STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF SOUTHERN NEVADA STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ENDING DEFENSE OF THE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT

LAS VEGAS -- Today US Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice will no longer defend Section 3 of the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) because it is unconstitutional.

“After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the President has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny. The President has also concluded that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied to legally married same-sex couples, fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the President has instructed the Department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the President’s determination.” Attorney General Eric Holder in a statement issued today.

Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada applauds the decision, bravery and leadership of President Obama, Attorney General Holder and the Department of justice for standing up to the forces of hatred and doing what's right for all American people. We will continue to support the President in his efforts to make America the land that it was intended to be by our founding fathers. This is a country that embraces the diversity and supports the equality of all its citizens. We salute the President and celebrate his leadership.

“President Obama has repeatedly shown himself to be a true friend of America’s LGBTQ community. His repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the elimination of the pre-existing condition clauses in Affordable Care Act combined with this historic decision confirms SDCSN's support of President Obama; and we will fight hard to see him reelected in 2012."

-- SDSN Chairman Derek Washington

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA & THE CSN CAPITOL CLUB JOINT MEETING

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA & THE CSN CAPITOL CLUB JOINT MEETING
Monday 06 December
6-830pm The Arts Factory #215 upstairs 107 E Charleston 89104 at Casino Center
Derek Washington 702-576-4978
Justin McAffee 702-374-6009

Stonewall will be having its monthly meeting as a joint event with the CSN Capital Club. We are going to be discussing various issues including the first day of the Prop 8 appeal trial in California after watching some of the day’s highlights. We are honored to have legal expert Ari Ezra Waldman via Skype for a Q&A session as well as UNLV Constitutional Law expert Thomas B. McAffee to discuss our various topics throughout the evening.

This meeting (with help from Progress Now Nevada’s Brian Fadie) will be an experiment in taking Stonewall to an entirely new level by using technology to expand our range and influence. There is a whole new world of opportunities for Stonewall to explore in both political and community activism, and with online technology we can exploit these opportunities in a way never before done in Nevada by any Democratic political club or caucus. We’re proud to be joined in this first endeavor by CSN’s Capitol Club.

GUESTS:

Nelson Araujo from Senator Reid’s office will join us for updates on Senator Reid’s efforts to pass The DREAM ACT.

Sue Fulton of Knights Out (an LGBT organization of “Out” former Armed Service members) will join us via Skype to talk about the latest DADT news.

Linsey Peckonis and Jerame Davis of National Stonewall will join us via Skype to tell us about what Stonewall chapters around the country are doing.

Shannon Cuttle will speak about the need for all inclusive SAFE SCHOOLS.

Stonewall’s Director of Hispanic Outreach Leo Murrieta will fill us in on his exciting new project, The Nevada Youth Coalition. The Nevada Youth Coalition (NYC) is an organization whose primary goal is to get and keep young people engaged in civics and community service projects. The NYC and its members have actively participated in community events and phone banks in support of the DREAM ACT, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and will be engaging Nevada's legislature on behalf of our state's education system in next year's legislative session.

Karen Grayson is our Director of Transgender Outreach and she’ll be asking us to brainstorm with her about better outreach through technology to America’s Transgender community. Her “One Step Closer” project will aim to reach out to those people who are not comfortable with a public display of being Transgender and really just need someone to talk to about being Transgender.

Our Vice-Chair Sandy Eddy will give us a report on the very successful Stonewall led Team BATTLE BORN at the Rock & Roll Marathon and tell you how you can support Stonewall when you shop online.

Chris Miller will explain his vision for the Stonewall State Caucus. This vision includes The Stonewall State Caucus taking an active role in the State of Nevada’s political future while making sure that the issues of LGBT Democrats and progressives are on the agenda of our elected representatives.

The club will hear about a proposed partnership with Michael Flores of Progress Now Nevada and Aid For AIDS Nevada on community gardens and other possible projects. These projects will not only help the LGBT community through providing healthy and fresh vegetables for those with HIV, but also help inner city dwellers take charge of their sexual health through innovative HIV awareness projects partnering with the African American and Latino Communities.

Michael will be telling us about a very successful project that he has initiated in on of the impoverished inner city housing projects that was recently featured in a profile in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Our elected and newly elected Democrats are STRONGLY urged to attend this meeting as well as anyone who has never been to a Stonewall meeting.

