Washington, DC – January 21, 2008 – The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, the largest LGBT political organization in the District, submitted written testimony to the Council of the District of Columbia in support of the Clinical Trials Insurance Act of 2007. Below is the text of the testimony.
Testimony of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club In Support of Bill 17-469, The Clinical Trials Insurance Coverage Act of 2007
Councilmember Mary Cheh
Committee on Consumer Affairs and Public Services
Chairman
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 108
Washington DC, 20004
January 16, 2008
Dear Councilmember Cheh:
The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, the largest LGBT political organization in the District of Columbia, supports the intent of Bill 17-469, the Clinical Trials Insurance Coverage Act of 2007. We believe that this legislation will have a meaningful impact on the LGBT community in the District.
This legislation will bring the District on par with several other jurisdictions and will ensure that all participants of clinical trials are treated fairly and equitably. A study provided by the American Cancer Society suggests that a lack of insurance coverage is often a barrier for some patients who would otherwise be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. In one specific survey, sixty percent (60%) of cancer patients said they feared having their insurance denied as a major reason for not signing up to take part in a clinical trial.
]]> This legislation has the potential to impact the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the District. A recent report released by the District of Columbia HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Annual Report 2007 finds that the HIV rate in the District is 128.4 cases per 100,000 as compared to only 14 cases per 100,000 nationwide. According to the Report, 27% of new HIV-positive cases in the District were within the LGBT community. Many of these individuals are eligible to participate in clinical trials and should be afforded the full range of opportunity to participate through coverage from their respective insurance provider.
Enacting Bill 17-469 will go a long way in moving the District of Columbia forward. It is a fair-minded bill that will improve the quality of life for LGBT citizens and all resident of the District. For these reasons the Stein Club offers its full support of Bill 17-469.
]]>Washington, DC – January 16, 2008 – The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club (Stein Club), the largest LGBT political organization in the District, held a presidential endorsement at a packed meeting on January 14, 2008.
In order to receive an official endorsement from the Stein Club, a candidate must receive at least 60% of the vote. No one candidate received this minimum percentage during the first ballot, and the Stein Club voted not to have a run-off vote. Therefore, the Stein Club will offer no formal endorsement in the Democratic presidential primary race.
Official Results
Senator Hillary Clinton received the majority of votes from Stein Club members present, 38 votes for 51%. Senator Barack Obama received 31 votes for 41%. John Edwards received 4 votes for 5%. The remaining 3% was for 2 write-in candidates.
]]>Representatives from the Clinton, Obama, and Edwards campaigns spoke on behalf of the candidates. In addition, designated Stein Club members spoke on behalf of each candidate.
Stein Club President Mario Acosta-Velez stated, "Many members of the Stein Club are actively involved in various Democratic presidential campaigns. Although the Club offered no formal endorsement, it is clear that our members will continue to support the candidates and become more active in the campaigns. As we approach the selection of DC delegates, the Club will continue to promote the inclusion of GLBT representatives in the delegate slates the candidates will send to the National Convention in Denver, Colorado." DC Democrats will hold caucuses to slate delegate candidates on January 19. On February 12, DC, Maryland and Virginia will hold presidential preference primaries.
The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.
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President called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM
Approval of August Meeting Minutes
Approval deferred until November 19, 2007 meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer presented financial report for consideration.
President’s Report
The President thanked members for participating in the 30th Anniversary celebration through which the club raised more than $10,000. About 100 people attended the event.
Vice President for Political Affairs Report
The VPPA announced that he is working with an analyst to review the membership survey data and will make a presentation at the November meeting.
Guest Speaker: Councilmember Kwame Brown
Councilmember Brown spoke about his economic development priorities for the District and stated his intention to include members of the LGBT community in development plans throughout the city. He also touched on other priority areas such as domestic violence, affordable housing, and neighborhood support. He committed to a more regular dialogue with the club and would like to see us participate more in economic development issues.
Club member Phil Pannell raised the issue the of the Nationals’ vendor procurement policy. Discussion of this issue and a review of the documentation provided by Mr. Pannell led to the Councilmember’s commitment to work on ensuring that the Nationals’ policy is LGBT inclusive and in accordance with the District’s Human Right Act.
ENDA Legislation: Update and Discussion
The Executive Committee unanimously agreed to join the United ENDA coalition in support of a “gender identity” inclusive ENDA. Jon Hoadley of the Stonewall Democrats presented information on the status of ENDA and the legislative advocacy approach that the Stonewall Democrats have developed. He engaged members in a discussion about the language of the different ENDA versions, and the reasons why Stonewall has taken a position. The club passed a resolution in support of an inclusive ENDA bill but with opposition to withholding support of a non-inclusive bill. The club also resolved to write a letter to Congresswoman Norton thanking her for her support.
