STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING - The LGBT Politics of Travel

As we wrap-up our summer vacations and consider making Labor Day holiday plans, what are some considerations that LGBTQ people should make when considering travel to LGBTQ-unfriendly destinations?

To answer these questions and address the LGBT Politics of Travel, Stonewall's August General Membership Meeting will feature Guest Speaker Vincent Jones, Founding CEO and Chief Experience Curator at Citizen Jones Travel.

At our meeting, we will also be considering ENDORSEMENTS for Statewide Ballot Initiatives, Lieutenant Governor, Congressional District 23, and any other races as determined by the Political Vice President.

If you're on vacation during our August meeting, this presentation is particularly important for you, so be sure to tune into our Livestream!

 

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STONEWALL'S ANNUAL 2018 SUMMER BBQ--The Event of The Season

Stonewall's Summer BBQ is a great way to get engaged with fellow LGBTQ and feminist Democrats and to connect with your elected officials. At this year's event we will be honoring Assemblymember Evan Low, Chair of California's LGBT Legislative Caucus!

Date:          Saturday August 18, 2018

Time:          2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:     Family Home of Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer

1850 Virginia Road

Los Angeles, CA 90019

Get your tickets here and please consider sponsorship of one of our premier events!

 

Thank you to our host and generous BBQ Sponsors!

HOSTED BY

Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer

 

GOLD SPONSORS

Congresswoman Karen Bass

Los Angeles Council Member Mike Bonin
Congresswoman Judy Chu
Los Angeles City Council Member Jose Huizar and Richelle Huizar
Los Angeles City Council Member Paul Koretz 
Sergio Martinez and the California Teachers Association
Los Angeles City Council Member Mitch O'Farrell

 

SILVER SPONSORS

Assemblymember Laura Friedman
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel

Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin
State Senator Anthony J. Portantino
NextGen
Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees Member Uduak-Joe Ntuk 
Stonewall Political V.P, Jane Wishon

STONEWALLERS 

Bob Burke

Judicial Candidate Tony Cho
State Senate Candidate Mike Eng

Nowlin Haltom and Michael C. McKeon
Justin Hughes
Judicial Candidate Patti Hunter
Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Raymond Meza
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang
Freddy Puza
Stephen David Simon
Laurence Zakson

FOOD SPONSOR

Paul Dumont

SPECIAL GUEST 

Assembymember Evan Low

 

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Stonewall Sponsors Fundraiser for Assessor Jeffrey Prang

Get discount tickets to Jeff Prang's fundraiser tonight--$50 for Stonewall members!

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, a longtime member and supporter of Stonewall is up for reelection in November. As a countywide officeholder, Prang has the distinction of being the out LGBT elected official with the largest constituency in the entire country.

Prang has been effective in reforming and streamlining the work of the County Assessor's Office and deserves the enthusiastic support of the LGBTQ community.

Support Jeff Prang's Reelection Effort!

 

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Stonewall Spotlights Criminal Justice Reform in This Month's Podcast

Listen to Stonewall Spotlight Episode 6 on Facebook or Download on iTunes.

Special Guest Anthony Keith Turner with Spotlight Hosts Mackenzie Hussman and Marcus Lovingood 

Stonewall Spotlight Ep. 6: Social Injustice, featuring Anthony Keith Turner on Facebook or Download on iTunes

On any given day tens of thousands of people who pose no risk to public safety await trial stuck in jail because they cannot afford bail. This month Stonewall Spotlight Host Marcus Lovingood speaks to L.A. County Sheriff’s Candidate Alex Villanueva and Anthony Keith Turner, founder of the Integrity Commitment a nonprofit committed to social justice, to discuss the high social costs of cash bond and the urgent humanitarian need for money bail reform.

We close with our Editor in Chief Sean Kolodji and Contributing Editor Lauren Buisson discuss the significance of recent Supreme Court Term.

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Historic #StonewallForum With ALL SoCAL Congressional Candidates

Don't miss tonight's Stonewall Candidate Forum—a unique opportunity to hear from and meet in person the next generation of Democratic leaders in Congress—whose upcoming election contests in November will decide control of the House.

Stonewall will also be taking up endorsements.

Location: West Hollywood Park Auditorium

Address: 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Date: July 23, 2018

Time: 6:30 pm social and credentialing, 7:00 pm meeting

RSVP on Facebook - come early we are expecting big attendance!

     #StonewallForum

Stonewall will be hosting ALL six Democratic candidates in competitive Republican-held Southern California seats—the first forum that brings all these candidates together on one stage.

Democratic Congressional Candidates Katie Hill (CA-25), Gil Cisneros (CA-39), Katie Porter (CA-45), Harley Rouda (CA-48), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Ammar Campa-Najjar (CA-50) will all be in attendance.

Alana Roshay, Vice Chair of Stonewall's Legislative Action Committee and Board Member of the L-Project Los Angeles.

Don't miss this historic meeting!

 

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Help Democrats Win Back Congress!

Sign up to phonebank with Stonewall!

Stonewall is a key stakeholder in the Westside Democratic Headquarters and has committed to organizing efforts to win key swing districts across Southern California that will be pivotal in the battle to take back the House, including CA25, CA39, CA45, CA48, and CA49!

Join Stonewall Members this Wednesday for one of our regular Phone Banking Parties at the Westside Democratic Headquarters.

Date: Wednesday July 18, 2018

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Address: 1027 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles 90024

RSVP on Facebook!

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Summer BBQ Tickets on sale now!

Stonewall's Summer BBQ is a great way to get engaged with fellow LGBTQ and feminist Democrats and to connect with your elected officials. At this year's event we will be honoring Assemblymember Evan Low, Chair of California's LGBT Legislative Caucus!

Get your tickets here and please consider sponsorship of one of our premier events!

Many thanks to Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer for hosting our event and Senate Candidate Mike Eng for signing-up as a Silver Sponsor.

 

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Stonewall Democratic Club July 23 Endorsements Meeting & Congressional Candidate Panel

Note: Updated Meeting Location - West Hollywood Park Auditorium

The path to a Democratic House Majority runs through Southern California.

Don't miss Stonewall's July endorsements and membership meeting, which will feature a panel of Democratic candidates who are working to flip local Congressional seats!

Gil Cisneros, CA-39 (Royce) 

Ammar Campa-Najjar, CA-50 (Hunter)

Katie Hill, CA-25 (Knight)

Mike Levin, CA-49 (Issa)

Katie Porter, CA-45 (Walters)

Harley Rouda, CA-48 (Rohrbacher) 

Stonewall will be taking up endorsement in each of these contests (except CD25 in which we already endorsed Katie Hill) as well as California Governor, Attorney General, and Senate District 32.

We may also take up any other races that the Political team recommends that will be on the ballot in November, especially local races where a Democrat is taking on a Republican in the general election.

Meeting Date: Monday, July 23

Time: 6:30 pm social and credentialing, 7:00 pm meeting

Location: West Hollywood Park Auditorium

Address: 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

 

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Stonewall Spotlight Episode 5: Pride Then and Now--Why We March, Featuring Marna Deitch

Stream Stonewall Spotlight on Facebook or download our latest episode on itunes.