###

JOHN ENSIGN (R-NV) SUPPORTS REPEALING DON'T ASK DON'T TELL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SENATOR JOHN ENSIGN SUPPORTS THE REPEAL OF DON'T ASK DON'T TELL


A coalition of Nevada's LGBTQ activists and veterans met with John Ensign's Las Vegas staff to discuss the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell



Las Vegas, NV -- This afternoon US Senator John Ensign's (R-NV) Regional Representative Margot Allen told a group of local LGBTQ activists and veterans Senator Ensign will vote to pass the National Defense Authorization Act with the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, that bans gays from serving openly in the military.



Led by Nevada State Senator David Parks, a veteran and the state's first openly gay legislator, Ms. Allen was pointedly asked several times if Senator Ensign supported the repeal and she said under no uncertain terms: Senator John Ensign does not support the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and will vote to repeal it. Ms. Allen explained that after the Pentagon releases the findings of its study on the effects of repealing the ban, he will vote "YES" to pass the National Defense Authorization Act with the repeal included. Ms. Allen also stated that any news reports citing Senator Ensign as against the repeal were false.



Prior to meeting with Senator Ensign's staff, Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada's chairman Derek Washington arranged for the group to meet with US Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid's Las Vegas office.



The group was assured that Senator Reid continues to work hard to get the Defense Authorization Act passed with Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal. Senator Reid wants the bill passed in a reasonable amount of time, but wants to also work with Republican leadership to have a fair and rational amendment process.



It is with great pride that we can now say both of our Senator's from Nevada support the repeal of one of the most blatant examples of institutionalized discrimination. We have watched with sickened hearts as people like Senator John McCain of Arizona act like petulant children and continue to defy and disrespect military generals, the Secretary of Defense, President Obama and worst, our troops.



In a press release issued last week Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Mark Udall (D-CO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) stated:



“The Senate should act immediately to debate and pass a defense authorization bill and repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ during the lame duck session. The Senate has passed a defense bill for forty-eight consecutive years. We should not fail to meet that responsibility now, especially while our nation is at war. We must also act to put an end to the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy that not only discriminates against but also dishonors the service of gay and lesbian service members.



“The National Defense Authorization Act is essential to the safety and well-being of our service members and their families, as well as for the success of military operations around the world. The bill will increase the pay of all service members, authorize needed benefits for our veterans and wounded warriors, and launch military construction projects at bases throughout the country.



“The process established by the defense bill would also allow ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to be repealed in an orderly manner, and only after the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have certified to Congress that repeal is ‘consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces.’ If Congress does not act to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in an orderly manner that leaves control with our nation’s military leaders, a federal judge may do so unilaterally in a way that is disruptive to our troops and ongoing military efforts. It is important that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ be dealt with this year, and it appears that the only way that can happen is if it is on the defense bill.



“We are pleased that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has also called on Congress to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ We must act upon our responsibility to our troops and their family members and to the thousands of gay and lesbian service members who serve their nation bravely and honorably by passing the National Defense Authorization Act before the end of the year.”



We call on all LGBTQ activists, allies and veterans to call on their Senators, especially those who live in Maine, Ohio and Arkansas, and tell them that they can not, with good conscious, end the year without passing this bill, with the inclusion of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell



Organizations present:

Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada

Stonewall Democrats of Nevada

Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network of Southern Nevada

Equality Nevada

THIS WEEK IN THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY 10 AM - 1PM (WEST COAST TIME)
Vegas All Net Radio's # 1 Rated show!
www.vegasallnetradio.com

TODAY'S LINE UP:

10:20 Steve Sebelius: One of Nevada's top political journalists with a wrap up of what went wrong and what was done right during the 2010 election season here in Nevada.

10:43 Amelia Guardino: Activist will discuss the movement to plant gardens in inner city neighborhoods and how you can get involved.

11: 12 Ari Ezra Waldman: Our resident "Legal Eagle" with the latest legal news and an update on DADT.

11: 27 Steven Thrasher: From The Village Voice to give us his take on Dan Choi, Pussies and what happened to White people during the 2010 election cycle.

11:42 James Humphries: Our favorite Republican from Utah fills us in on the amazing amount of pro-equality legislation happening in Utah and the Log Cabin Republicans DADT case.

12: 15 Date Night: Where to go in the town that gives love a bad name for a little fun and romance? The Date Night crew will fill us in.

12: 31 Thomas Bruny: Downtown Vegas is the new hot spot and the Fremont Street Experience's head honcho will let us know what's hot while it's cold downtown.

12:45 Karen Grayson: Our own Stonewall of Southern Nevada Director of Transgender Outreach will give us details on this years' "Transgender Day of Remembrance".

And as always, we'll have the news, Twitter Trendz, celebrity gossip THE AFAN SCANDAL and just plain s*%t talking!

