John Edwards Answers HRC Questionaire

John Edwards has responded to a presidential candidate survey from the Human Rights Campaign.

click here to see John Edward's responses (pdf file)

Beyond Shame: Democrats Sell Out Youth

From rhrealitycheck.org: Today, the House Democrats will waltz into the mark-up of the Labor HHS Subcommittee and proudly present a bill that puts their stamp of approval on domestic abstinence-only-until-marriage programs—an ideological boondoggle that threatens the health and well-being of America's youth.

The most appalling aspect of this sell-out is that that the Democrats will not only fully fund the worst of the failed abstinence-only-until-marriage programs—they'll give them a $27 million increase—the first in three years!

Shame on Congressman David Obey for brokering this "deal;" shame on Congresswoman Nita Lowey for agreeing to it; and shame on the other Democrats on the Appropriations Committee who have already promised not to offer any amendment that would cut funding for abstinence-only programs and thus "upset" the deal.

In one inglorious motion, the Democrats have sold the health and well-being of young people down the proverbial drain, delivered a public slap in the face to evidence-based public health, and made a mockery of their "prevention first" message.

Consider this irony. The first domestic policy the Democrats will endorse on the prevention front will be to fund abstinence-only-until-marriage programs for young people up to the age of 29! Good work, gang. You make me proud to be a Democrat—NOT!

And consider this second irony. The Democrats will now become one of the largest funders of an ultra-conservative network that is clearly hostile to its policies and candidates (See an in-depth article in The Nation.)

The funding of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs represents the worst of cynical, "inside-the-beltway" deal-making. Whose interests were protected at the expense of young people's health and lives? Whose politics were advanced by including this "sweetener" for conservatives in an appropriations bill threatened with a Presidential veto? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Now is the time for advocates to hold these Democrats accountable. It would be the height of hypocrisy to go mute when this kind of damage is done to young people because "our friends" are in power.

We cannot afford to play the "never mind" game.

Never mind the Society of Adolescent Medicine report that stated abstinence-only programs "threaten fundamental human rights to health, information and life"; never mind the congressionally-mandated Mathematica study released in April showing that abstinence-only programs simply do not work; never mind the research showing that young people who take "virginity pledges" are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Should we really ignore it all because these Democrats are "our friends" and we shouldn't publicly criticize our "friends?"

To hell with that! Over the next few weeks we need to mount a campaign to reverse this policy even if it means publicly dinging our "friends." After all, with friends like these, who needs conservative Republicans?

I urge everyone to take action. Tell the Democratic leadership that it is time to END funding for failed abstinence-only programs today!.

- Jame Wagoner

Democrats Mark 2007 Pride Season

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking the start of PRIDE Month:

"Today, we join Democrats across America in celebrating PRIDE month and honoring the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans have made to our society.

Our Party’s commitment to protecting the fundamental right of every American to live in dignity with equal rights and protections under the law has never been stronger. Since the American people entrusted Democrats to lead our nation last November, we have stood up and shown that ours is the Party that truly values all families. This year, instead of fighting back divisive, discriminatory and politically-motivated attacks in the Republican Congress and Republican state houses across the country, together we are making tremendous progress toward building a more fair and just America. Our new Democratic majority in Congress is leading the way toward enacting important hate crimes protections and passing ENDA, while new Democratic state legislatures are passing important family protections.

But our work has barely begun. We must work together to protect and expand our Democratic majorities in Congress, elect more Democratic governors and state houses, and put a Democrat in the White House in 2008. If the accomplishments of the last six months show us anything, they show that our country and our communities are stronger under Democratic leadership. As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to working together to build an America that is inclusive of all Americans, rejects the politics of fear and division, and renews our commitment to ending discrimination in all its forms.

Paul Yandura Weighs in on DNC Controversy

Below is a response to a post by Andy Tobias who responded 'unoficially' to concerns stated by Donald Hitchcock after his departure from the DNC
Dear Editor:

DNC National Treasurer and chief fundraiser Andy Tobias in his personal, not-to-be-confused-with-an-official-DNC, response to my partner Donald Hichcock’s letter confirms and agrees with two of Donald’s three substantive points. (Donald’s letter and Andy’s response follow this letter and I urge you to read both and decide for yourself.) To be fair, Andy views both incidents differently, but does not dispute the facts.

1.) He agrees that the Democratic Party, despite claming to have a strategy, gave very little money to fight the ballot intiatives, and

2) He agrees the community lost two outreach positions inside the Party.

More interesting than the personal attacks and attempts to focus on trivial points, are the substantive points the DNC chooses to ignore:

* They ignore the fact that the two GLBT outreach positions that were abolished were effectively merged into the finance department—for a total of FOUR GLBT positions currently.

* They ignore the fact that over the last year the DNC has valiantly tried to convince the community that the GLBT outreach positions had been merged into the American Majority Partnership (the new DNC constituency operation) like all of the other constituency groups that lost outreach positions. I guess the community has not been convinced so they have stopped using that talking point.

