Tag Archives: Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Craig Watkins backs marriage equality, proposes domestic partner registry

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Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins addresses Stonewall Democrats of Dallas on Tuesday as President Omar Narvaez, right, and Jay Narey look on.

Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins came out in support of marriage equality Tuesday and proposed that the county establish a domestic partner registry similar to one administered by Travis County.

Watkins, a two-term incumbent who is facing a possible challenge in next year’s Democratic Primary from former Judge John Creuzot, addressed Stonewall Democrats of Dallas during the group’s monthly meeting at Ojeda’s Restaurant on Maple Avenue. Watkins delivered what appeared to be his standard stump speech to the group’s membership, and he didn’t mention LGBT issues. But he spoke to Dallas Voice in an exclusive interview after the meeting.

“This is America, and we shouldn’t discriminate against anyone for whatever reason, and so I think it’s a disservice for us as Americans to say that just because you are a certain lifestyle, that you can’t have the same rights as someone else,” Watkins told the Voice. “I think it goes towards, you know, when we were going through the civil rights movement, issues that we dealt with back then, which, basically, I can understand very clearly because of who I am. … “

“It goes back to quality of life issues, and as a DA, I’m responsible for improving the quality of the lives of all of the citizens I represent,” Watkins said. “I’m the lawyer for everybody in Dallas County, and so I can’t be against something that will make your life better. So I’m for whatever we need to do in Dallas County to make the quality of life better, and in my opinion to have that —marriage equality and the registry — it makes lives better for citizens of Dallas County.”

Continue reading “Craig Watkins backs marriage equality, proposes domestic partner registry” »

—  John Wright

Stonewall Dems finalize City Council endorsements without discussion

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Garland mayoral candidate Delores Elder-Jones speaks at a Stonewall Democrats of Dallas meeting March 19. (John Wright/Dallas Voice)

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas ratified its full endorsement slate for City Council races without discussion or objections at Tuesday’s general membership meeting at Ojeda’s.

The endorsement are: Delia Jasso in District 1, Adam Medrano in District 2, Claudia Meyer in District 3, Jesse Diaz in District 5, Monica Alonzo in District 6 and Bobby Abtahi in District 14.

Among the speakers at the meeting was Delores Elder-Jones, who is running for Garland mayor. She’s running against three other candidates. Incumbent mayor Ronald Jones is not seeking re-election.

Elder-Jones said she was running so in Garland “we can be inclusive of everyone.”

“When I’m mayor of Garland, you can be that Garland will be a city that recognizes LGBT citizens,” Elder-Jones said.

She said she would work to change the city’s policies to protect against LGBT discrimination in and help provide domestic partner benefits for the city’s employees.

Arturo Sierra, who is running as an openly gay DISD trustee candidate in District 7, said he would work to help the district offer DP benefits, which it currently cannot do.

“I will push for same-sex benefits across the board,” he said.

Sierra has two challengers in the race, including incumbent Eric Cowan. The district covers North Central Oak Cliff and parts of West Dallas.

Kim Morris, the new executive director for the Dallas County Democratic Party, also spoke briefly about her new role. She said she wants to get Democratic clubs like Stonewall more involved in the party.

—  Anna Waugh

WATCH: Congressman Marc Veasey calls for LGBT immigration equality

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Democratic Congressman Marc Veasey addresses Stonewall Democrats at Ojeda’s on Tuesday night. (John Wright/Dallas Voice)

Comprehensive immigration reform must include equal rights for same-sex binational couples, Congressman Marc Veasey told Stonewall Democrats of Dallas on Tuesday night.

“Any bill we pass does not go far enough if same-sex language is not included,” Veasey said. “It absolutely has to be necessary.”

President Barack Obama also supports including a provision in immigration reform to allow gay Americans to sponsor their immigrant partners for legal residency. However, key House Republicans are opposed to the idea, setting up a potential showdown over the issue.

Veasey, a freshman Democrat who represents North Texas’ newest congressional district, pointed out that he became the first member of Congress to bring a DREAMer to the State of the Union last week.

“I support the president 100 percent on the principles that he’s laid out,” Veasey said, referring to Obama’s immigration reform proposals.

Continue reading “WATCH: Congressman Marc Veasey calls for LGBT immigration equality” »

—  John Wright

Faced with $30K shortfall, National Stonewall Democrats goes ‘on hiatus’

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Jerame Davis

National Stonewall Democrats is officially “on hiatus,” Executive Director Jerame Davis said in an exclusive interview with Dallas Voice on Monday.