The Sausage Factory 10 am - 1 pm (West Coast Time)
www.vegasallnetradio.com

A VERY SINCERE THANK YOU

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Hi All,

Well, we did it. We won some and we lost some. Most importantly, Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada stepped up and helped out several campaigns in a way that has never been done before.

We should be especially proud of our efforts on behalf of Senator Reid and Congresswoman Titus. I’d also like to pat you all on the back for the work we’ve done getting to know our judicial candidates. I know quite a few Stonewall members became “go-to” people on sample ballots that people took to the polls and of that I am most proud.

I have to say thank you to Chandler Levrich for getting us through the rough patches in the beginning when we needed to know how the club actually operated “backstage”.

None of what we’ve accomplished this year could have been without our board, Sandy Eddy, Chris Miller, Laura Martin, Leo Murrietta and our newest board member, Nathaniel Phillips.

I have to heap special praise on two board members. Andrew “Nerdrock” Davey is not only our Secretary; he is our Political Director who guided us through so many issues so that Stonewall has always had a ready answer when needed for our membership and politicians who needed guidance on our issues. He has been a tireless and dedicated campaign helper for several candidates and I’m not only thankful to him, but, proud as well.

Karen “Tool Time Barbie” Grayson has been an amazing Director of Transgender Outreach and been an excellent volunteer on every event we have had. In addition, I feel safe in saying; we could not have built the Senator David Parks Lending Library at The Center without her. She also has empowered the Transgender community with her tireless personal outreach to our Nevada politicians and candidates. All of this led us to present her with the very first “Stonewall Member of the Year” award named in her honor.

Sandy, Chris and Laura have been exceptional in making Stonewall one of the top clubs in the party and helping Stonewall have a national presence through our activism and Laura’s press releases.

I expect great things from Nathaniel as well. Now that he is free from his two consecutive campaigns, we hope Leo will be able to expand on the work that we have been doing in the Latino / Immigrant rights movement.

I also wish to thank Alptamise Hailey and Kimberly Michelle who helped us raise quite a bit of our election war chest through their generosity.

There are no words to express the amazing support that the staff of Senator Reid has given Stonewall. I simply say thanks.

Wes, Debra, Gayle, Tina and Ryan at The Arts Factory and Bar Bistro helped us make our name as the best place to learn about politics in the entire state, thank you!

Thank you Genevieve Flores and Linsey Peckonis for your brief but vital stay here in our state helping to “Elect Equality”.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you to Rob Schlegel, Kelly MacFarlane Smith, Qvegas Magazine and the LGBT Statewide Coalition for their support as we expanded our role into helping build the LGBT community into a political force and an agent of social change in Nevada with the respect of the local media and politicians.

This letter could not be complete without a heartfelt thank you to Clark County Democratic Chairwoman Roberta Lange. She has been our advisor, friend and our champion. She and her husband Ken have been extraordinary in their support of our club and its goals. Thank you so much Roberta.

Thank you all,

Derek Washington
Chairman Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada

CELL PHONES AND GRUB PARTY TO ELECT EQUALITY!

POTLUCK CELL PHONE PARTY AND VOTER PROTECTION CLASS!

This is it. Our last chance to reach and protect voters at the polls!

MONDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2010

Place: The Arts Factory
107 E Charleston @ Casino Center (upstairs) 89104

Time: 6 – 9pm

What: We’re having a cell phone party and a class to teach people how to protect registered voters rights at the polls on Tuesday. All you need to do is bring your cell phone and charger and a dish!

If you have a laptop, bring it and we’ll hook you up with Call Fire to make calls faster and more efficiently!

We especially need Spanish speakers!

We will have fun while we protect our future here in Nevada!

WE WILL ELECT HARRY REID,DINA TITUS,SHELLEY BERKLEY,RORY REID,JESSICA SFERRAZZA AND ALL OF OTHER DEMS IN 2010!

For more information:

Laura Martin 702-292-1279 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              702-292-1279      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Derek Washington 702-576-4978
Chris Miller 702-569-6744
Sandy Eddy 702-400-3613

I want to take this time to thank every one of the hundreds of people who have come to our ELECT EQUALITY events over the past month. All of your hard work will result in us having the best possible representatives in Carson City, Clark County and Washington, DC..

Derek Washington
Chairman Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada

LETS ELECT EQUALITY!

HELP ELECT EQUALITY THIS WEEKEND!
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO ELECT EQUALITY!