* They also ignore Donald’s substantive point concerning Dean’s statement that there was no exit-polling numbers for GLBT voters available for the 2006 elections. We are almost three months past the mid-term elections and the exit-polling is not only available but widely reported upon. I guarantee Dean knows the exit-polling for evangelicals which the DNC was proud to court over the last election.

I know that this may sound strange, but as a loyal Democrat for over 20 years I believe that the Party belongs to all of us and it is our obligation to make it better and more inclusive for all. The DNC Treasurer is being disingenuous, however unintentionally, by trying to paint my partner Donald and I as insiders with an agenda. Not because that’s not true, but because he has his own agenda: to raise as much money for Democratic Party priorities as possible. Donald and I’s agenda is to see the Party treat our community with dignity and respect and to help advance GLBT equality priorities. Sometimes those two agendas will not be in synch and, sometimes, our agenda will be counterproductive to his. But, even so, both Donald and I have refused to make this personal no matter how much easier it may be than discussing the substance.

Before contributing another gay dime you have to ask yourself two questions:

“If my ultimate goal is GLBT equality, will paying for Democratic Party priorities or GLBT equality priorities help me achieve it?

“Is it ok for our friends to just not act like our enemies, or should we demand that they act like our friends?”

I think that this discussion is of utmost importance for the GLBT community to be having.

Paul Yandura
Washington, DC

Press Release on Lawsuit Against DNC

Former Employee Sues Democratic National Committee For Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Defamation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Donald Hitchcock, former employee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), filed a lawsuit charging the DNC with violating his rights as an openly gay man, and Governor Howard Dean, DNC Treasurer Andy Tobias and DNC Deputy Finance Director Julie Tagen with defamation.

“As a lifelong, loyal Democrat I am filing this complaint against the DNC because the road to social justice sometimes demands that our political family and friends be held accountable when they do not act for the common good.”

Attorney Lynne Bernabei of the civil rights firm Bernabei & Wachtel, PLLC stated, "Mr. Hitchcock was an outstanding employee for the DNC. Unfortunately, because of his sexual orientation, he was relegated to second class status within the DNC, silenced when he raised Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community grievances internally, denied access to DNC resources and participation in DNC politics and ultimately fired after his partner voiced political criticisms of the DNC. After Mr. Hitchcock was terminated the DNC tried to silence him by knowingly making false statements about his character and performance.”

LGBT groups have criticized the DNC for failing to recognize and promote the human rights of LGBT Democrats. Among other things, they have charged that the DNC has been more concerned with keeping LGBT money flowing into DNC coffers than treating Democratic LGBT employees and constituents with the same respect given to other constituents. The DNC now has fewer openly gay and lesbian members than before the 2004 election.

Donald Hitchcock Sues Howard Dean & the DNC

Donald Hitchcock, former Director of the DNC Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council, has filed suit against Howard Dean and the DNC (Democratic National Committee claiming "discrimination and retaliation on the basis of his sexual orientation."

Hitchcock, as you may remember, was fired from the position shortly after his domestic partner Paul Yandura made public comments criticizing the DNC.

The Lawsuit makes three central claims, all of which seem to have substantial merit.

First, Hitchcock says that he was fired because of comments made by his domestic partner Paul Yandura, and that in doing so his relationship was treated differently than heterosexual employees, who historically have not been held responsible for the actions of a husband or wife. Hitchcock backs this up with specific examples of heterosexual employees who were not held to the standard he says was applied to him.

Second, Hitchcock claims that LGBT employees including himself, were paid less than their heterosexual counterparts for equal jobs with equal responsibilites. Hitchcock backs this up with two specific examples of LGBT employees being paid less than their heterosexual counterparts.

Third, Hitchcock claims that in order to justify his unjustifiable firing to fellow DNC staff members, the leadership of the DNC spread false rumors about the reason he was fired including completely fabricated charges that he made racist comments in the workplace. Hitchcock has as evidence of this DNC staff members who were told these false rumors which damaged reputation.

All in all, the facts of the case as laid out carefully in the lawsuit are compelling.

Hitchcock wrote earlier tonight on Americablog: "I expect my party to embody the Democratic values of fairness and honesty. It is important that the DNC be able to acknowledge its failings and live up to its promise to protect the human rights of the LGBT community as we move forward. To help attain this goal, I cannot remain silent on matters of policy and substance."

Howard Dean: DOMA is Unconstitutional

from WCAX News: New Hampshire Governor John Lynch says he will sign a bill making civil unions legal in the Granite State.

Vermont was the first state to do so under then Governor Howard Dean. Last week Dean said he's proud of New Hampshire for following suit and says it's a debate that should happen at the state level. "You know I don't think marriage or civil unions are national issue. I think the defense of marriage act is unconstitutional. Clearly the states have the right to make these kinds of decisions about benefits and legal relationships and that's always been the way it is. I think there should be less federal regulation not more," Dean said.

DNC Chair Howard Dean on the introduction of ENDA

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement applauding the introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit employment discrimination based on an employees' sexual orientation or gender identity:

"Today, Democratic leaders in the House took a strong step forward in the march to create a more fair and just society. For too long, qualified, hardworking Americans have been denied job opportunities, fired or faced discrimination in the workplace based solely on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Current law does not prohibit this heinous brand of discrimination. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would end this injustice by making it illegal to fire, demote or discriminate against an employee solely based on these characteristics.