In the latest episode of Stonewall Spotlight, we highlighted Pride month--its celebrations, its communities and its history. Mackenzie Hussman interviews special guest Marna Deitch about L.A.'s Dyke March and lesbian motorcycle culture and remembers the late Soni Wolf, founder of Dykes on Bikes.

Lesbian activist and motorcycle enthusiast Marna Deitch rides through West Hollywood with Dykes on Bikes

 

Marcus Lovingood and Lauren Buisson discuss the Black Cat Tavern uprising and the Los Angeles origins of PRIDE. And we hear from Stonewall’s own Justine Gonzalez on the need for PRIDE events that celebrate LGBTQ people of color. The episode features hear fro attendees from WeHo’s L.A. Pride and Our Pride in Baldwin Hills.

Justine Gonzalez, President of Los Angeles' Human Relations Commission, and Councilmember Mike Bonin

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STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Stonewall Democratic Club is actively supporting a number of progressive bills making their way through the legislative process in Sacramento. We wanted to provide you a quick recap of the bills we are supporting, those that we oppose, and one that has already made it to Governor Brown’s desk and has been signed into law.

The following Stonewall-supported bills have advanced:

• SB 224 (Jackson), prohibits sexual harassment in the venture capital industry.
• AB 1870 (Friedman, Reyes, Waldron), gives victims up to three years after harassment occurs to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employments and Housing.
• SB 10 (Hertzberg), restructures and reforms California’s money bail system by insuring that no one is detained behind bar pre-trial for being unable to afford bail. This bill will also be featured on an upcoming episode of our Stonewall Spotlight podcast!
• SB 1150 (Jackson), applies the procedural framework of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to California government.
• SB 1100 (Portantino), prohibits a person from making more than one firearm purchase within a 30-day period in California and increases the age requirement for purchasing all firearms to 21 years.
• SB 320 (Leyva), requires UC and CSU’s with student health centers to provide medical abortion services for students.
• AB 2943 (Low), declares conversion therapy a fraudulent business practice.
• SB 1449 (Leyva), ensures that victims reporting sexual assault across California will have equal access to swift submission and analysis of forensic evidence associated with their case. Specifically, newly collected rape kits must be submitted within 20 days and tested no later than 120 days after receipt. This bill, along with its companion bill in the Assembly (AB 3118), is part of the #EndtheBacklog campaign to require that rape kits are tested promptly.
• AB 3118 (Chiu), requires all law enforcement agencies, medical facilities, crime laboratories, and any other facilities that receive, maintain, story, or preserve sexual assault evidence kits to conduct an audit of all sexual assault evidence kits in their possession.
• SB 918 (Wiener), creates an Office of Homeless Youth to set goals and map progress toward ending youth homelessness while directing $60 million in funding to address the alarming and growing rate of youth homelessness in California.
• SB 1421 (Skinner), will help make sure that police are held accountable to the people, and that oversight concerning police misconduct is transparent.

Legislation we successfully opposed, which appear to have failed for the year:

• AB 2389 (Harper), would have allowed California colleges to use taxpayer money for athletic and academic trips to banned states with laws deemed discriminatory toward LGBT people.

Governor Brown signed AB 2243 (Friedman) on June 13. This important bill protects sex workers from prosecution when coming forward as a witness to violent crimes. AB 2243 bars evidence of criminal liability for prostitution if the sex worker engaged in the act is a victim or witness to a violent felony. We applaud Assemblymember Friedman for authoring this important bill and for continuing to be an advocate for people from all walks of life.

We want to thank you all who have engaged with us in advocating for these bills as they make their way through the legislative process. We need your voice to help continue advocating for the change that we need to see in the world.

We invite your help in advocating for these bills and encourage you to write your elected officials and urge them for their support!

Find out more on our Legislative Action page!

 

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Our next General Membership Meeting will be held on Monday, June 25th, at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room.

7:00 PM: Closed Meeting Session (Current Members only) to discuss an Investigation Committee report and any possible recommended or resulting motions regarding At-Large Steering Committee Member Craig Scott.

7:30 PM (Approximately): Open Meeting resumes. Amongst other items, voting members will be considering a motion to withdraw our endorsement of Congressman Tony Cardenas for the November election and resolutions addressing the humanitarian crisis in the southern border and the administration's inhumane policy of separating refugee children from their parents..

This meeting will have no guest speakers, but will include a discussion of the primary results, and discussions of Stonewall's successful participation in LA Pride, future Stonewall events, and our plans for the November election. Please see the day-of Meeting Announcement for further details.

The meeting will be located in the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room. (While facing main library doors, walk to the right towards building's end; 625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069)

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STONEWALL CONGRATULATES DAVID VELA ON HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Stonewall Democratic congratulates David Vela on his appointment to fill a vacancy on the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees. When he takes office on July 11, Vela will be the Board’s first openly LGBTQ trustee.

"David Vela's appointment is a milestone for the LGBTQ community and for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff in our community colleges,” said Lester Aponte, Stonewall President. “David has a long career in public service and has the knowledge and the experience needed for this crucial position. I am confident that he will be a tireless champion for everyone in our diverse communities. ¡Enhorabuena David!"

...

 Read full statement in English or Spanish here.

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Join Stonewall at LA Pride!

The LA Pride Festival and Parade is next weekend!

March with Stonewall in the Pride Parade on Sunday--sign up here.

Stonewall is proud to participate annually in the Los Angeles Pride Parade and we want you as a part of our fabulous marching contingent!

Participants will receive:

• Stonewall's sexy commemorative Pride T-shirts
• Breakfast at the staging location and bottled water for the march
• Stonewall signage and pride-themed goodies to hand out
• Lots of free Pride Swag

March alongside Stonewall and our Democratic candidates and elected officials!

If you need accommodations, please contact the Pride Chair to ride in a vehicle.

For the LA Pride Festival…

We are planning to surpass last year’s exciting presence at the LA Pride Festival and we would love for you to be a part of the excitement! 

Sign up today to volunteer at the booth and be a part of the excitement, we are offering 4 hour shifts on both Saturday (6/9) and Sunday (6/10).

We are in particular need of volunteers for Sunday morning and afternoon shifts!

 

Click Here for Stonewall’s LA Pride Booth Sign Up

For the LA Pride Parade…

This year at the LA Pride Parade on Sunday (6/10), we will have three pick up trucks leading our contingent of marchers, elected officials, and endorsed candidates.  We will be carrying our famous giant Stonewall balloons and leading some exciting cheers!

 

If you or someone you are inviting require special accommodations please do not hesitate to contact your Stonewall Pride Team.  The spots in the trucks will be available to invited elected officials and those who require assistance (ADA, etc) to make it the entire length of the parade route. 

 

Sign up today to march with us at the LA Pride Parade, more the merrier!

Click Here to March with Stonewall

Download Information about marching with Stonewall at Pride here.

Parade Date: Sunday June 10, 2018

Report Time: 10:00 AM

Parade Start Time: 11:00 AM

REPORT LOCATION: Crescent Heights Boulevard between Fountain Avenue and Santa Monica
Boulevard. Enter at Fountain Avenue. Entries face towards Santa Monica Boulevard.

