numeric goals for LGBT delegates - up from 16 in 2004. Historic numbers of LGBT Americans are letting their voices be heard and voting in Democratic primaries and caucuses! In order to ensure the success of this effort, the DNC under Governor Dean's leadership, has provided resources for both training and outreach to prospective delegates through the National Stonewall Democrats "Pride in the Party" program.

From press accounts, you would think that the delegate selection process is almost over. But, that's wrong -- at least a third of the delegates have yet to be selected! That means we still have both a lot of work ahead of us and a unique opportunity for even more inclusion for LGBT Democrats in the nominating process.

Please go to www.PrideintheParty.org to learn more about the delegate selection process. On the website, you will be able to get more information about filing requirements and deadlines, how to contact your state Democratic Party to obtain an application, and download a "Tips" document with helpful information about running for delegate. When individuals signup on the site, the information is shared with the presidential campaigns.

If you have specific questions about running as a delegate, please contact Rick Boylan at RQBoylan@yahoo.com.

DNC Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council -- Fundraising

Save the Date: June 26, 2008 -- Annual GLLC Gala in NYC

The annual GLLC Gala is set for June 26th! While all the details are not yet finalized, we can tell you that it will be held at the Waldorf=Astoria in NYC and Governor Dean will be attending (if we have a nominee, we hope to have him or her there, too). We hope to have more details for you soon.

Signing up is easy! Simply visit www.democrats.org/gllcdinner

Even if you can't attend, please consider contributing anyway. We have an election to win and need your help now more than ever (and we'll credit you for an event that you can attend)! For more information, please contact Tom Petrillo at PetrilloT@dnc.org.

AGAIN -- YOU ARE THE KEY TO THIS ELECTION!

• Forward this update to at least 10 of your LGBT friends, encourage them to sign up and get involved in this election at www.democrats.org/lgbtsignup, and ask them to forward this to 10 friends.
• Join hundreds of thousands of other Democrats around the country pledging to contact 25 voters in their neighborhoods about Democratic candidates at least three times between now and Election Day 2008. For more information on the Neighborhood Volunteer Program and how you can be involved go to: www.democrats.org/neighborhoodvolunteer.
• And when you sign up, stand up and be counted, by writing in the comment section, that you are a proud LGBT Democrat!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Brian Bond at BondB@dnc.org.

For the candidate who wants to have it both ways, this is just politics as usual. But how can McCain say he would help America's working families when he also said he would veto funding to give them things like hospitals? It's time for McCain to fess up. No more doubletalk--which is it?

Youngstown Earmarks Included Funding for Education…

• In 2003, Youngstown State University received $500,000 for expenses to expand a materials engineering/science program (Institute of Museum and Library Services - Department of Education). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]

And Health Care…

• In 2005, Forum Health in Youngstown received $200,000 for facilities and equipment (Health Resources and Services Administration - Department of Health and Human Services). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
• In 2004, the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry in Youngstown received $50,000 to expand their health care and counseling services (Health Resources & Services Administration - Health & Human Services). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
• In 2004, the Saint Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown received $400,000 for construction, renovation, and equipment (Health Resources & Services Administration - Health & Human Services). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
• In 2001, Forum Health of Youngstown received $921,000 pediatric and adolescent asthma school program (Disease Control, Research & Training - Centers for Disease Control). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
• In 2000, Forum Health of Youngstown received $1.2 million for a hospital conversion project (Community Development Block Grants). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
• In 1999, the City of Youngstown received $1 million for the Southside Medical Center [Community Development Block Grants]. (HUD) [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
  

And for the Air Reserve Center…

• In 2006, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station received $7.5 million for a Joint service logistics facility (Phase I), (Air Force Reserve). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
• In 2000, the Air Force Reserve, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, received $3.4 million for the Apron Runoff/Storm Water/Deicing Collection System. [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
  

After casting himself as a "Maverick" in 2000, the new John McCain is walking in lockstep with President Bush, pandering to the right wing of the Republican Party, and embracing the ideology he once denounced. On the campaign trail McCain has callously abandoned many of his previously held positions, even contradicted himself, in a blatant attempt to remake himself into a candidate Republicans can accept in 2008. So just who is the real John McCain? The Democratic National Committee will present a daily fact aimed at exposing the man behind the myth.