The organization suspended operations on Jan. 1 but plans a relaunch for 2014.

“A lot of decisions are being made,” Davis told the Voice. “It’s likely our office will be closed for most of this year.”

Davis continues to work as an unpaid volunteer and will use the current office in Washington, D.C., at least through the end of the month.

Local and state chapters will continue to operate normally. Stonewall Democrats of Dallas President Omar Narvaez said his group’s regular monthly meeting is Jan 15. He described the Stonewall as very grassroots, operating from the bottom up, and said locally nothing will change.

In an email to members in early December, Davis warned the organization was facing a $30,000 deficit and might be forced to close if the money was not raised.

Davis became executive director of National Stonewall Democrats in December 2011 and inherited the organization’s debt.

“We’ve never raised enough money out of dues alone to keep the organization going,” he said.

Continue reading “Faced with $30K shortfall, National Stonewall Democrats goes ‘on hiatus’” »

—  David Taffet

Stonewall Democrats kick off week of LGBT holiday events tonight

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Stonewall Democrats of Dallas will kick off the holiday party season with their annual holiday bash tonight.

Members will gather at the Round-Up Saloon on Monday for treats and the presentation of awards. Lunches with elected officials will also be auctioned off for a chance to dine with Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, Sheriff Lupe Valdez, Judge Gena Slaughter and Judge Tonya Parker.

Donations for the group’s Santa’s Helpers Drive benefiting Legacy Founders Cottage will also be collected at the party. Needed items include socks, razors, toilet paper, paper towels, disposable forks and spoons, cleaning supplies, latex gloves, depends, soap and body wash.

• Don’t miss the Cedar Spring Merchants Association’s The Holidays on Cedar Springs Wednesday, Dec. 5, featuring live music on TMC: The Mining Company’s patio and the Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m.

• The GLBT Chamber of Commerce’s Holly Jolly Ball is 7 p.m. Thursday at Avneu Lounge, 2912 McKinney Ave. Proceeds benefits the chamber’s Leadership Education & Advocacy Program (LEAP).

• Metroplex Republicans will host its Christmas/Hannukah Party Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at President Rob Schlein’s home, 5502 Bent Trail.

• Also on Friday, is HRC’s DFW Federal Club’s Holiday Gala, complete with drinks, jazz and dancing beginning at 8 p.m. at Dallas Contemporary, 161 Glass St.

• Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats will serve up cheer at its holiday party Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. The party will be at the home of Julie and Dick Abrams, 4301 Briarhaven Road in Fort Worth. R.S.V.P. to felipetx76@gmail.com.

—  Anna Waugh

Stonewall Democrats endure taunts from motorists at Election Day rally

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Stonewall Democrats President Omar Narvaez, left, leads the group’s traditional Election Day get out the vote rally at the Legacy of Love Monument on Tuesday.

Members of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats, including a few elected officials, rallied this morning at the monument at Oak Lawn Avenue and Cedar Springs Road to get out the vote in an Election Day morning tradition. They stood on the chilly street corner for two hours during rush hour.

Many people driving down Cedar Springs Road honked and waved. Some driving on Oak Lawn Avenue also waved but others coming from the direction of Highland Park shouted epithets. One stopped, rolled down his window and yelled, “Get a fucking job.”

The Stonewall member standing nearest that car said he was self-employed and thought he was entitled to get to work a little late. He said he thought voting and getting people to the polls was important.

But other Stonewall members said it was a sad indication of how polarized the country’s become. Stonewall President Omar Narvaez said because they support Democrats, Republicans think their next stop is a government office looking for handouts.

Among the rally participants was Judge Tina Yoo. Because of her position, she cannot support a candidate, so her sign carried a simple “get out the vote” message. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson’s campaign manager stopped by with donuts for the rally crew.

Stonewall and other groups will host an Election Night watch party beginning at 7 p.m. at the Round-Up Saloon. The first statewide returns from the East Coast, including swing state Virginia, should be announced at 6 p.m. Texas early voting totals will be announced shortly after polls close at 7 p.m.

—  David Taffet

Stonewall Dems to host watch party for 1st presidential debate at Pekers

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Rob Schlein, president of Metroplex Republicans, says he believes Romney will win the debate because Obama is not prepared.