ENTRY NUMBER: 98

DISBAND LOCATION: N. La Peer Dr. south of Santa Monica Blvd. Between Santa Monica Blvd
and Melrose Ave

PARADE ROUTE: The parade route is approximately 1.5 miles long along Santa Monica Blvd, from Crescent
Heights Blvd to Robertson Blvd.

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Visit Us This Weekend at Venice Pride!

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Stonewall Inspires Los Angeles City Council to Support Bayard Rustin Postage Stamp

On May 30, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, successfully moved City Council to pass a Resolution calling on the U.S. Postal Service to issue a stamp in honor of LGBTQ Civil Rights hero Bayard Rustin, who was an architect of the march on Washington in 1963.

Watch the City Council proceedings and the testimony of Stonewall members here.

Councilwoman Rodriguez credited the inspiration for her motion to the program on Bayard Rustin that was featured at Stonewall’s March meeting and in our inaugural stonewall Spotlight podcast.

Learn more about Bayard Rustin and Stonewall's advocacy to recognize this important LGBTQ hero here.

 

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Stonewall Spotlight Episode 4, featuring Sheriff Candidate Alex Villanueva

It’s been 465 days since the inauguration of the 45th President which can only mean one thing: It’s primary season!

Stream Stonewall Spotlight Episode 4 on Facebook or download from iTunes! Check out all of our Stonewall Spotlight episodes here.

In our latest edition of Stonewall Spotlight, host Marcus Lovingood interviews Alex Villanueva, Stonewall’s endorsed candidate for L.A. County Sheriff on the challenges facing the scandal-plagued department and his plans for reform. Lovingood and Sean Kolodji, Stonewall’s Communications Vice-President and resident political prognosticator, handicap the major races and issues bewildering California voters.

To kick-off Pride season, host Mackenzie Hussman and contributor Lauren Buisson discuss the unlikely conservative jurist who made marriage equality a reality in California. And we hear from honorees and electeds from the 42nd annual Stoney Awards, including County Assessor Jeffrey Prang and State Senator Holy Mitchell.

Many thanks to the the entire podcast team and especially to Anthony Gutierrez for his work recording and editing interviews at the Stoney Awards.

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Stonewall June 5, 2018 Endorsements Slate

Download the June 6, 2018, Stonewall Endorsement Slate HERE.

Many thanks to Mackenzie Hussman for design and Adam Kroll for managing the endorsements process and the highlights on this slate card.

 

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Stonewall Membership Meeting - May 21, 2018

Immigration and the LGBTQ Community

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SUPPORT KATIE HILL FOR CONGRESS--FUNDRAISER MAY 12!

Stonewall is proud to support Katie Hill for Congress, a progressive woman who is fighting to turn California's 25th Congressional District blue. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Katie will be a passionate advocate in congress for LGBTQ rights.

Stonewall is co-hosting a fundraiser in support of Katie Hill for Congress with the Heart of LA Democratic Club and NOW Hollywood.

Join us!

Date: Saturday May 12, 2018 

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: ESArtists

Address: 6363 Wilshire Blvd. 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Click here to RSVP!

Katie Hill was featured on Stonewall Spotlight, highlighted her connection to the LGBTQ community here, and is being featured in a short documentary on Vice.

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Thank You for Making the Stoney Awards a Success!

We had a tremendous outpouring of support for Stonewall and all of the phenomenal women that we were honoring at the 42nd Annual Stoney Awards, which was held at Union Station on Saturday April 28. Thank you to all of our members and supporters who attended and made contributions to make the event--and all of the work that we do to advocate for women and the LGBTQ community.

We owe a special thanks to our wonderful sponsors who have made it possible for Stonewall to continue our work!

Stoney Awards Sponsors

 

President's Club ($2,500)

Gil and Jacki Cisneros

 

Advocate of the Club ($1,250)

Hon. Sheila Kuehl, National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), Alana Roshay, and Jane & Keith Wishon

 

Friend of the Club ($500)

Lester Aponte, Hon. Richard Bloom, Hon. Mike Bonin, Hon. Judy Chu, Mike Eng, Faring., Hon. Ron Galperin, John Gile, Joe Guardarrama, Hon. John Heilman, Hon. Sydney Kamlager, Hon. Paul Koretz, Wendy Maccoun, Hon. Holly Mitchell, Brian Pendleton, Hon. Monica Rodriguez, Hon. David Ryu, Garry S. Shay and Burt B. Belant, Stephen David Simon, Hon. Scott Svonkin, Rick Zbur

 

Media Partner - The Hollywood Times

 

Printing Partner - Woodland Hills Printing

 

Live Auction Sponsor - Vitello's Restaurant

 

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Stonewall Public Leadership Training

Stonewall wants to help you get involved in government!

Stonewall's Appointments Committee presents a leadership training opportunity for prospective/serving political appointees. Join the interest list by May 5th!

A special thank you to Appointments Chair Ryan Basham and Political VP Jane Wishon for leading this effort.

 

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Get Your Stoney Awards Tickets

Stonewall Democratic Club will be having its largest fundraiser of the year the Stoney Awards on April 28, 2018, at the Traxx Restaurant & Courtyard in Union Station.

We are pleased to be honoring a slate of accomplished women at our 42nd Annual awards event in celebration of the Year of the Woman and an anticipation of substantial victories by progressive Democratic women in California and nationwide.

Get your tickets here. RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!

 

HONOREES

 

Congresswoman Karen Bass - Public Official of the Year

 

Assemblywoman Laura Friedman - Elected Official of the Year

 

Women's March Los Angeles Foundation - Organization of the Year

 

First Lady of Los Angeles Amy Elaine Wakeland - Anne Marie Staas Ally Award

 

Alana Roshay - Stonewall member of the Year

 

Hosted by Master of ceremonies Suzanne Westenhoefer

 

SPONSORS

 

President's Club ($2,500)

Gil and Jacki Cisneros

 

Advocate of the Club ($1,250)

Alana Roshay from Stonewall

Jane & Keith Wishon

National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW)

Hon. Sheila Kuehl

United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)

Friend of the Club ($500)

Lester Aponte

Hon. Richard Bloom

Hon. Mike Bonin

Hon. Judy Chu

Mike Eng

Faring.

Hon. Ron Galperin

John Gile

Joe Guardarrama

Hon. John Heilman

Hon. Sydney Kamlager

Hon. Paul Koretz

Wendy Maccoun

Hon. Holly Mitchell

Brian Pendleton 

Hon. Monica Rodriguez

Hon. David Ryu

Garry S. Shay and Burt B. Belant

Stephen David Simon

Hon. Scott Svonkin

Rick Zbur

Media Partner

The Hollywood Times

 

Printing Partner

Woodland Hills Printing

 

Live Auction Sponsor

Vitello's Restaurant

 

Please show your support for Stonewall and our fantastic honorees by buying tickets, hosting, or sponsoring this important event!