Office of LGBT Affairs Update
Chris Dyer provided an update on the Office of LGBT Affairs. He announced the November 3rd Economic Development summit and encouraged members to participate.
Election of Officers Process
Officer elections will be held on November 19. All members in good standing are eligible to run.
New Business
Club member Peter Rosenstein introduced a motion to restrict membership requirements to registered Democrats in the District. He will provide language to be considered at a special meeting in December.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM
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President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Approval of July Meeting Minutes
Minutes were unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer presented financial report for consideration.
President’s Report The President abbreviated his report to accommodate the guest speaker. He thanked Chancellor Rhee for making time to address the club and committed to working with her in support of the Administration’s education reform goals.
Vice President for Political Affairs Report
The VPPA distributed copies of the membership survey results. He is working with an analyst to review the data and will make a presentation at a subsequent meeting.
Guest Speaker: Chancellor Michelle Rhee
Chancellor Rhee addressed the club and provided an overview of her background and experience. She spoke about her work in education reform and the vision that she shares with the Mayor. She highlighted key areas that she intends to address including the DCPS work culture, attitudes among staff, and broken internal systems. She spoke candidly about the issues that she believes have been the result of complacency within the system such as the disrepair within school buildings and facilities themselves.
Several club members brought forward issues such as inclusive curriculum development, health education, HIV prevention, and the development of gay-straight alliances. She acknowledged that the culture within DCPS has significant homophobia throughout. She spoke about the degree to which teachers and administrators allow homophobia (passively and intentionally) into the classroom. A huge challenge for her administration will be working within the culture to ensure that personal views do not impact classroom performance. The Chancellor committed to work on developing strong training, but did not specifically commit to other approaches. She also acknowledged that several of her top officials are gay and that she intends to meet with organizations such as SMYAL to gather ideas about changing the system and culture.
Office of LGBT Affairs Update
Chris Dyer provided an update on the Office of LGBT Affairs. He intends to work with the Chancellor’s office on several initiatives. He also spoke about the upcoming transgender job fair and deployment of Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit officers at the MPD.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM
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November 28, 2007
To: Beverley Wheeler
DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Dear Ms. Wheeler:
The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, the largest LGBT political organization in the District, strongly supports the proposed Health Standards that the DC State Board of Education is seeking to implement. We believe that the process for developing the recommendations has been an open one and that a broad spectrum of the community has been engaged and their input has been sought and included in the final report. Specifically, we appreciate the LGBT community being included in the development process.
A recent report released by the District of Columbia HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Annual Report 2007 finds that the HIV rate in the District is 128.4 cases per 100,000 as compared to only 14 cases per 100,000 nationwide. According to the Report, 27% of new HIV-positive cases in the District were within the LGBT community, which is unacceptable. We believe that these health standards are a positive step in ensuring that all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity will have a clearer understanding with regard to sex education and all the information they need to stay safe and healthy. Since one in 20 people are infected with HIV or AIDS in the District, the District is facing a health crisis; therefore, providing comprehensive sex education in schools will go a long way toward stemming that crisis.
Specific sections of the report that we would like to highlight are:
We agree with the grade 6 section that states: “Explain that people, regardless of biological sex, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and culture, have sexual feelings and the need for love, affection and physical intimacy.”
We also agree with the grade 6 recommendation that states: “Explain the benefits of abstinence, postponing sexual behavior, and setting limits on sexual behavior.”
We agree that the curriculum for Grade 7 should “discuss the importance of consistent and effective contraceptive use.”
We agree with the inclusion of this for Grade 8: “Define sexual orientation, using correct terminology; and explain that as people grow and develop they may begin to feel romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of a different gender and/or to people of the same gender.”
We agree with the inclusion of this for Grade 8: “Compare and contrast the theories about what determines sexual orientation, including genetics; prenatal, social, and cultural influences; psychological factors; and a combination of all of these.” We believe that this is based in sound science and that discussing the determinants of sexual orientation openly and honestly will better enable students of all sexual orientations to better understand and respect each other.
We do propose one addition. Under the Glossary section where it states discrimination as “Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, and/or sex,” we propose the inclusion of the words “sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.” This would be consistent with what is currently in place under the DC Human Rights Act.
For the above reasons described, the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club strongly supports the proposed Health Standards that the DC State Board of Education seeks to implement and if we can be of assistance in any way, do not hesitate to contact us.