"Not only is employment discrimination an affront to justice, it is profoundly un-American. The right of every American to earn a living and make his or her contribution to our society is a fundamental American value, one at the very core of the American Dream. I am proud to lead a Party that is putting our commitment to this ideal into action. While Bush Republicans have spent the last six years scapegoating our friends and family in the LGBT community for partisan gain, Democrats have already introduced legislation to protect thousands of Americans from hate crimes, and are now working to ensure equal rights in the workplace for all Americans. I urge lawmakers in both houses of Congress to pass these critical bills, and for President Bush to swiftly sign them into law."

GLCC Members Respond to DNC Op Ed

I'm including this response to Donald Hitchcock's Op Ed by request. There are some things that I take exception with. Among my concerns: these GLCC members (a group which was originally for the $2,000+ donors to the DNC) maintain that Brian Bond's main focus on the DNC is political outreach, despite the fact that this is not reflected either in his job title or in the organizational structure of the DNC), and despite the fact that we don't have concrete GLBT outreach plans I (that I know of) in place as we did under Eric Stern.

To the Editors:

Re: “Howard Dean continues to disrespect gay voters” (letter to the editor by Donald Hitchcock, Feb. 9)

For many of us who are supporters of the Democratic National Committee, we were surprised by Donald Hitchcock’s letter published last week.

As donors and community activists we have a completely different take on the recent Caucus meeting, Gov. Howard Dean’s remarks and most importantly DNC progress as a whole.

First, Dean, due to a very tight schedule, was unable to attend all caucus meetings. However, he spent as much or more time with our caucus as he did with any other caucus.

Second, he did open up the floor to questions. While there were no questions, one person from Wisconsin said, “I don’t have a question but a statement … thank you for sending money to Wisconsin to fight the anti-LGBT marriage ballot initiative.”

Third, the letter is just wrong on the number of DNC finance staff. Also, Brian Bond does only political work and no fundraising.

Fourth, Dean has treated the LGBT community extremely well. Under his leadership our community is represented at the most senior and visible levels of the party. In addition, Dean has consistently fought Republican efforts to use a federal marriage amendment to scapegoat our community.

Fifth, the attacks on DNC contributions are misleading. Let’s be clear, the primary mission of the DNC is to fund and elect Democrats. However, we encourage and applaud Dean’s willingness and leadership to invest limited federal dollars in a strategy to try and keep anti-gay referendum off the ballot.

Dean’s 50-state strategy worked. We took control of both houses of Congress and won hundreds of seats at the state and city level.

Because Democrats took control of both houses of Congress, there will be no more FMA votes and we can expect real progress on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and hate crimes legislation.

Democrats won 10 new state legislatures, meaning there are 10 fewer legislatures from which anti-gay ballot initiatives will emerge.

We now have LGBT Convention Delegate Inclusion Plans.

The DNC is helping Stonewall Democrats build their infrastructure, training state parties in LGBT outreach and coordinating with allied organizations to create an LGBT summit.

There has been and there will continue to be real progress. It is important to push our party on our issues, but as we do so, we need to be honest, accurate, and balanced in what we say, otherwise we not only lose credibility but become counterproductive to our own goals. Let us now all move forward.

BARBRA ‘BABS’ CASBAR
JERRY CLARK
JOHN KLENERT
BRUCE LEHMAN
CLAIRE LUCAS
BABAK MOVAHEDI
Washington

DNC Not Ready to Make Nice

The following op-ed was written by Donald Hitchcock, the former Director of the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council of the Democratic National Committee

After attending the recent Democratic National Committee LGBT Caucus meeting, it reaffirmed for me my reasons for standing up to Gov. Dean’s reluctance to treating our community with dignity and respect, an action for which I was fired. I claim that firing as a badge of honor.

Gov. Dean barely addressed the LGBT caucus with only 5 minutes worth of comments, and no questions from the floor. And unfortunately, his talking points had shifted from the comprehensive plan to address the anti-LGBT state ballot measures offered last year to throwing only “a little bit of money” into the states at the end of the fight. So much for the strategy to combat them that he touted in the LGBT press prior to the elections. A recent survey shows that the DNC gave states less than $20,000 in-total, despite having raised almost $2 million from the LGBT community in 2006. But we will never know the exact amount given to state groups since the DNC is embarrassed to officially release the numbers.

The most shocking revelation during the meeting was that Gov. Dean misspoke by claiming that there were no 2006 LGBT exit-polling numbers, stating that “people won’t admit that they are gay” to pollsters while walking out of the voting booth. However, as many of us know, there are indeed exit polls reporting that approximately 80% of LGBT voters voted Democratic. Obviously, either his staff still does not have access to brief him on our issues, or he is not listening. I wonder if he would address any other constituency group, not knowing this basic information.