 

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Elena Popp Discusses Progressive Housing Advocacy

At Stonewall's Meeting on Monday April 23, we featured a presentation by Elena Popp, CEO & Founder of the Eviction Defense Network (EDN) that provided a progressive overview of housing at the state and local level.

View the Livestream of Elena Popp here

Elena Popp discussed the challenges facing our region where we are seeing growing inequality and homelessness and less and less affordable housing. She also discussed solutions.

"We need to have temporary shelter solutions... we need real shelters and transitional housing programs where people can stabilize before they are housed. We also need to build housing... housing that reaches the poorest of the poor."

"Solution one is build housing; solution two is work on zoning and other things that encourage the placement of affordable housing; solution three is protect tenants."

Elena Popp encouraged tenant education, promoting EDN's #oneveryfridge campaign, which ensures that tenants know their rights and are empowered to protect their access to affordable housing.

"We can stop gentrification in its tracks. All you have to do is get on social media and talk to your immediate neighbors and explain their rights and obligations to them. Protect your rights. Know your obligations."

 

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Stonewall Spotlight Podcast Episode 3 - Year of the Woman

Stonewall Presents Episode 3 of its podcast, featuring an interview by Mackenzie Hussman with Katie Hill, Stonewall's endorsed candidate for Congressional District 25, who is looking to increase representation for LGBTQ women in congress.

Stream the episode live on Facebook at 9:00 AM today or download from itunes! 

We also highlight Stoney Awards honorees State Assemblywoman Laura Friedman and Congresswoman Karen Bass. In this episode, Marcus Lovingood also discusses the life and accomplishments of Shirley Chisholm with Lauren Buisson.

 

STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB APRIL 23 MEETING - FEATURING ELENA POPP

 

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Stonewall March Membership & Endorsments Meeting with Special Guests Gubernatorial Candidate Amanda Renteria and Chloe Hollett-Billingsley

The Stonewall Democratic Cub will be holding a general membership and endorsements meeting next Monday, March 26, 2018, at 7:00 PM (credentialing starts at 6:30 pm) at a different location:

SEIU Local 721 Auditorium

1545 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Stonewall is honored to be featuring special guest speaker Chloe Hollett-Billingsley and also gubernatorial candidate Amanda Renteria.

RSVP for the Meeting on Facebook

Stonewall will also be considering endorsement in the following races: California Board of Equalization, Seat 3; SD22; SD24; SD32; AD38; AD52; AD55; AD58; and AD62. We will also consider endorsement in other races to be determined by the Political Vice President.

Credentialing will start at 6:30 PM, and come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. All are welcome to the meeting. Only current members will be allowed to participate in debate and only members who are current and have been active members for 8 weeks will be eligible to vote.

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Stonewall Spotlight Podcast Episode 2 - Women Lead the Way

Stonewall Presents Episode 2 of its podcast Stonewall Spotlight!

Stream the episode live on Facebook at 9:00 AM today or download from itunes! 

 

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Stonewall Salutes Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins

March 21, 2018

The Stonewall Democratic Club celebrates Senator Toni Atkins’ ascension to the post of Senate President pro Tempore of the California Senate.  When she is sworn in today, Sen. Atkins (SD39) will achieve two remarkable firsts: she will become the first woman, and the first openly LGBTQ legislator to lead the Senate.  

Raised in Wythe County, Virginia, Sen. Atkins began her political career as a council staffer in San Diego. In short order, she was elected to the City Council, and served as interim Mayor before her election to the Assembly in 2010; she was the third woman and first Lesbian to serve as Assembly Speaker from 2014-16.

An astute coalition builder, Atkins enjoys broad support from constituents and colleagues. She has also led on key LGBTQ legislative victories, including Senate Bill 179 (Gender Recognition Act of 2017), SB 310 (Name and Dignity Act), AB 1577 (Respect After Death Act), and AB 1211 (Transgender Name Changes, Birth and Death Certificates).

Stonewall President Lester Aponte said: “We are exceedingly proud that a Lesbian woman will be leading the Senate in California, and of Senator Atkins’ many accomplishments.”  Stonewall is confident that Sen. Atkins will continue her successful trailblazing for the LGBTQ community, for women, and for all of California. We wish her well.

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Mail in Your Votes for Stonewall Endorsees in April 3 Special Elections!

Vote-by-mail ballots have already been sent out so be sure to complete your ballots and mail them in for our exceptional slate of Stonewall-endorsed candidates— Luz Rivas in AD39, Tricia Robbins Kasson in AD45, and Sydney Kamlager in AD54.

(Top Left) Luz Rivas, Stonewall's endorsed candidate in AD39; (Top Right) Tricia Robbins-Kasson, Stonewall's endorsed candidate in AD45; (Bottom) LACCD President Sydney Kamlager, Stonewall's endorsed candidate in AD54.

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STONEY AWARDS - APRIL 28 AT UNION STATION

 

Stonewall Democratic Club will be having its largest fundraiser of the year the Stoney Awards on April 28, 2018, at the Traxx Restaurant & Courtyard in Union Station.

We are pleased to be honoring a slate of accomplished women at our 42nd Annual awards event in celebration of the Year of the Woman and an anticipation of substantial victories by progressive Democratic women in California and nationwide.

Get your tickets here. RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!

 

This year's esteemed honorees include:

Hon. Karen Bass - Public Official of the Year

Hon. Laura Friedman - Elected Official of the Year

Women's March Los Angeles Foundation - Organization of the Year

Alana Roshay - Stonewall member of the Year

 

Please show your support for Stonewall and our fantastic honorees by buying tickets, hosting, or sponsoring this important event!

 

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Stonewall Spotlight Now Available on iTunes

Stonewall's acclaimed debut episode of its podcast Stonewall Spotlight, hosted by the fabulous Mackenzie Hussman and Marcus Lovingood and featuring State Sen. Ricardo Lara, Stonewall's endorsed candidate for Insurance Commissioner and a segment on gay Civil Rights hero Bayard Rustin is now available on iTunes!

Download Stonewall's first episode, share it with your friends and stay tuned for our next podcast coming out later this month!

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Stonewall Endorses in Special Elections, Municipal Contests, and More...

The Stonewall Democratic Club is excited to announce endorsement of additional candidates for state assembly and local offices! In a trio of local State Assembly Special Elections on April 3, Stonewall has endorsed three experienced, qualified, and inspiring women— Luz Rivas in AD39, Tricia Robbins Kasson in AD45, and Sydney Kamlager in AD54.

Stonewall is also proud to endorse two openly gay candidates for municipal offices. We strongly support Mayor Robert Garcia, who is running for reelection in Long Beach, Southern California's third largest city, and Ahmad Zahra, who is running for a seat on the Fullerton City Council.

Below are some of the key endorsements from our February 26 meeting. See our full list of endorsements here.

 

April 3, 2018 - State Assembly Special Elections

Assembly District 39 - Luz Rivas

Assembly District 45 - Tricia Robbins Kasson

Assembly District 54 - Sydney Kamlager

 

April 10, 2018 - Municipal Elections

Culver City City Council - Alex Fisch

Long Beach Mayor - Robert Garcia

Long Beach Community College Board Area 1 - Sunny Zia

Long Beach Community College Board Area 3 - Uduak-Joe Ntuk

 

November 8, 2018 - Municipal Elections

Fullerton City Council District 5 - Ahmad Zahra

 

Check out Stonewall's full list of 2018 endorsed candidates here!