East Las Vegas Canvass & Call location
501 N. Lamb Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
corner of Lamb & Bonanza

Spanish speakers especially needed!
Call Genevieve Flores with any questions
805-754-1942 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              805-754-1942      end_of_the_skype_highlighting


shifts--
Saturday
10am to 2pm
2pm to 6pm
6pm to 9pm

Sunday
10am to 2pm
2pm to 6pm
6pm to 9pm

Monday
10am to 2pm
2pm to 6pm
6pm to 9pm

Tuesday
9am to 1pm
1pm to 4pm
4pm to 7pm

If you live in Henderson, call Andrew Davey for canvass and phonebanking in your area at 702 -806-1340.

Join us for an Elect Equality walk for Dina Titus and Harry Reid tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM. We'll be meeting at 2758 Woodbine in Henderson (89074, near Pecos & Robindale). You can also phone bank tomorrow at Dina Titus' Henderson office (2925 N Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson 89074) from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Join us for an Elect Equality walk for Dina Titus and Harry Reid on Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. We'll be meeting at 2758 Woodbine in Henderson (89074, near Pecos & Robindale). You can also phone bank tomorrow and Sunday at Dina Titus' Henderson office (2925 N Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson 89074) from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM.



POTLUCK CELL PHONE PARTY TO REELECT HARRY REID,Dina Titus and all of the Stonewall endorsed candidates! Almost 30 came last night, let's double that! 6-9pm at The Arts Factory 107 E Charleston 89104. Bring a dish, your cell phone/charger and a laptop (if you have one). Let's party while we make sure it's Harry not Scary who triumphs on election day!

Questions?
Derek Washington
702-576-4978
derekisademocrat@gmail.com

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS NATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS NATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

(Washington, DC) - National Stonewall Democrats PAC announced its latest set of endorsements of pro-equality Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Rep. Jared Polis (CO) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI). Twelve candidates were announced as part of NSD PAC’s ElectEquality program in May (one candidate was ousted in a primary, making the number of ElectEquality candidates eleven). Rep. Barney Frank’s endorsement was announced last week.

“We are thrilled to announce our full slate of endorsed candidates for the midterm elections,” said Michael Mitchell, Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats. “Whether incumbent or challenger, the candidates on this list are all strong, pro-equality Democrats and hail from rural, suburban and urban districts from coast to coast.”

“We are very aware that the only way we are going to achieve full equality through legislation is with a pro-equality majority in Congress with allies, friends and compatriots like those listed here.

“It’s no secret that many of our candidates are in tight races and we encourage our members, supporters and the LGBT and ally community at large to give your time and resources to the people on this list, as well as other pro-equality candidates down the ticket where you live.”

Key: Challenger in italics, EE = ElectEquality Candidate

US House of Representatives

Tammy Baldwin (WI – 2) Chellie Pingree (ME – 1)
Shelley Berkley (NV-1) Jared Polis (CO-2)
Tim Bishop (NY-1) , EE Carol Shea Porter (NH-1) , EE
Barbara Boxer (CA-S) Ed Potosnak (NJ-7) , EE
Lois Capps (CA-23) Steve Pougnet (CA-45) , EE
David Cicilline (RI-1) , EE Mike Quigley (IL-5)
Steve Cohen (TN – 9) Cedric Richmond (LA- 2)
Joseph Crowley (NY-7) Steven Rothman (NJ-9)
Keith Ellison (MN – 5) Loretta Sanchez (CA-47)
Barney Frank (MA – 4) John Sarbanes (MD-3)
Rush Holt (NJ-12) , EE Brad Sherman (CA-27)
Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) Pete Stark (CA-13)
Ann McLane Kuster (NH-2) Betty Sutton (OH – 13)
Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) Dina Titus (NV-3) , EE
Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4) Paul Tonko (NY-21)
Patrick Murphy (PA-8) , EE Manan Trivedi (PA-6)
Jerry Nadler (NY- 8) Niki Tsongas (MA-5)
Glenn Nye (VA-2) Tim Walz (MN – 1)
Frank Pallone (NJ-6) Henry Waxman (CA-30)
Ed Pastor (AZ-4)

US Senate

Roxanne Conlin (IA – Sen) Paul Hodes (NH – Sen) , EE
Chris Coons (DE – Sen) Kendrick Meek (FL – Sen) , EE
Lee Fisher (OH – Sen) Harry Reid (NV – Sen)
Alexi Giannoulias (IL – Sen), EE Joe Sestak (PA-Sen)
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY – Sen)

JOHN BONAVENTURA JUST ANSWER YES OR NO!

Over the past few days you have refused to give a simple answer on whether or not you wrote a homophobic letter when you were an Assemblyman on State Letterhead. In addition, you have refused to answer whether or not you had a sign on your desk that read, "No Rights For Sodomites".