At the meeting, LGBT finance staff and key fundraisers did sit at the Caucus table, as before, but what is different is that lately we seem to be treated solely as an ATM for the party, with our civil rights seeming an afterthought or burden. After Gov. Dean became Chair of the DNC, two LGBT political positions were abolished, and two finance positions were added, for a total now of four positions in Finance and zero in Political. Given the meeting, it’s obvious that we continue to be invited to the table, pay for the meal, but we are not allowed to eat.

I have great faith in the community to continue to ask questions, and hold our party accountable. That is the only way real progress can be made.

Sincerely,

Donald Hitchcock
Washington, DC

DNC Chair Howard Dean's Statement on New Jersey Ruling

"The New Jersey Supreme Court has spoken with respect to what the state's constitution requires. The justices handled this important issue with the diligence and sensitivity it deserves, and New Jersey's democratically elected legislature will now have the opportunity to do the same. In the wake of this decision, it remains important that New Jersey and other states continue to work through crucial questions of how best to protect the rights and benefits of all citizens and to avoid divisive efforts to scapegoat groups of people for political gain."

Gov Dean: Invite us to the Party

The following was written by Donald Hitchcock, 8/15/06

This Friday in Chicago at the biannual Democratic National Committee (DNC) meeting, Gov. Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic Party, will hopefully have his political players, senior staff, and chits lined up to give the LGBT community increased representation within the Democratic Party process by requiring that all fifty state parties include local LGBT politicos and activists in their delegation that is sent to the largest Democratic party around, the Democratic National Convention. The Democratic National Convention is where lifelong political alliances are made, state political networks sealed, not to mention where the party’s candidate for President is selected. Now it’s the LGBT community’s turn to take part in American Democratic politics by being fully represented. This could be a first step to Gov. Deans’ queer version of “The 50 State Strategy”, leaving no state behind.

Why is this important? Sadly, this election cycle finds many states left behind in Gov. Dean’s existing “50 State Strategy”. The LGBT groups fighting the anti-gay state marriage ballot measures in states such as Alabama, Tennessee, South Dakota, and South Carolina receive no help, or outright hostility, from the Democratic Party in their states. Over the years, progressive and inclusive states such as California, New York, and Massachusetts have moved forward in LGBT civil rights, and simultaneously given the national party a safety blanket and a crutch for the lack of representation of LGBT democrats in delegations from states such as Alabama, Tennessee, South Dakota, and South Carolina, however unintentionally. In 2004, 37 of the 50 states had no plans to include the LGBT community in their delegation, leading the LGBT community to represent only 5% of those attending the convention and disproportionately represented by the above coastal states. This lack of respect and dignity given at the state level has placed the DNC in the position to put out many fires, often times unsuccessfully, regarding how the Democrat state party is treating the LGBT democrats and electorate.

All good Democrats are watching to see what happens in Chicago. Will Gov. Dean deliver a fair and clear message to all state parties that they include the LGBT community? Will the back-and-forth compromised language be strong enough to hold the state parties accountable to the entire Democratic electorate? Will this increased inclusion lead to better cooperation between the LGBT community and state parties around anti-gay ballot measures? If Gov. Dean delivers (which I hope he will), can the 2008 Democratic National Convention show us a fair and accurate representation of LGBT democrats from all 50 states?

Many longtime LGBT activists working with the party know the inclusive language under debate was proposed over 10 years ago, and unfortunately continued to languish the last two years under Gov. Dean’s leadership. Party loyalists are now questioning themselves as to why such changes to bring equality and fairness are being met with such resistance from party leadership and senior staff. There have been no answers. Earlier this year, it got ugly with a leaked memo started a battle that pit one group against another. Now Governor Dean may change the tone by moving to embrace the true spirit of the “Party of Inclusion” by amending the DNC Charter and Bylaws, something, we as Democrats, control.

Technorati Profile

Alan Van Capelle Gets It Right

The Washington Blade has an excellent article entitled The Marriage Myth which dispels the myth that gay marriage cost John Kerry the 2004 election. Of course the information has been out there for a long time. Eric Stern wrote an excellent summary of the 2004 election that we posted in December 2004, but perhaps back then, it was still too close to the (painful) election for most folks to really look at the data objectively.

Alan Van Capelle (Empire State Pride Agenda) is working hard to get the facts out to Democrats and to challenge their assumptions about marriage. Here's my favorite quote:

"The Democratic party can go on the 700 Club and they can talk to Jerry Falwell and they can do all these things to court the conservative vote, and they will never be conservative enough to win their support.

But in doing so they will alienate and isolate a group of LGBT voters who otherwise would have been out in the streets and writing checks for them and hosting house parties for them, etc.”

Be sure to read the whole article here.

Dean Addresses Stonewall Dems

The following are excerpts of Dean's remarks as prepared for delivery as provided by the DNC.

"I want to start today by thanking you for standing with me. Not just through the recent controversy over my CBN interview, but for standing with me as we have fought side by side for equal rights under the law for all Americans. That fight continues, and the Democrat Party is standing with you by leading the fight against discrimination, and by helping you meet your electoral objectives this fall..."

"We live in a time when this community and your families are the targets of mean spirited attacks by Republicans who put their own and their party's interests ahead of the national interest, when the President of the United States just this morning used his weekly radio address to endorse a Constitutional amendment that would introduce legalized discrimination in our Constitution. The Democrats will oppose that."