If you are a candidate in a race in which Stonewall has not already taken up an endorsement that wishes to be considered for endorsement or if you would like a new race to be considered, please review Stonewall's endorsement procedures and complete the endorsement application form.

 

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Introducing Stonewall Spotlight--our New Monthly Podcast

Tune in Live to the premiere episode of Stonewall Spotlight, a podcast brought to you every month by the Stonewall Democratic Club!

On this episode, we interview Senator Ricardo Lara, our show writer Lauren Buisson gives us an intriguing look into the life of Bayard Rustin and more as we bring you your monthly #resistancereport! Our inaugural episode also features the voices of Stonewall Board Members Alana Roshay, our Legislative Vice Chair and Sam Frank, our Recording Secretary.

Listen to our first episode--here!

The Podcast is hosted and produced by Marcus Lovingood and Mackenzie Hussman. Writing, editing, and contributing to the Spotlight Team are Lauren Buisson, Sean Kolodji, and Alex Paris.

 

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Stonewall Membership & Endorsement Meeting - 2/26/18 7pm

The Stonewall Democratic Cub will be holding a general membership meeting next Monday, February 26, 2018, at 7:00 PM in West Hollywood Library's Community Meeting Room (2nd Floor).

Credentialing will start at 6:30 PM, and come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. All are welcome to the meeting. Only current members will be allowed to participate in debate and only members who are current and have been active members for 8 weeks will be eligible to vote.

We will be considering endorsements for the following races: AD39, AD45, and AD54 April 3 Special Elections; city council in Culver City and Fullerton; various legislative incumbents. Stonewall may consider additional races brought forth by the Political team and/or by membership at the meeting.

Marilyn Grunwald To Speak on Disability Civil Rights

Longtime Stonewall member and Democratic Party leader Marilyn Grunwald will be a featured speaker at our meeting. Grunwald has served as Chair of the CDP Disability Caucus, as Los Angeles City Commissioner, and on the Board of Stonewall Democratic Club as well as the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.

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Stonewall Democrats at the California Democratic Party Convention

Stonewall Democrats were out in force at the California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego and we are so proud of all of our members who are delegates to the convention and leaders of the Democratic Party, including Party Chair Eric Bauman and Rules Committee Chair Garry Shay.

We also want to recognize the hard work of longtime Stonewall members Rick Watts and A. Lee Walkup, who have been organizing efforts at every convention since 2011 to collect toiletries from convention delegates that they provide to the homeless. Rick and Lee's passionate organizing and activism have made a tremendous difference for the less fortunate in our community.

Rep. Mark Takano, California's only openly LGBTQ member of Congress, supporting Stonewall Member Rick Watts in his efforts to collect toiletries for the homeless.

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Stonewall Hosts Ice Cream Social Honoring Dave Jones

Stonewall Hosted an Ice Cream Social with Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, our endorsed candidate for California Attorney General at the California Democratic Party Convention on Friday Feb. 23, 2018. The event was a tremendous success and we are proud that Dave Jones received majority support from convention delegates.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, Stonewall's endorsee for Attorney General with Stonewall President Lester Aponte and Comm. Outreach Chair Barb Steelman

 

 

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Annual Stoney Awards on April 28, 2018!

On Giving Tuesday, Stonewall encourages you to show your holiday spirit by helping to support the LGBTQ communities recovering from natural disasters in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Join Stonewall Democratic Club and on November 28, 2017 at RedLine in Downtown Los Angeles for a fundraiser in support of LGBTQ people and people living with HIV/AIDS in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Millions of people still lack access to water, food, and medicine in the aftermath of the devastating Mexico earthquake and disastrous hurricane that made landfall in Puerto Rico. This holiday season, support our efforts to provide humanitarian relief at a special Queer Loteria Night fundraiser.

This event is co-sponsored by our partners at Latino Equality Alliance (LEA). Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of these efforts online.

 

 

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Stonewall Democratic Club Denounces Sexual Misconduct By California Legislators

November 21, 2017

Inspired by each other, women across the country have bravely come forward to tell their stories, building the powerful #MeToo movement. Victims have spoken out against misconduct by powerful men in entertainment, journalism, business, and politics. Women in California politics are also making their voices heard. Staffers, lobbyists, and politicians working in Sacramento have reported a pervasive environment of sexual harassment and misconduct towards women and a systemic culture of silence that stymies public disclosure.

Two prominent Democratic state legislators are, rightly, undergoing public scrutiny for their alleged behavior: Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Los Angeles) and Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). We will not be silent. Stonewall Democratic Club stands with the women who have come forward. The credible claims against these legislators cast serious doubt about their fitness to continue with the duties entrusted to them. Stonewall calls on Bocanegra and Mendoza to immediately resign from elected office.

While a staffer, Bocanegra was disciplined secretly for sexual misconduct, a fact that was withheld from constituents of the 39th Assembly district. In anticipation of new allegations reported in the Los Angeles Times, he released a written statement on Nov. 20, indicating that he will not seek reelection and that he intends to resign, effective September 1, 2018. This half-step does not suffice. Mr. Bocanegra needs to vacate his seat immediately. A man engaging in such conduct should not continue to receive a paycheck and roam the halls of the capitol.

The accusations against Mendoza are also numerous and disturbing. In addition to sexual misconduct there are at least three claims of retaliation against staffers who attempted to bring his behavior to the attention of higher-ups. An external firm has been hired to investigate the charges and steps were taken to remove Mendoza from key committees. Procedural measures will do little to restore confidence in his ability to function credibly under these circumstances. Mendoza’s constituents deserve better, as does the California Democratic Party.

Representing the people of California is a privilege, not a right. Those who use the authority entrusted to them as a license to abuse, harass, or engage in sexual misconduct are unfit to hold public office.

 

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STONEWALL CELEBRATES VICTORIES OF ENDORSED CANDIDATES, NATIONWIDE DEMOCRATIC SUCCESSES

November 8, 2017

Stonewall Democratic Club celebrates the successes of its endorsed candidates, Lisa Middleton, and Florencio Briones, in the November 7 elections, as well as historic victories by Democrats nationwide.

Lisa Middleton was elected to the Palm Springs City Council, becoming the first and only out transgender person elected to municipal office in California. Middleton has committed to fight homelessness and to expand the use of renewable energy.

Stonewall member Florencio Briones was elected to the El Monte Unified School District Governing Board. Briones, who received Stonewall’s endorsement, thanked Stonewall for its support and said: “It’s a wonderful feeling, knowing I will represent my community as the first openly gay man on the board of trustees. I look forward to serving my community with honesty and integrity.”

Democrats won sweeping victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and municipal offices coast-to-coast in yesterday’s elections, defeating Republicans who relied on racist and anti-LGBT appeals. Stonewall President Lester Aponte said: "Yesterday, we saw what happens when we Democrats pull together and get voters out to the polls. We have a lot of work to do in the next year to turn America back to a progressive path."