I would appreciate an answer immediately. Yes or No answers only. I have become increasingly exasperated with your tap dancing around the questions as if you were trying to just keep dancing until we "Yahoos" leave you alone.

Furthermore, you have decided that this is somehow the fault of everyone from some imaginary intern to the great unknown homophobic UNR football player (Btw, you should be ashamed of yourself for smearing the University that way). You have tried to say that this couldn't have happened because you always sign both first and last names to your letters. You seem to remember the details of every single thing of the time except whether or not you signed this homophobic letter or had that homophobic and rather childish sign on your desk. If your office was run so haphazardly that interns and college football players were able to issue derogatory letters on your state letterhead, why should I support your run for an office that requires way more management skills than you seem to posses?

I am also putting you on notice that I am a hard core Democrat. I am Chairman of the largest LGBT political organization in this state. In addition I have almost 4,000 "Friends" on Facebook, 2,000 or so followers on Twitter and was recently named one the "Top Ten Bloggers in Las Vegas" by AOLand co-host a progressive radio show with Stonewall Democrats State Caucus President Chris Miller. I say that, not to brag. I am telling you this to explain to you that I will keep asking you this question until I get a Yes or No answer to my questions, to Chris Miller's questions AND to Republican Mark Ciavola's questions. If you can't answer the simple questions we have asked, I will simply encourage everyone I reach everyday to start asking you those very same questions.

I don't know if you're trying to run out the clock until voting begins, but rest assured, I want an answer well before the early voting process begins. I have never voted for a Republican in my life, do not force me to in your case.

Your opponent will be a guest on our show this Saturday, I welcome your participation as well.

I expect an answer soon.

Derek Washington

COMING UP AT STONEWALL OF SOUTHERN NEVADA & THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

HI All,

We at Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada are proud to announce that our September meeting will take place this Monday from 630-8pm at The Arts Factory 107 E Charleston 89104 @ Casino Center (upstairs). Our very special guest will be Democratic Lt. Governor Candidate Jessica Sferrazza! Please let your friends and networks know about the event so that they may come and meet Jessica and ask her your questions about her positions as she runs for the second highest office in the state.

We will also be introducing you to Daniel Leskow who is working with "LGBT for Harry Reid". He'll be giving you information on how you can help Harry Reid get reelected.

And our new "ELECT EQUALITY" staffer Genevieve Flores will be on hand to talk about what Stonewall can do to help Dina Titus win her race again.

Also on our agenda is an update on the new David Parks Library that Stonewall is working on with the Clark County Democratic party. If you're free this weekend, come on down and pick up a paint brush at the Gay & Lesbian Center 953 E Sahara to help us finish the library in time for next Wednesday's unveiling. We'll have volunteers helping 9am - 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

C'mon down for an evening with friends!

And don't forget, Saturday means it's time for The Sausage Factory!

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

Join your hosts Derek Washington, Chris Miller and Laura Martin for a show that will make you think, laugh and just maybe answer the question..."What's actually in that sausage?"

Saturday, September 11, 2010 10am to 1pm Pacific Time www.vegasallnetradio.com


Mike Rogers. Blogger, Activist and star of the Documentary "Outrage" www.blog.blogactive.com

Jon Ralston. Nevada's top political reporter, writer for the Las Vegas Sun, www.ralstonflash.com and Host of Face to Face

Progressive Political Blogger Desert Beacon www.desertbeacon.blogspot.com

Wayne Besen From Truth Wins Out www.truthwinsout.org

Brad Listi, Founding Editor of The Nervous Breakdown and Author of "Attention Deficit Disorder www.thenervousbreakdown.com

Ari Ezra Waldman our "Legal Eagle" to tell us the latest on DADT.

Don't forget our regulars... J. Webb with Sports / Ask a Tranny / Twitter Trenz

STONEWALL KICKS OFF "ELECT EQUALITY" WITH CONGRESSWOMAN DINA TITUS!

The Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada kept its tradition of throwing great parties with purpose this weekend as it kicked off “ELECT EQUALITY” with our very own Congresswoman Dina Titus who is one of the 12 winners of Stonewall's national “Elect Equality” contest.

With over 100 in attendance and DJ AXIS providing music, the home of Clark County Democratic Party Chairwoman Roberta Lange and her husband Candidate for Regent Ken Lange was packed to the rafters with enthusiastic pro-Equality Democrats! After being introduced by openly Gay Judicial candidate and Stonewall member Kristine Kuzemka we were treated to a great speech from Congresswoman Titus reaffirming her commitment to Equality and Diversity!