"We are with you, helping equip our state parties against the state ballot measures and standing up to the Federal Marriage Amendment that Bill Frist and President Bush are so eager to embrace. Just yesterday, we sent an email to our entire list of 3.5 million people asking them to sign a petition calling on President Bush and Senator Frist to stop scapegoating LGBT Americans."

"We live in a time when our President thinks it is OK to fire Arabic translators in the military who happen to be gay, even though the 9/11 Commission said we don't have enough translators to fight the war on terrorism."

"It is wrong to discriminate in housing. It is wrong to discriminate in health care. It's wrong to discriminate in hospital visitations. It's wrong to discriminate in hiring. It's wrong for our tax code to be discriminatory. And it is wrong for any group of Americans to live in fear of hate crimes. We believe that every taxpayer should have the same government services and benefits as any other American."

"And, we live in a time when Pittsburgh's own -- and I mean Virginia's own -- Rick Santorum, one of the most mean-spirited and corrupt Republicans in Washington -- and that is saying something -- can rise through the ranks of the Republican-controlled Senate into a position of leadership and power."

"Unlike Republicans, who try to claim the mantle of family values, Democrats value all families.

"I am proud to lead a Party that has led the fight for hate crimes legislation, and fought for laws banning any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and on sexual orientation... And I am proud to lead a party that understands that using marriage as a wedge issue and scapegoating groups of Americans to win elections is morally wrong."

"Instead of working to provide equal rights for all and instead of engaging in that essential process in a constructive manner, Republicans like Karl Rove and Bill Frist are trying to short-circuit this process by legislating discrimination into the Constitution, converting it from a document that guarantees basic rights to one that denies them. And they are doing it all to deflect attention away from their failed leadership..."

"This is morally wrong. It hurts LGBT Americans, and it hurts our country..."

"Five months from this Wednesday, Americans head to the polls with one question in mind: do we want more of the same Bush and Republican policies? Or do we want change? Here's what we offer in the Democratic Party: We offer honest leadership and open government. We offer real security and a strong defense... We offer American jobs that stay in America and a health care system that works for everyone... We offer an energy independence industry in America that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. And we offer retirement security forge real pension reform..."

"A few Saturdays ago, Democrats across America knocked on more than one million doors with the same message in Alabama and Pittsburgh and Maine. Local Stonewall chapters were right there with us and I thank you for that..."

"We have a fundamentally American belief that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules should be able to live with dignity and respect, with equal protection under that law. No matter their race, religion or sexual orientation..."

Peter Rosenstein on Howard Dean

Washington DC Consultant and Democratic Party Activist Peter Rosenstein has a simple message in his recent Washington Blade Op-Ed: Howard Dean must go:

"I am not willing to support a party whose titular leader can go on “The 700 Club,” and, I believe, purposely misstate the party’s position. This issue has been too much in the news to believe that Dean didn’t know what the 2004 party platform actually said. And if he truly didn’t, then that is just as troubling."

Chris Crain on Dean Democrats

Chris Crain has a good post on the Blade Blog that accurately summarizes where we are with Howard Dean and the DNC. Crain joins NGLTF and HRC in describing Dean's 700 Club comment as a "deliberate misstatement" and offers two reasons why it was a mistake:

...... Dean is miscalculating the gay issue for two important reasons: First and foremost, gay Americans are fighting for their own civil rights, unlike their counterparts on the right, who are pushing to limit someone else's freedoms. One reason America's history reflects social progress by minorities despite hostility from the majority is that the minorities are far more motivated than their foes, not to mention the "mushy middle" that doesn't feel strongly one way or the other.

So by dissing gay issues, Dean abuses what could be a powerfully motivated constituency for his party, as his own presidential candidacy attests. Instead, as the party controversies of the last year demonstrate, gay Americans won't accept second-class treatment.

Second, by treating gay civil rights like just another "special interest" to be alternatively pandered to or ignored, Dean and the Dems only contribute to their party's worst image problem: as a do-nothing party without clear positions, principles or a plan.

Misleading or Just A Mistake

America online has a poll about Democratic Chairperson Howard Dean's recent comments on Christian Broadcasting Network's 700 Club. Whas it misleading, or was it just a mistake? So far more than 60% believe the statement that the DNC Platform says "marriage is between a man and a woman", was misleading, and less than 40% think it was just a mistake.

View the Poll and Vote Now

DNC: Sorely and Sadly Lacking

Both The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and The Human Rights Campaign have weighed in on DNC Chair Howard Dean's recent appearance on the 700 Club.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has returned a $5,000 donation from the DNC, which was made at the DC Leadership Awards. Matt Foreman, Executive Director, stated ""Governor Dean is wrong about what the Democratic platform says about marriage equality. Disturbingly, this is not the first time he has misrepresented this important and affirming plank, and he has been asked before to correct the record and to cease making these misleading statements."