The elections were also marked by historic achievements by transgender Democrats. Joining Middleton as a newly elected councilmember is Andrea Jenkins, an out black transgender woman, who was elected in Minneapolis. Danica Roem was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, becoming the nation’s only out transgender state legislator.

Democrats were led to victory by a slate of diverse candidates. Women picked up a majority of the state legislative seats that had been held by Republicans. In Seattle Jenny Durkan, an out Lesbian, was elected mayor. Latinx, Asian-American, and African-American Democrats were also at the forefront of Tuesday’s Democratic successes.

Voters across the nation have sent a message loud and clear: Republicans do not speak for us. America is a diverse country and we deserve diverse leadership. We look forward to Democratic victories in 2018 and 2020 and to the election of even more women, people of color, and LGBTQ progressives in the years to come.

 

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Stonewall October Meeting Wrap-Up

Thank you to those who joined us for Stonewall Democratic Club’s October General Membership Meeting on Monday, including our guest speakers Gubernatorial Candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Senate candidate Pat Harris; and our featured speaker Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President and CEO of the Liberty Hill Foundation. 

Stonewall announced that its annual holiday party will be held on Dec. 16 at the home of CDP Chair Eric Bauman and his husband Michael Andraychak in North Hollywood. Additionally, the political team outlined an ambitious schedule of political action events on behalf of Stonewall’s endorsed candidates, including Assembly District 51 candidate Luis López, El Monte Unified High School District candidateFlorencio Briones, and Palm Springs City Council candidate Lisa Middleton.

Feature Program: Shane Murphy Goldsmith on Increasing LGBTQ Representation on Commissions

Livestream Video

Monday’s feature program speaker was Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President and CEO of Liberty Hill Foundation, an organization that advocates for economic, environmental, racial, and LGBTQ justice.

Goldsmith spoke about the importance of increasing LGBTQ and underrepresented community leadership on state and local boards and commissions. “For us, it’s really about making sure that the communities that we care about are at the table for the decisions that affect them. And I really think that that is the best and highest purpose of a commission—to create that transparency and community engagement so that government isn’t just operating in a vacuum.”

She talked about Liberty Hill’s Commission Training Program and provided sage advice about how to secure commission appointments and about what it takes to be effective on commissions. She also shared some of her personal experience as a member of the Los Angeles Police Commission.

Goldsmith noted that while being on a commission should not be seen mainly as a career stepping stone, it is an opportunity to learn and build relationships. “One of the best things that I’ve learned about being on a commission is how to move an agenda in the context of government.” 


Statewide Candidates: Gubernatorial Candidate & former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa & Senate Candidate Pat Harris

Livestream Video

“I’m running for governor because I think the next governor needs to focus on an economy that has left too many people behind,” said former Mayor of Los AngelesAntonio Villaraigosa to the assembled Stonewall members. “I think the next governor is going to have to focus on training and educating our young people for the jobs of the 21^st century.”

He touted his accomplishments in the state assembly, where he had served as Speaker. He touted his accomplishments for the LGBT community, including legislation that increased access to HIV drugs, prohibited discrimination in employment and housing, and fighting Proposition 22. He also noted that his first Democratic club endorsement, when he first ran for assembly in 1994, was from the Stonewall Democratic Club.

As President of the Conference of Mayors, he said he “led the fight for marriage equality” and as Chairman of the 2012 convention, he pushed for a platform change on marriage equality. He also answered questions from members about increasing affordable housing and how to implement universal health care.

Our second special guest was civil rights attorney Pat Harris, a candidate for U.S. Senate. He spoke about his work challenging the Catholic Church on sex abuse by priests and representing Susan McDougal, who had been targeted by Special Counsel Kenneth Starr in the 1990s.

He contrasted himself with incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, suggesting that they had a different approach to politics. “We have to have people who are willing to stand up. It’s time for people who are willing to say no. Let’s fight.” He called for campaign finance reform, bold advocacy for single-payer healthcare, prison reform, and cutting the defense department budget.

Save these Dates!

November Meeting – Nov. 27, 6:30 pm

We look forward to seeing everyone again at our meeting next month at West Hollywood Park Auditorium (note the location change) on Mon., Nov. 27. Stonewall will have another exciting program and intends to start taking up early endorsements for the 2018 elections at that meeting.

Holiday Party – Dec. 16

Stonewall’s annual holiday party will be held on December 16 at the home of California Democratic Party Chair Eric Bauman and his husband Michael Andraychak in North Hollywood. This is a great opportunity to get to know Stonewall members and local elected officials and to show your support for Stonewall. Sponsorships are available!

 

Represent Stonewall in CDP Endorsement Caucuses! Apply Now!

As a member of Stonewall, you have a unique opportunity to get involved with the California Democratic Party at the grassroots level by acting as a Stonewall Democratic Club Representatives to the 2017-2018 CDP Pre-Endorsing Caucus in your assembly district.

Stonewall will be allocated one or more representatives at the 2017-2018 Pre-Endorsement Caucuses in Assembly Districts 43, 46, 50, 51, and 54—and we need members to step forward to make sure that Stonewall’s voice is heard in this important process. If you are interested, sign up here! You must submit the form by Oct. 27 at 5pm to be considered.

So how do you represent Stonewall at pre-endorsement caucuses in Districts 43, 46, 50, 51, or 54?

• You must be registered to vote and reside in Assembly Districts 43, 46, 50, 51, or 54.
• You must have been a member of Stonewall and registered to vote as a Democrat as of July 1st at an address in the district to which you are applying to be a representative.
• You must not already be a delegate to the California Democratic Convention
• You must complete the form found here and submit it on or before October 27 at 5pm
• You must commit to support and vote for Stonewall’s endorsed candidate(s) at the pre-endorsement caucuses.
• For more information, please refer to Stonewall’s by-laws, the relevant sections of which are excerpted below.

Every two years the California Democratic Party endorses candidates at all levels of government. In order to include Democrats at the grassroots level in the process, the Party asks Democratic Clubs to nominate members to participate on behalf of the club members at Pre-Endorsing Conferences in each Assembly District where the club meets a certain membership threshold.

Our representation depends on how many dues-paying members we have in each Assembly District (one representative to the Conferences for every 20 dues-paying members in that Assembly District). We are glad to have representatives in three assembly districts this year and are hopeful that by continuing to grow our membership we will continue to grow the voice of Stonewall and the LGBTQ and feminist communities within the Democratic Party. If you are not currently a member, be sure to renew your membership now.

Thank you for supporting Stonewall and we hope that you will seize this opportunity to be more involved with the local party!

Relevant Section of the Stonewall Democratic Club By-laws

Selection of Representatives to California Democratic Party (CDP) Pre-Endorsing Conferences:

1. Club representatives shall be allocated as follows: one representative, resident in the Assembly District and duly registered as a member of the Democratic Party of California, for each full (not a fraction thereof) 20 members in good standing registered to vote in the Assembly District who were listed on the roster submitted to Los Angeles County Democratic Party and to the appropriate Regional Director of the CDP no later than July 1 of the year immediately prior to the endorsing process.