We also proudly announced the joint effort of Stonewall and the Clark County Democratic Party to renovate the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada's library in honor of State Senator David Parks. The Senator is the openly Gay representative who shepherded our Domestic Partnership bill into law over the veto of the Republican Governor. The Senator David Parks Library is a project that will honor President Obama's request that Americans go out into their communities and perform services that affect everyone in a positive way. A grand opening ceremony honoring the Senator will be held on September 15 2010.

“Elect Equality” has already begun with a survey of the registered Domestic Partners in Nevada to gauge what they are looking for in pro-Equality candidates and get them ready to vote and reach out to their friends to do the same. The next steps will be organizing the LGBT community throughout the state and educating them on how important each and everyone of our votes will be in the 2010 election. After that it's Get Out The Vote and on to victory!

Here's a few pictures from the event taken by a dedicated Democratic activist, Marla Turner.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2077008&id=1157866585&ref=mf






http://dinatitus.com/

http://web.me.com/roynlong/kristinekuzemka/Welcome.html

LAMBDA LUNCHEON TOMORROW!

Hi All!

Come join LAMBDA tomorrow for lunch and networking!

Stonewall will have a table to let the community know more about us. Hope you can make it!



Lambda Business & Professional Association

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Southern Nevada

April Speaker



Michael Ginsburg of PLAN

Michael Ginsburg is a community organizer with the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), working primarily in the areas of health care and LGBTQ equity.

A fierce proponent of social and economic justice issues, Michael has recently taken up the cause of eliminating unfair, antebellum Constitutional protections against taxation for the Nevada mining industry.

Michael, a native of New Jersey, has lived in Nevada since 1976 where he attended local schools and graduated from UNLV with his Masters of Science studying genetics. He lives in Henderson with his partner of 18 years, Tod.





Progressive Organization Showcase

A number of our Lambda progressive organization members and other
progressive organizations will also be represented to talk with you about their
organizations and progressive issues both before and after lunch.


Community Networking Luncheon - Open To The Public (Details Below)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 ~ 11:30 a.m.

No Reservation or RSVP Is Required

Meet and network with fellow Lambda members and our visitors.

Lambda Business & Professional Association has expanded its monthly luncheon to include all members of the community. Everyone is invited and welcome to participate. Our lunches are now an opportunity for the whole community to come together and mix and mingle with business and community leaders. The focus of our new lunches will be on community issues and involvement. Help us make our expanded lunches for all of 2010 a success by joining us for lunch and inviting a few friends or colleagues.

There is an easy link at the bottom of this page to forward this email. Help us make our monthly community lunches a success and forward this email today!

Date and Time

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
11:30am - 12:45pm

Cost

$15.00 - Cash, Check, Credit or Debit Card (payable at the door)
Includes: Brief meeting, speaker, lunch, beverage, dessert, tax, tip

Location

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant
953 E. Sahara Ave.
(Commercial Center West Side - Across Parking Lot - Far Side From the Center)

Note To All Lambda Members

Lambda Members are encouraged to bring business cards and marketing materials to include in the take home bags. Only current Lambda members can add marketing materials to the take home bags. Membership has its privileges. Please arrive early to add your information to the bags. Board members will be at the resturant by 10:30 a.m. to assist.

Not a Lambda member yet? Now is the time to become a Lambda member. Membership has it's benefits.

Questions - Additional Information

If you have questions or need additional informatin, please e-mail Paul Ershler
at paul@lambdalv.org or call him at 702-893-2088.

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA STRAW POLL RESULTS

STRAW POLL RESULTS: STONEWALL DEMOCRATS RELEASE RESULTS OF 2ND STRAW POLL ELECTION
 
Contact:
Laura Martin
Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada
Communications Director
laurakmmartin@gmail.com
702-292-1279
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Las Vegas, NV 04/06/10:  Nearly 70 people packed an upstairs gallery of Downtown Las Vegas’ Arts Factory for Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada’s April membership meeting. Two very special guests, Robin McGehee and Erin Neff inspired the crowd to fight back against bullying, harness the same type of energy the Tea Party and other seditious organizations have and use it for good and continue to call out the bias and lies printed daily in the conservative Las Vegas Review Journal. A new board was elected (results below) and we conducted our 2nd Straw Poll Election for the 2010 midterms
 
Candidates who do not have a primary opponent were not polled. If a candidate’s name is not listed on the results, it is because they received 0% or no votes.
 
In no way should these results be interpreted as an endorsement. The state Stonewall board is conducting a candidate interview process which will results in the endorsement of Democratic candidates. Southern Nevada members are free to organize and vote for any candidate of their choosing. These results serve as more of a guide for both candidates and members.
 
