Blogs

A week ago today, I was pulled from the lull of a lazy Saturday by the shocking news of the events in Tucson, AZ. News like that is always terrible to hear, but it was especially so given that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is not only a member of Congress, but a great friend to the Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats, our affiliate there.

Stonewall Democrats across the country understand the need to give back in their communities during the Holiday season.  Here are a few ways Stonewallers are giving back this season:

Our Communications Director, Linsey Pecikonis reccomends Revival for the December 2010 newsletter.  After a bruising election she needed a book that would revive her spirit, her commitment to the party and the work we all do daily to advance the rights of the LGBT community. Revival did just that.  Read more on Richard Wolffe's book, Revival. 

This month's message from Michael Mitchell, Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats, is one about the sweetness of victory, the struggle for us to achieve equality, and what tomorrow's signing means not only to our closeted servicemembers, but our movement as a whole.

This month one of Stonewall Democrat's favorite member stopped by to help us clear up the post election mess that was hanging about the office. While she was digging out old stonewall treasures and battling with dust bunnies  Juliana Illari shared some of the information below.  She continues to inspire the National Staff with her insight, wisdom, and constant POSITIVE determination that we can all acheive equality in our lifetime.  We're happy to introduce you all to Juliana through our Member Highlight for the month of December. 

Michael Albetta, a Stonewall member and the chair of the FL GLBT Democratic Caucus (which is the caucus of all of NSD clubs in Florida) helps out in his community.  

“It’s like the movie, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” said Albetta, “and we’re right in the middle of the holiday season. It overwhelmingly shows how much the community loves Father Bill.”

Editors Notes: Councilmember Joel Burns has been a longtime member and supporter of the Fort Worth Stonewall Democrats.  Earlier this year, he became the poster boy for the "It Gets Better" campaign when he shared his story with the Fort Worth City Council. 

Joel has been an oustanding advocate for the LGBT community and the need for stronger and more vocal pro-equality Democrats. Read his message to the members of the National Stonewall Democrats, below.   

Michael Mitchell, Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats, on World AIDS Day, remember those who are infected with HIV/AIDS and for those who we lost to the epidemic.  He shares with us his experience being a participant in a preventative HIV vaccine trial back in the mid-90s and what that meant for him and our community. 

Laurie McBride, our National Stonewall Democrats Board Member and Co-Chair of the Leadership Council remebers those who have been lost due to the AIDS epidemic.  She remembers her time in San Fransisco and she discusses her work on HIV/AIDS legsilation locally and nationally. 

Much has been said about the recent midterm elections - and these speculations and rumors will continue as we head into a new political environment in Washington, headed by Speaker-designate, Rep. John Boehner.