2. For purposes of this Section: a. Only members in good standing as of the July 1 deadline shall be included on the roster; b. “Member in Good Standing” shall mean a member who’s dues are current, or have been waived due to economic hardship; c. The status of such members shall be certified by the Club’s President, Secretary, or Treasurer; and, d. The Club’s representatives to any particular pre-endorsing conference be from the roster described above and that the overall list of representatives to all conferences be equally apportioned between men and women, to the extent possible.

3. Said representatives shall be selected by majority vote of a Selection Committee comprised of the President, Operations Vice-President, Political Vice-President, Community Vice-President, and Communications Vice-President, a quorum being present. The Selection Committee shall not select one of its own members unless it first determines that no other viable option is available. If such a determination is made, they shall inform the membership of their decision, and the reasons therefor, at the next General Membership meeting.

4. …This Club shall inform its membership, of the process for selection as a Representative to the California Democratic Party (CDP) Pre-Endorsing Conferences, via both WEB Posting on its site and email to those members who have provided email addresses for notice purposes.

5. In order for a member’s name to be submitted as one of This Club’s representatives to California Democratic Party (CDP) Pre-Endorsing Conferences, the member must submit a signed written declaration of intent to the Selection Committee declaring their intent to support This Club’s endorsed candidates at the Pre-Endorsing Conferences by voting for them thereat.

 

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STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 09/25/17 - WITH GUEST SPEAKER VITALY

Stonewall's General Membership Meeting is next Monday 09/25 at 6:30 PM in West Hollywood Library's Community Room at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood CA 90048. 

Stonewall will be holding an endorsement vote for the next LACDP Chair and, potentially, other upcoming elections. We will also be having a special program featuring LAUSD educator and student advocate Vitaly!

Our guest speaker Vitaly will be discussing how schools can become safer spaces for LGBTQ students, teachers, and staff. We invite you to come to our meeting to be a part of this critical discussion on education policy and the challenges facing LGBTQ youth.

 

STATEMENT BY STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB ON THE SUSPENSION OF DACA

The Stonewall Democratic Club condemns the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. Since its inception in 2012, DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people who have grown up in America to continue to contribute to the only nation they have ever known.

Stonewall President, Lester Aponte, said: “In the never-ending parade of horrors that has marked Mr. Trump’s tenure in the White House this is one of the most heinous and harmful acts yet. The Dreamers are an integral part of American society. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our co-workers and, for many, our family. There are, of course, many Dreamers who are also LGBTQ. But their plight matters to us, not just for that reason, but because we are all Americans and the cruelty that is being visited upon them affects all of us.”

We call upon Congress to immediately enact legislation protecting the Dreamers from deportation or and allowing them to continue working and/or studying in the US. And we urge all Americans to lend them a helping hand. 
The Immigration Legal Resource Center has issued the following Community Advisory for current beneficiaries of the DACA program:https://www.ilrc.org/…/def…/files/resources/if_daca_ends.pdf
Additional resources are available through immigrant rights organizations throughout the country.

El Club Democrático Stonewall condena la decisión de la Administración Trump de poner fin al Programa de Acciones Diferidas por Llegadas de la Niñez (DACA). Desde su creación en 2012, DACA ha permitido a cientos de miles de jóvenes, que han vivido en los Estados Unidos todas sus vida vivir y trabajar y contribuir abiertamente a la única nación que han conocido.

El presidente de Stonewall, Lester Aponte, dijo: "En el interminable desfile de horrores que ha marcado el mandato de Trump en la Casa Blanca, éste es uno de los actos más atroces y dañinos. Los Soñadores son una parte integral de la sociedad Americana. Son nuestros vecinos, nuestros compañeros de clase, nuestros compañeros de trabajo y, para muchos, nuestra familia. Hay, por supuesto, muchos Soñadores que también son LGBTQ. Pero su situación es importante para nosotros, no sólo por esa razón, sino porque todos somos Estadounidenses y la crueldad con la que se le ha tratado a ellos nos afecta a todos."

Hacemos un llamamiento al Congreso para que promulgue inmediatamente legislación que proteja a los Soñadores de la deportación y que les permita continuar trabajando y / o estudiando en los Estados Unidos. E instamos a todos los Estadounidenses a que les presten ayuda.

El Centro de Recursos Legales de Inmigración ha emitido la siguiente Consulta Comunitaria para los beneficiarios actuales del programa DACA: https://www.ilrc.org/…/def…/files/resources/if_daca_ends.pdf

Recursos adicionales están disponibles a través de organizaciones de derechos de los inmigrantes en todo el país.

 

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Stonewall Membership Meeting with Special Guest Speaker Michaela Mendelsohn and AD51 Endorsement Vote

     Monday August 28, 2017, 6:30 PM

     New Meeting Location: West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room

                                       625 N. San Vicente Blvd., 2nd Floor

                                       West Hollywood CA 90069

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STONEWALL DECRIES TRUMP’S BAN ON TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS

 

August 28, 2017

 

On Friday Aug. 25, Donald Trump released a memo, directing the U.S. military to ban recruitment of transgender individuals. He also ordered discrimination against existing transgender service members by prohibiting the military from spending money on medical care associated with transition and giving the Secretary of Defense wide latitude to limit the roles in which transgender individuals may serve, leaving the door open to an outright ban.

 

This order is a follow-up on July tweet in which Trump announced his intention to bar transgender individuals from military service.  Although the order is made to appear less draconian than Trump’s original tweet, it’s intent and effect are the same--to drive capable transgender service members out of the United States military.

 

Trump’s directive is unconstitutional and harms our military. It is disruptive to the lives of transgender active duty service members and to the units in which they serve. The military is weakened when its doors are closed to heroic transgender individuals who desire to serve their country in the armed forces. As per usual, this action by Trump is bigotry, plain and simple.

 

Stonewall President Lester F. Aponte said, "This administration's cruelty knows no bounds. There is no justification to ban patriotic Americans who are qualified to serve our nation from doing so. Mr. Trump chooses to curry favor with the extreme right without any regard for the incalculable harm it will cause to thousands of Americans and their families."

 

“We're banned from bathrooms, we’re banned from professional spaces, and now we're being banned from the military,” said Ashlee Marie Preston, Stonewall Transgender Affairs Chair.

 

Treating transgender service members differently than their cisgender peers is an unconstitutional violation of their rights as citizens to equal protection and due process. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) have filed a lawsuit to stop Trump’s order from going into effect. They represent five accomplished service members with nearly 60 years of combined military service whose ability to serve this country has been undermined by Trump’s order.

 

“This is a senseless and unprecedented attack on dedicated service members who have played by the rules,” said Shannon Minter, NCLR Legal Director. “Trump’s ban is about politics, not military policy, and it will make our country less secure.”

 

Stonewall strongly supports legal challenges to this order by transgender service members, including the lawsuit spearheaded by NCLR and GLAD.

 

Our military leaders support equal treatment of transgender service members. “I led our armed forces under the flawed ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy and saw firsthand the harm to readiness and morale when we fail to treat all service members according to the same standards,” said former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen. “Thousands of transgender Americans are currently serving in uniform and there is no reason to single out these brave men and women and deny them the medical care that they require.”