HRC President Joe Solmonese stated "Governor Dean’s comments weren’t a mere slip of the tongue but a glaring reminder of the governor’s lack of leadership on this issue,” said Solmonese. “As we face a Senate vote in June that threatens to put discrimination in our Constitution, Governor Dean should not only have known better but he should have used the opportunity to speak out about the lack of values involved in the current constitutional debate."

Foreman also expressed disappointment in the DNC: "Governor Dean's record on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues since becoming DNC chair has been sorely and sadly lacking. The Democratic Party chair should stand by and fight for the party's own platform and values."

- Read the full HRC Statement Here
- Read the full Task Force Statement Here

DNC: You Thought it Couldn't Get Worse

Howard Dean recently appeared on Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network. He told the audience “The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says that marriage is between a man and a woman. That's what it says.”

A Picture Worth 1000 Words

2006 NGLTF DC Leadership Awards: pictured left to right, Paul Yandura of Scott+Yandura is 'Fired Up', New DNC Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council Director Brian Bond is 'Hired', Outgoing DNC Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council Director Donald Hitchcock is 'Fired', and Marsha Scott of Scott+Yandura is a 'Fire Cracker'.

click here for larger image

Deja Vou

The Hispanic Strategy Center has been formed to create a strategic 2006 outreach plan for the Hispanic Community. The Hill reports that the group was formed because those involved believe that minority outreach at the DNC won't get the job done:

“To the extent they are looking at the Hispanic vote they are doing it within the context of each state’s plan,” she said. “That didn’t go over really well with a lot of Hispanic and minority leaders around the country. State parties have been an obstacle to the real inclusion of minority groups. … There wasn’t room for what the Hispanic Strategy Center is about.”

But Luis Miranda, the director of regional and specialty media at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), explained that because the African-American, women’s and Hispanic outreach programs are part of the 50-state strategy, they are now housed in the chairman’s office, giving them greater access to committee resources.

Argh, just look at that last paragraph... substitute the name "Damon LaVera" with the name "Luis Miranda" and this is the exact same response we were given. One exception of course: When the DNC talks to the LGBT Press about the American Majority Partnership, they include LGBT outreach as part of the AMP, when they talk to the straight press about the exact same thing in the exact same way, they conveniently forget to mention us by name.

Still I think there is an important lesson to be learned here. Knowing that outreach to the Hispanic community is crucial in 2006, these folks have shifted their time, energy, and money to a new group that is going to be able to get the job done. Perhaps it's time that the LGBT community to stop banging our heads against the wall trying to fix the DNC and focus on the many organizations that are doing good work on our behalf.

Hat tip to Ramon Gardenhire for sending this my way...

Howard Dean Trys to Scapegoat Hitchcock

I really look forward to the day when we can get back to posting positive messages about what Howard Dean is doing for the LGBT Community - But it seems with every move he is just diggin himself deeper.

The Washington Blade reports today that Howard Dean has fired Donald Hitchcock shortly after Donald's partner Paul Yandura criticized the DNC.

Everyone I know who has voiced concerns about Dean eliminating the LGBT Outreach Desk at the DNC and keeping the LGBT Fundraising staff has consistently said that this is most definitely N-O-T about Donald Hitchcock, but rather about Howard Dean's appropriately staffing grassroots outreach at the DNC. I know I made a point of saying this every time I talked about the issue because I have a tremendous amount of respect for Donald and the work he does in our community.

All Dean had to do was hire or reassign one person to work exclusively on LGBT outreach with no fundraising responsibilities. Not much to ask, instead, he's scapegoated Donald and added TWO more people to the fundraising team - Brian Bond and Corey Johnson.

I honestly can't imagine a worse response to the issues we raised. The skinny is up on The Washington Blade. The anonymous source in that story tells it like it is:

"They are using Donald as a scapegoat," said the source. "What Dean should have done is bring in someone to help Donald."

Paul Yandura Open Letter

The Washington Blade has posted an article about an Open Letter to Gay Democratic Activists criticizing the DNC's work on LGBTI issues. Here are two quotes from the letter:

"For many months, a number of us have made appeals to Howard Dean and party officials to care about and defend the dignity of gay and lesbian families and friends, in the same way they defend the dignity of other key constituencies."

"All progressives need to be asking how much has the DNC budgeted to counter the anti-gay ballot initiatives in the states," he said. "We also need to know why the DNC and our Democratic leaders continue to allow the Republicans to use our families and friends as pawns to win elections."

Has the DNC Hired a Director of GLBT Outreach?

For over a year now, we have been urging the DNC to hire a new Director of GLBT Outreach. Howard Dean has stated on more than one occasion that there are not plans to do so, but today I read in the New York Post that Corey Johnson will be coming to Washington DC to work on LGBT issues for the Democratic National Committee:

Corey Johnson, who was responsible for lining up political support for (Attorney General Candidate Mark) Green, will soon leave for a post at the Democratic National Committee. Green campaign strategist Hank Sheinkopf confirmed the departure, claiming Johnson "is going on to another part of his career," as a DNC gay-politics expert.

So what's up, exactly? If I had more time this morning I would investigate, but perhaps another blogger can pick up this story and find out more.

DNC, You Can Do Better.