US Senate
Harry Reid 100%
 
US Congress CD02
46% None of the above
15% Kenneth McKenna
15% Nancy Price
15% Other
6% Denis “Sam” Denhe
 
US Congress CD03
97% Dina Titus
3% Other
 
Nevada Governor
100% Rory Reid
 
Nevada Lt. Governor
73% Paul Murad
15% Jessica Sferrazza
6% Robert Randazzo
6% None
 
Nevada Senate 7-B
55% Mark Menendo
21% Kathy McCalin
18% None
6% Other
 
Nevada Senate 8
Mark Brandon 52%
Tammy Peterson 33%
Republican challenger 12%
Other 3%
 
Nevada Senate 9
58% Benny Yerushalmi
21% None of the above
15% Steven Saxe
6% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 4
76% Gary Fisher
21% None
3% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 6
45% Harvey Mumford
40% None
15% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 7
73% Carolyn Essex
15% Dina Neal
9% None
3% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 8
58% Jason Frierson
18% None
12% Jesse Cantero
9% Other
3% Kevin Child
 
Nevada Assembly 11
Olivia Diaz 73%
None 24%
Other 3%
 
Nevada Assembly 13
64% Lou DiSalvio
21% None
9% Brian Boothe
6% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 14
48% Maggie Carlton
30% None
13% Karen Hayes King
9% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 15
37% Chernia Klevin
27% Lou Toomin
18% Elliott Anderson
15% None
3% Other
 
Nevada Assembly 18
58% Venicia Considine
21% Richard Carillo
18% None
3% Lou West Enwright
 
Nevada Assembly 19
33% None
28% Steven Brooks
18% Meghan Smith
9% Brandon Casutt
9% Scott Hafen
3% Piange B Jackson
 
Nevada Assembly 22
58% None
15% Randy Spoor
15% Other
9% Kevin Donavan
3% Zachary S. Campbell
 
Nevada Assembly 42
48% Irene Bustamente Adams
25% Sam Christos
21% None
3% Kyle Greenwood
3% Other
 
Nevada State Board of Education
64% Jose Solorio
24% None
6% Annie Yvette Wilson
6% Other
 
Nevada State University Regent 3
88% Ken Lange
9% None
3% Other
 
Nevada State University Regent 7
55% None
21% Lucille I Thaler
15% Other
9% Bob Hasegawa
 
Nevada State University Regent 12
70% Dwayne Chestnut
15% None
12% Mark Newburn
3% Other
 
Clark County Commission G
67% David Parks
33% Greg Esposito
 
District Court Department 26
75% Gloria Sturman
9% Other
9% None
6% Bruce L Gale
 
District Court Department 28
82% Ron Israel
9% None
6% John Hall Howard Jr
3% Other
 
District Court Department 30
52% Jerry Weise
27% Patricia “Trish” Palm
12% None
6% Michael Davidson
3% Other
 
District Court Department 31
64% Philip Dabney
15% Joanna Kishner
12% Joshua Kunis
6% Other
3% None
 
District Court Department 32
61% Rob Bare
27% None
6% Ellen Stoebling
6% Other
 
District Court Department S
85% Vincent Ochoa
6% Ethan Kotler
3% Greta Muirhead
3% Other
3% None
 
District Court Department T
58% Gayle Nathan
30% Carl F Piazza
6% None
3% Terrance Marren
3% Other
 
Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada election results:
Chair: Derek Washington
Vice Chair: Sandra Eddy
Treasurer: Christopher Miller
Secretary: Andrew Davey
 
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Stonewall is America's only grassroots Democratic LGBT organization. We focus on creating change in three ways: educating the LGBT community about the differences between the political parties; mobilizing the LGBT community to get out to vote on Election Day for fair-minded Democrats; and standing up when Republicans attack our families and our civil rights while we lead the Democratic party to continue improving its record on issues important to our community. For more info: http://sdcsn.blogspot.com/

RORY REID VISITS STONEWALL by Laura Martin (reprinted from Stonewall Democrats)

Rory Reid address the Southern Nevada Stonewall Democrats
Press Release - March 4th, 2010

"I am here to recruit you."

Those words spoken by Clark County Commission Rory Reid were familiar to the crowd of one hundred, packed into the Gay and Lesbian Center of Las Vegas for the Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada meeting. A cynic would accuse the Nevada gubernatorial candidate of egregious pandering. But for anyone following Rory's campaign, they'd know he has used the late Harvey Milk's words for months; in front of crowds of varying sexuality, race, age, education and social status, in all corners of the state of Nevada. He does this not to pander, or to be provocative. As Rory said during Stonewall Dems' meeting, he understands that like Harvey, and more recently President Obama, he can't just win this election, he must build a movement.