 

While Trump’s directive shortchanges transgender service members, transgender individuals are making a disproportionate contribution to military service.  According to a 2014 study by the UCLA Williams Institute, transgender people are nearly twice as likely to serve in the military as their cisgender counterparts. Trump’s ban on recruitment of transgender individuals will prevent the military from accessing a valuable pool of dedicated volunteers.

 

Lt. Taylor Miller is one of the first openly transitioning members of the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft voiced support for his transgender officers: "I told Taylor I will not turn my back… We have made an investment in you and you have made an investment in the Coast Guard, and I will not break faith."

A new study by the PALM Center, co-authored by Professors at the Naval Postgraduate School, estimates that discharging transgender troops would blow a $960 million hole in the military budget. Transitional health coverage for transgender service members, meanwhile, is a miniscule drop in the $600 billion military budget.A RAND Study finds that transgender military care costs as little as $2.4 million to $8.4 million and that inclusion of transgender service members in units actually improved military effectiveness.

 

Trump did not act out of concern for the military. The impetus was purely political. Firebrand anti-LGBTQ House conservatives, who were unable to muster sufficient support in the House for the discriminatory policy, pressured Trump to make the decision as an executive order.

 

In making this order, Trump willingly sacrifices the wellbeing of service members and the nation to gain political support from the far right. Stonewall calls upon Congress to take bipartisan and immediate action to protect the rights of transgender service members and to block Trump’s politicized meddling into military personnel matters.

 

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Thank you to Everyone who Made Our Summer BBQ a Smashing Success!

We were proud to honor State Senator Scott Wiener and are extremely thankful to our generous hosts, the family of Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer.

Food for the event was generously provided by Paul DuMont.   

 

Thank you to our Generous BBQ Sponsors for Making the Event Possible!

Gold Sponsors: Paul DuMont, LA City Controller Ron Galperin, and West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman; and National Union of Health Care Workers.

Silver Sponsors: LA City Attorney Mike Feuer, LA City Councilmember David Ryu, and State Senator Anthony Portantino.

Stonewaller Sponsors: Assemblymember Richard Bloom; CA25 Congressional Candidate Bryan Caforio; Paul DuMont; LACCD Board Member and Assembly District 51 candidate Mike Fong, U.S. Senate Candidate Pat Harris, West Hollywood City Council Member Lindsey Horvath; CA39 Congressional Candidate Andy Thorburn; former School Board Member and Assembly District 51 Candidate David Vela; Stonewall VP of Operations Steve Bott; Stonewall Political VP Jane Wishon; and Stonewall President Lester Aponte.

Thank you to All the Candidates and Elected Officials in Attendance!

Notable elected officials in attendance included State Senators Ed Hernandez, Anthony Portantino and Scott Wiener; State Assemblymembers Richard Bloom, Laura Friedman, Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas; Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang; Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer; Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin; Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin; West Hollywood Councilmembers John Heilman and Lindsey Horvath; Baldwin Park Mayor Pro Tem and candidate for SD22 Susan Rubio; LACCD Trustee and AD51 Candidate Mike Fong; LACCD Trustee and Board of Equalization Candidate Scott Svonkin; Garvey USD Trustee Henry Lo; and Culver City USD Trustee Kathy Paspalis.

Candidates in attendance included U.S. Senate Candidate Pat Harris; LG Candidate Sen. Ed Hernandez; CA25 Candidates Bryan Caforio and the staff for candidate Katie Hill; CA39 Candidate Andy Thorburn; AD54 Candidate Steve Dunwoody; AD51 Candidates Ron Birnbaum, Alex de Ocampo, Mike Fong, and Luis Lopez.

 

Thank you also to the Stonewall BBQ Organizing Team!

Taylor Bazley led up the BBQ efforts along with Community VP Amanda Smash Hyde and Stonewall President Lester Aponte. Garry Shay supervised the grill. Drexel Heard, Stonewall’s Membership Chair, managed check-in. Thank you, also, to our bartender Marc Hudson.

Thanks, also, to Ryan Basham, Nicholas Bloom, Debi Evans, Sean Kolodji, Margaret Smith, Nadia Sutton, A. Lee Walkup, Rick Watts, Alec White, and all the other volunteers who made the barbecue a success!

 

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 STATEMENT BY STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB

ON TRUMP'S EFFORT TO BAN TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS FROM THE MILITARY

 

Transgender service members who have shown their commitment to protecting our freedoms deserve only commendation for their dedication to our country.

In a tweetstorm this morning, President Trump announced that our transgender patriots would no longer be allowed to serve “in any capacity” in the U.S. military. This action is an affront to the dignity of our transgender service members. It is also harmful to our country’s national security interests.

The politically motivated attack on our active service members by Trump and Congressional Republicans reverses inclusionary steps taken by the Obama Administration, which established a policy that service members “can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender.”

The Stonewall Democratic Club stands united against the Trump Administration's discriminatory policies targeting our communities.  Steve Dunwoody, a Senior Advisor to Vote Vets and a member of Stonewall Democratic Club’s steering committee said, “This bigoted attempt to bar transgender Americans from service in the Armed Forces is a smack in the face to the more than 7,000 transgender people currently serving here and abroad. This comes on the heels of the 69th anniversary of the desegregation of the military by President Truman.”

“We're banned from bathrooms, we’re banned from professional spaces, and now we're being banned from the military. The objective of this hate policy is to ban us from every space within society until we cease to exist,” said Ashlee Marie Preston, Stonewall Transgender Affairs Chair.

Stonewall President Lester Aponte said, “The Stonewall Democratic Club condemns this regressive, mean-spirited policy and pledges to fight to reverse it in every way we can.  And we urge our community, and all Americans, to speak out for our transgender citizens, who are daily marginalized, brutalized and rejected.”

The Stonewall Democratic Club demands that transgender service members be allowed to continue their service and, furthermore, insists that the military begin active recruitment of transgender individuals who are willing and ready to serve. We call on Congress to take immediate action to protect the rights of all Americans to serve in our armed forces.  

 

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CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ELECTED STONEWALL OFFICERS

On July 24, 2017, the membership of the Stonewall Democratic Club elected new officers.

Lester F. Aponte is Stonewall's newly elected President and Amanda Smash Hyde and Sean Kolodji were elected to VP positions, joining Jane Wishon and Steve Bott who are staying on in their VP roles. Reuben Zadeh was elected Controller and Sam Frank will continue to serve as Secretary. 

Taylor Bazley and Craig Scott were elected to male at-large positions along with Jerilyn Stapleton and Nadia Sutton.

 

Below is the Stonewall Democratic Club's newly elected executive board:

 

President - Lester Aponte

VP, Operations - Steve Bott

VP, Political - Jane Wishon

VP, Community - Amanda Smash Hyde

VP, Communications - Sean Kolodji

Controller - Reuben Zadeh

Secretary - Sam Frank

Male-at-Large - Taylor Bazley & Craig Scott

Female-at-Large - Jerilyn Stapleton & Nadia Sutton

 

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