The first debate between President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney — which some are calling a make or break moment for the GOP nominee — is Wednesday night in Denver. And the focus of the 90-minute affair will be domestic policy, meaning there’s a decent chance moderator Jim Lehrer will ask a question about marriage equality or some other LGBT issue. Either way, local gay Democrats plan to gather at Pekers on Oak Lawn Avenue for a watch party. From the Facebook page:

FREE EVENT — You know you’re going to watch the Debate between Pres. Barack Obama and that other guy… so why not enjoy it with other progressives and help us cheer President Obama FORWARD!

The watch party will be at Pecker’s 2615 Oak Lawn Dallas, TX 75219. The debate begins at 8CST. We will have some Obama merchandise for donations and a great time will be had by all!

For more questions please contact info@Stonewalldemocratsofdallas.org.

On the gay GOP side, Metroplex Republicans President Rob Schlein said he’s planning to watch the debate at home. Thomas Purdy, president of Log Cabin Republicans Dallas, couldn’t immediately be reached.

“Do I think it’s make or break? I think [Romney is] going to do just fine, and I think it’ll help him a lot,” Schlein told Instant Tea on Monday. “I don’t think Obama’s prepared. He has not done his debate prep, because he thinks he’s all that.”

Sounds like it’s on.

—  John Wright

Dallas, Tarrant County Stonewall Dems endorse in general election

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Marc Veasey

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas members voted unanimously Tuesday to endorse state Rep. Marc Veasey for Congress and municipal court Judge Phyllis Lister Brown for district judge in the general election.

Stonewall had endorsed other candidates in the primary, but Veasey and Brown won their runoffs. Veasey is running for the new Congressional District 33 and Brown is seeking election to become judge of the 162nd civil district court.

At last week’s Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats meeting, the group voted on a slate endorsement of the Democratic ticket in Tarrant County with a special mention of Veasey, state Sen. Wendy Davis, Nicole Collier in House District 95, Lon Burnam in House District 90 and Chris Turner in House District 101.

Tarrant Stonewall doesn’t endorse in primaries, so President Felipe Guttierez said the special mention just highlights the group’s strategic plan to get those Tarrant County candidates elected.

—  Anna Waugh

Lesbian TX House candidate Ann Johnson to visit Dallas on Tuesday

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Houston attorney and Democratic House candidate Ann Johnson will hold a fundraiser in Dallas on Tuesday while she’s in town for the North Texas Children’s Law Symposium.

Johnson, who focuses on child advocacy cases in her private practice, is among the presenters at the symposium and will lead a discussion on the decriminalization of child-trafficking victims, talking about the minor she represented in the 2010 case, In re. B.W., heard before the Texas Supreme Court.

Johnson is the Democratic candidate in Houston’s House District 134. She will face one-term incumbent Republican Sarah Davis in November.

New Leaders Texas is hosting a fundraiser for Johnson on Tuesday evening. The organization endorsed and funded Mary Gonzalez, but is now shifting its attention to Johnson after Gonzalez won her primary. Gonzalez is unopposed in November.

If Johnson wins, she and Gonzalez will be the first two LGBT women elected to the Texas House — and the only LGBT members of the Legislature.

“New Leaders Texas is dedicated to changing the face of Texas leadership,” said Brian Stansbury, the president of the board of New Leaders Texas. “Electing Ann Johnson will be an important step in achieving that goal. Ann will fight to make Texas a better place for all Texans, and we believe it is important to give Texans from across the state an opportunity to step up and support Ann in this election.”

The fundraiser is Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Stoneleigh P restaurant, 2926 Maple Ave.

People who attend the event will be asked to donate $100 and hosts are expected to donate $250. A suggested minimum donation is $50. Equality Texas Executive Director Dennis Coleman is among those listed on the host committee.

While Equality Texas has not endorsed in the race yet, as both Johnson and Davis have expressed interest in working with the organization, Coleman said his support is personal, having met Johnson before.

For more information, email info@newleaderstexas.org or call 512-591-8683.

—  Anna Waugh

CORRECTION: Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsed Domingo Garcia in runoff for CD 33

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Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsed former state Rep. Domingo Garcia in the Democratic Primary for Congressional District 33 and in the July 31 runoff against state Rep. Marc Veasey. A story in Friday’s print edition said otherwise, and we regret the error.

Early voting begins Monday, July 23, and runs until Friday, July 27, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. For a list of early voting locations and times, go to DalCoElections.org or TarrantCounty.com/evote.

Read our full story about the runoff in CD 33 here.

—  Anna Waugh