Nevada's current governor, Jim Gibbons (who is running for reelection against Rory), made his Republican pontifications over small government and low taxes a reality. In doing so, he's nearly choked the life out of the state. We are experiencing a deep depression and instead of making bold decisions to increase revenue for the state, he's cut vital services, state employees salaries (not his own of course) and even tried to eliminate the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC), the agency that oversees the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It’s the only agency in the state that resolves LGBTQ-related discrimination, and the only agency that enforces, SB207, a bill to end discrimination against transgendered persons in Nevada. This is not the first time Governor Gibbons has tried to trample on LGBTQ rights, he also vetoed SB 286, the bill allowing Domestic Partnerships in NV; a veto that was, thankfully, overridden.

Which brings me back to Rory. While he admits he does not know every detail to SB207, he strongly supports the rights of transgendered persons and feels they should have the same rights and legal avenues as everyone else if they are discriminated against. And he was appalled at the governor’s attack on NERC. Stonewall members reacted strongly to his suggestion that a study be conducted before Clark County employees are given Domestic Partnership rights. Rory insisted that he is willing to meet with and talk to anyone to provide him with more insight and understanding on the subject. His bottom line: as governor of Nevada, everyone is welcome, everyone is equal, and he will work hard to make it that way, but he needs our help.

Equality Democrats like Rory Reid need us. He needs us not to just vote for him, but to engage him, our peers, our neighbors and our friends. Rory Reid has a plan to pull this state out of this depression. Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada have been attending and hosting dozens of events each month, working to keep our majorities in all houses in all levels of government, but most importantly, to remove anti-LGBTQ bigot, Jim Gibbons from the governor’s mansion in Carson City.

We have come closer than ever before to repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, making marriage legal for everyone and getting rid of the abhorrent Defense of Marriage Act. Our hard work can not be undone by our own midterm election apathy. Rory is here to recruit you, and so am I. Please help me, and the Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada elect Rory Reid the next governor of Nevada www.RoryReid.com



By Laura Martin

Communications Director

Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada

http://sdcsn.blogspot.com/

* Email this page

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA STRAW POLL RESULTS

Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Laura Martin

Director of Communications

Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada

702-292-1279

laurakmmartin@gmail.com

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA HOLD FIRST DEMOCRATIC STRAW POLL OF 2010



Monday February 1st, the Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada held an informal straw poll during its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, at the Satay Malaysian Grille.



While this is the first straw poll of the 2010 midterm elections, it will not be the last. Several other Democratic clubs have planned their own straw polls for their membership meetings.



The straw poll was conducted by secret ballot. Ballots were counted by two Stonewall board members, and the count was observed by a member of the Clark County Democratic Party executive board.


RESULTS:


US Senate: Harry Reid 96.2% uncommitted 3.8%



Congressional District 1: Shelley Berkley 100%



Congressional District 2: Dean Heller 7.6% Democratic challenger 77% uncommitted 15.4%



Congressional District 3: Dina Titus 92% uncommitted 8%



Governor: Rory Reid 96.2% uncommitted 3.8%



Lt. Governor: Paul Murad 73.1% Robert Randazzo 7.9% uncommitted 19%



Commission District G: Greg Espisito 46% David Parks 42% uncommitted 12%


If a candidate is not listed, it is because they received 0% or no votes. In no way are these results to be construed as officially sanctioned or as an endorsement of any one candidate.


The straw poll is just one of the many ways Stonewall will engage its members and candidates as we move closer to primary and general elections this year. Stonewall continues to foster change by "educating the LGBT community about the differences between the political parties; mobilizing the LGBT community to get out to vote on Election Day for fair-minded Democrats; and standing up when Republicans attack our families and our civil rights while we lead the Democratic party to continue improving its record on issues important to our community." *



###



If you'd like more information about our straw poll and the results, please contact Laura Martin 702-292-1279 or email laurakmmartin@gmail.com


*http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/about/who

"MILLER & WASHINGTON" WEDNESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2009

On this weeks "Miller & Washington":

Legendary author, playwright & gender theorist, Kate Bornstein.

Co-Chair of the National Equality March, Kip Williams.

From the National Stonewall Democrats, Jenna Lowenstein

Out Hip Hop Records, Camilo Arenivar

And the Queen of The Las Vegas Strip, Debbie Hall with all of the latest goings on in the city that never sleeps!

8-10pm (pst) www.vegasallnetradio.com