Dear Friend,

It's an election year, and you know what that means: another discriminatory and destructive push to ban marriage for LGBT couples. Right now, conservatives are pushing for an amendment to the California constitution to couples from marriage for generations to come. They're convinced that it's a sure-fire way to divide their way to electoral success.

This effort is more than an attack on the LGBT community -- it is designed to use the politics of a divisive ballot initiative to drive Republicans to the polls.

But you can fight back.

Across California, both gay and straight activists alike have organized volunteer opportunities to help educate voters about the proposed ballot measure. There are events this weekend and next in California, and you can sign up right now.

Sign up for a shift between 9:30am and 6:00pm...

Sacramento: March 22 | March 29 | March 30

Los Angeles: March 22 | March 23 | March 29 | March 30

Fresno: March 22 | March 29 | March 30

Orange County: March 22 | March 29 | March 30

Riverside: March 22 | March 29 | March 30

San Diego: March 22 | March 29 | March 30

We won't let divisive and hateful measures like this go unchecked. It is in all of our interests to keep this divisive measure off of the ballot, and we can do it with your help. Sign up today and help get the word out about this terrible ballot initiative.

Thanks for all your work,

Brian Bond
Executive Director
Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council
Democratic National Committee

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.

The image in the video, by the way, was taken while much of the Gulf Coast was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

"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."

The DNC also marked World AIDS Day by passing the following resolution during its 2007 Fall Meeting in Vienna, Virginia:

Resolution on World AIDS Day
Adopted by the Democratic National Committee
2007 Fall Meeting
November 30,2007

WHEREAS, the HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a serious public health problem in the United States, with someone in America being infected with HIV every 13 minutes, an HIV infection rate that has not fallen in over a decade;

WHEREAS, there are now more people in the U.S. living with HIV/AIDS and needing HIV-related services than ever before, with approximately one half of people living with HIV our country receiving appropriate care;

WHEREAS, African Americans, who represent nearly half of all new HIV infections but just 13% of the U.S. population, as well as young Americans, Hispanics and women are disproportionately effected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic;

WHEREAS, HIV/AIDS remains the number one threat to the health of gay men with more than two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses occurring among gay men, particularly younger men; and

WHEREAS, national health reform must include improved efforts to tackle major public health challenges in our country, including HIV/AIDS;

WHEREAS, the Bush Administration has refused to increase federal funding for many domestic HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs in recent years and promoted policies and spending priorities on HIV prevention for young people that are not supported by scientific evidence of what is effective;

WHEREAS, Congressional Democratic leaders have consistently fought for significant increases in federal funding for domestic HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs and promoted HIV prevention policies and programs based on what research indicates is most effective in protecting people from HIV infection; and

WHEREAS, the Bush Administration has not adopted a National AIDS Strategy that brings a strategic approach to bringing HIV incidence down, increasing access to care, and reducing HIV-related racial disparities, despite the fact that U.S. aid agencies require other countries to prepare such strategies when seeking foreign assistance;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic National Committee supports Democratic Congressional leaders who are working to increase funding for the domestic and international responses to HIV/AIDS and to promote evidence-based HIV prevention policies in the US and abroad, and endorses the creation of a National AIDS Strategy for the United States.

Sponsors -- including Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), Sen. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery), Del. Benjamin S. Barnes (D-Prince George's), Del. Heather R. Mizeur (D-Montgomery) and Del. Anne R. Kaiser (D-Montgomery) -- said 49 lawmakers have signed on to the legislation, which would remove language in the state code that limits marriage to unions between men and women.

The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act would also exempt religious leaders from having to perform or recognize same-sex unions.

At a news conference, lawmakers compared their cause to the work of Britt, who was arrested for riding a segregated merry-go-round in Glen Echo Park in 1960.

For eight years, we’ve heard President Bush report on the progress of his administration. Unfortunately for LGBT Americans, there has been little effort on behalf of this White House to secure or defend our own liberties.

Now, as we enter this new year, it is time for our community to provide for ourselves our own vision of how we can contribute to a more perfect union – one that is strong and that uplifts the entire American family.

In a year when voters will decide who will next occupy the White House, we must work to ensure that elected is an advocate for all Americans.

Read the full response from the National Stonewall Democrats.