The DNC's latest press release takes John McCain to task for his flip-flopping position on "gay marriage". Given the current state of the marriage equality debate within the Democratic Party, I'm suprised that the DNC feels they are ready to 'cast the first stone' at John McCain. What really irks me however, is the way they talk about this issue.

Not once, ever, have I heard anyone from any of our national LGBT organizations use the term "gay marriage", and there is a very good reason. It implies that we are asking for some sort of special new type of marriage, when in reality what we are simply askin for is equal recognition of our relationships.

Of course, this press release isn't really about furthering LGBT equality at all, but rather "gay marriage" is just used as as a wedge issue to try and separate McCain from some of his more progressive supporters.

This just suggests to me, once again, that the DNC is out of touch with the LGBT movement. I'm tired of being used as a wedge issue. The DNC had an important opportunity here to clarify their own position on equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, and to move this discussion forward. They didn't take advantage of that opportunity though, and once again, I find myself disappointed with Howard Dean's DNC.

Harsh Words From Deb Price

Deb Price has some harsh words for Democrats in her latest Detroit News Column (Read the whole article here).

"A decade ago, the Democrats had no qualms about driving straight over those of us who're gay when they thought hurting us might help them win votes. Apparently, times haven't really changed -- or at least the backward mindset of many political strategists hasn't."

Personally, I think this article reflects the growing frustration many LGBT folks are feeling with the Democratic Party, particularly around marriage equality. The article once again raises the question of whether or not support for marriage equality is the new 'litmus test' for the Party and for candidates.

I'm not a big fan of 'litmus tests', but I do think that Democrats need to find new ways to talk about the issue, and to make a place under the tent for Democratic candidates who support full equality for same-sex couples.

I also think people are more likely to share their frustration publically because they just don't feel as 'connected' to the Democratic Party as they used to. The DNC just isn't as visibile as it used to be with a full time staff person working on LGBT Outreach. The DNC wouldn't be facing nearly as much public criticism from the LGBT Community if they had not eliminated the "Director of GLBT Outreach" staff position at the DNC, once held by Eric Stern.

Gays, Dems Hit Rough Patch

The Bay Area Reporter has an excellent and in-depth article about the DNC's decision to eliminate the "Director of GLBT Outreach" staff position written by Bob Roehr.

Stonewall Calls for Appointment of DNC LGBT Political Adviser

Eric Stern is Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats, the voice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. He previously served as the Director of LGBT Outreach for the Democratic National Committee during the 2004 election cycle.

National Stonewall Democrats calls upon the Democratic National Committee to immediately appoint a senior LGBT political staff person as part of its American Majority Partnership to implement electoral strategy and advise the Chair of the DNC.

Moving forward...

Former Out for Dean co-chair Chris Cooper has written a memo which outlines some of the community concerns regarding the elimination of the "Director of GLBT Outreach" position at the DNC, and makes the case for a full-time LGBT Field staffer at the DNC headquarters. This of course has become a rather heated topic. I hope this memo will help move the discussion forward in a positive, constructive manner.
Download the memo as a PDF file here

PS: In addition to being a brilliant PR man, Chris can occassionally be found on the weekends DJ-ing at the historic Stonewall Bar in NYC

DNC Annual Grassroots Report Omits Any Reference to GLBT Americans

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) released their Annual Grassroots Report today to the public. The document does not mention any outreach to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community. In fact, in stark contrast to previous DNC reports on grassroots outreach, the document fails to even mention GLBT Americans by name.

Attacking the Messenger?

Ramon Gardenhire's piece about the elimination of the "Director of GLBT Outreach" staff position at the DNC is making it's way around the internet. In addition to Keith Boykin's post (see below), I've noticed it at Jasmyne Cannick, My Left Wing, and Refinish69.

In the meantime, at least one person at the DNC appears to have decided that instead of listening to the concerns being raised by grassroots GLBT activists, the best response is to attack the messenger. DNC Political Director Pam Womack left at least one state party official with the impression that Ramon Gardenhire was just a disgruntled ex-employee. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I genuinely hope this is just a miscommunication, but I find this news troubling. Ramon of course has made many contributions to the Democratic Party and to the LGBTI Community. He currently serves as co-chair of the Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus. He is giving voice to concerns many of us have been voicing over the past year. I for one, am grateful for his efforts.

Keith Boykin

Keith Boykin has a post about on his blog about the recent decision to eliminate the "Director of GLBT Outreach" position at the DNC.

"To be honest, I am not surprised by this latest move by the Democrats. To be perfectly blunt, I have lost nearly all faith in the Democrats. I've been a lifelong Democrat, but I think the party has been led by a bunch of spineless cowards who are too afraid to do the right thing. "

Read the whole article here.

Howard Dean lied to gay Democrats

Ramon Gardenhire, the former deputy director for GLBT Outreach for the Democratic National Committee, has written an op-ed for the Washington Blade regarding the DNC GLBT Outreach Director Vacancy. In the article, Ramon explains how Howard Dean lied to GLBT Democrats:

WHAT’S EVEN WORSE than the DNC’s disservice to gay Americans is the fact that Howard Dean lied on this very issue. During his campaign to become DNC chair, Dean stated in a questionnaire from the DNC Gay Caucus that, if elected, he would retain the office of GLBT outreach.

