Stonewall Democrats

Stonewall Democrats, officially known as the National Stonewall Democrats, is an American political organization that serves as a LGBTQ+ advocacy group within the Democratic Party. The organization is named after the Stonewall riots of 1969, which are widely considered a watershed moment in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The group's primary focus is to promote LGBTQ+ rights and ensure representation within the party structure.

History

The National Stonewall Democrats was founded in 1998 by LGBTQ+ activists who wanted to strengthen the voice of the LGBTQ+ community within the Democratic Party. Since its inception, the organization has worked to advocate for policies that advance the rights and interests of LGBTQ+ individuals, and it has played a crucial role in mobilizing LGBTQ+ voters during elections.

Objectives and Activities

The main objectives of the Stonewall Democrats include:

• Advocating for LGBTQ+ friendly legislation at local, state, and national levels.
• Supporting Democratic candidates who are committed to LGBTQ+ rights.
• Increasing the participation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Democratic Party.
• Educating the public and party members about LGBTQ+ issues.

The organization conducts a variety of activities to achieve these goals, including voter registration drives, educational campaigns, and lobbying efforts. They also endorse candidates who show strong support for LGBTQ+ rights and work to hold elected officials accountable for their positions on issues important to the LGBTQ+ community.

Impact and Influence

Over the years, the Stonewall Democrats have had a significant impact on the policies and priorities of the Democratic Party. They have been instrumental in pushing for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ rights in the party's platform and have helped elect numerous LGBTQ+ individuals to public office. Their efforts have contributed to major legislative successes, such as the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Chapters and Membership

The National Stonewall Democrats have chapters across the United States, each working at the state or local level to address specific regional issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. Membership is open to anyone who supports the mission of the organization and wants to participate in its activities.

See Also

• LGBT rights in the United States
• Democratic Party (United States) platforms
• LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the United States