Kudos to Ramon for standing up and speaking truth to power.

DNC: E-Patriots Becomes E-Fundraisers

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) relaunched their E-Patriots program today. Unfortunately, they appear to have axed the grassroots organizing component of E-Patriots, and are relaunching the program as a fundraising-only tool.

DNC Outreach Post Q & A

I've seen a lot of discussion online about Howard Dean's discussion to eliminate the position of 'GLBT Outreach Director' at the DNC. One of the more disturbing posts was Mike Roger's post at www.blogactive.com.

Here are a few points I would like to make about the recent decision, in Q & A form.

Question: Shouldn't we give the new plan time to work?

Answer: We have given the new plan time to work. Almost a year, in fact. I've been blogging about this issue ever since the Spring of 2005. There has only been one Pride at the Polls e-mail in the past year, virtually none of the outreach at GLBT conferences and events that we've had in the past, and no hard strategy for getting out the GLBT Vote in 2006.

Question: Isn't this just about a guy in DC losing his job?

Answer: No, not at all. This is not about any particular person. In
fact, the old Director of GLBT Outreach, Eric Stern, resigned to take another job. This is about the fact that with Eric Stern at the DNC and a more concentrated eye on GLBT Outreach, there were 400,000 more GLBT votes for Kerry in 2004 than there were for Gore four years earlier. This is about the fact that GLBT folks are the second most loyal voter base for Democrats (second only to African Americans), and the second highest donor base for Democrats (second only to Labor) in 2004. The DNC has a lot to lose by ignoring GLBT Voters.

Question: Do we really need to focus on GLBT-specific Voter Messages and outreach?

Answer: Yes. The 'one size fits all' political message strategy is a
thing of the past. In order to maximize our voter base, we have to find specific messages that resonate with our voters. That means finding what messages appeal most to different communities. In the last presidential election, more than 4.6 million self-identified GLBT voters cast ballots in the presidential race. Is it worth crafting messages that will resonate with 4.6 million voters? Of course.

Question: What about the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council?

Answer: The Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council is primarily a fundraising tool for the DNC. Most of these members have given thousands of dollars to the DNC in the past year. The GLCC is NOT designed for GLBT Voter outreach. In fact, it was the members of the GLCC who formerly requested a Director of GLBT Outreach almost one year ago.

Hope this helps clarify things... DM

Vacant: DNC Director of GLBT Outreach

There has been a lot of discussion on the web about Howard Dean's decision to eliminate the Director of LGBT Outreach position at the DNC. I noticed that the e-mail I sent out made it's way to the MyDD Blog and was also posted up on DailyKos. The story was also posted on Bruce Garrett's Blog and Wayne Besen. Be sure to check out some of these sites and post your comments.

Howard Dean Eliminates GLBT Outreach Staff at the DNC

As most of you know, Eric Stern resigned as Director of GLBT Outreach at the DNC back in February 2005, when he became Executive Director of the Stonewall Democrats. Unforunately, his old position has remained vacant.

The Gay and Lesbian Americans Caucus of the Democratic National Committee made it clear that they would like to see a new GLBT Outreach Director selected. In their statement they asked that the DNC “pledge to maintain and fund at least one full-time senior-level position of Director of GLBT Outreach at the DNC, whose primary responsibility will be policy and organizing.”

Well today we have our answer. From the Washington Blade:

"Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean has abolished the Democratic Party’s constituent outreach desks, including the post of director of lesbian and gay outreach."

"Gay Democratic Party activist and fundraiser Jeff Soref of New York City said he resigned from the DNC and from his position as chair of the gay caucus in August largely because of Dean’s decision to eliminate the gay outreach desk."

Be sure to read the whole article.

See our last blog post on this topic from May 2005 here.

Dean on Fire Island

Howard Dean was in Fire Island this last weekend for a fundraising event targetting the LGBT Community. The New York Blade writes:

The former governor of Vermont and Democratic presidential candidate will visit the home of Brandon Fradd on Saturday, July 9. His mission: to put the fire under the troops and drum up some cold cash. “We are hoping to raise a lot of money,” Dean told the Blade.

You can read the whole article right here. It's clear that the DNC is interested in getting gay dollars, but sadly, they seem less interested in getting out the LGBT vote. Unfortunately, Eric Stern's old position (Director of LGBT Outreach) remains vacant.

Vacancy at the DNC

As most of you know, Eric Stern resigned as Director of GLBT Outreach at the DNC back in February, when he became Executive Director of the Stonewall Democrats. Unforunately, his old position remains vacant.

That same month, the Gay and Lesbian Americans Caucus of the Democratic National Committee made it clear that they would like to see a new GLBT Outreach Director selected. In their statement they asked that the DNC “pledge to maintain and fund at least one full-time senior-level position of Director of GLBT Outreach at the DNC, whose primary responsibility will be policy and organizing.” (article)

At this point it is unclear if there are any plans at the DNC to appoint a new Director of GLBT Outreach. It's been three months. How much longer are we going to wait?