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The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States. ###]]>In a letter sent to the Nationals’ President, Stan Kasten, the Stein Club informed the Nationals that its nondiscrimination policy did not include all protected classes covered by the DC Human Rights Act, especially LGBT protections such as sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Stein Club urged the Nationals to revise its policy to ensure it complies with the DC Human Rights Act and promptly distribute the inclusive policy to the public.
]]> “We have asked the Nationals' leadership to ensure a prompt distribution of a revised nondiscrimination policy inclusive of LGBT protections and all DC Human Rights protections. This is an extremely important issue for the Stein Club and the LGBT community, and we have begun to work with the Nationals to accomplishing this goal,” said Mario Acosta-Velez, Stein Club President.We would like to thank Stein Club member Phil Pannell for bringing this important issue to the Club's attention and for his ongoing advocacy on this issue. We would also like to thank Councilmember Kwame Brown, who has been working with the Stein Club to ensure the Nationals review its nondiscrimination policy.
To read two articles published in the Washington Blade and city Paper, click on:
The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.
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]]>Below is the text of the letter sent to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
]]> October 16, 2007
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Norton:
The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club would like to thank you for your strong support of H.R. 2015, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. This important legislation would protect workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, with exceptions for small employers, certain non-profits and state and local government employees. Nevertheless, this legislation will protect the majority of the labor force from being denied employment for their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Stein Club is particularly concerned that protections based on gender identity be won and your leadership on this feature of the bill is much appreciated.
As this legislation moves through the legislative process we hope that you can continue to work with your colleagues in the House of Representatives to strive for the best possible legislation. We value your long standing friendship with the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club and we stand ready to assist you in this effort in any way we can.
Again, thank you for your leadership.
The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.
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]]>Christopher Dyer is a longtime member of the Stein Club, and served as its Secretary in 2006. During his tenure as Interim Director, Mr. Dyer attended every Stein Club meeting and event, and worked closely with the Stein Club on several important initiatives such as the DC Voting Rights, the MPD's GLLU, and in meetings with Mayor Fenty and high-level officials from the Fenty Administration.
]]> The Stein Club actively worked with the City Council to ensure the establishment of a permanent Office of LGBT Affairs within the DC Government. The Office of LGBT Affairs plays an important role in addressing critical issues impacting the District's diverse LGBT community."We commend Mayor Fenty for appointing a permanent director and continuing his support for the Office of LGBT Affairs. The appointment of a permanent director strengthens the important role of the office and allows us, as a community, to move forward with confidence to address the issues facing our community," said Mario Acosta-Velez, Stein Club President.
"We also look forward to further building our strong collaboration with Director Dyer and continuing our work to improve the quality of life of LGBT residents in the District of Columbia," concluded Acosta-Velez
Click on the following link to read a story published in the Washington Blade: Washington Blade Article
The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.
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]]>Cheryl Spector was one of the most active community leaders dedicated to documenting the history, accomplishments, and contributions of the LGBT community in the District. She demonstrated unwavering commitment to building our community, mentoring leaders, and supporting many LGBT initiatives. The Stein Club joins our community in remembering Cheryl Spector and her life.
]]> "Cheryl Spector was an inspiration and a role model for many of us who work to advance LGBT rights in the District and our nation. We will miss her energy, leadership, and, above all, her friendship," commented Mario Acosta-Velez, Stein Club President.Click on the following links to read articles about Cheryl Spector published in the Washington Blade and Metro Weekly:
The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.
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]]>Event Information: (Please note change in date)
31st Anniversary and Leadership Awards
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Woman's National Democratic Club
1526 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Ronald R. Collins - Assistant Secretary to the Council of the District of Columbia
Wanda Alston Democratic Service Award
Ronald R. Collins currently serves as the Assistant Secretary to the Council of the District of Columbia. From November 19, 2001 through January 1, 2007, Mr. Collins served in the Cabinet of former Mayor Anthony A. Williams as Director of the Office of Boards and Commissions. He has also served as the Agency Chief Contracting Officer for the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department; the Chief of Staff and Agency Chief Contracting Officer for the Department of Health; and the Deputy Director (Acting) and Chief of Staff, respectively, for the Department of Human Services. Mr. Collins is an elected member of the D.C. Democratic State Committee (Ward 6), where he also serves as Recording Secretary, and a longtime member of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club.
Jose Gutierrez - Founder and Director of the Latino LGBT History Project
Heil-Balin Community Service Award
Jose Gutierrez, a longtime human rights and AIDS activist nationally and locally, is the founder and director of the Latino GLBT History Project, the only organization that investigates, documents, preserves and educates about the history of the Latino LGBT community in Washington, DC. As part of 2007 Capital Pride, Jose Gutierrez organized "20 Years of Struggle," a successful forum that highlighted the history and contributions of the Latino GLBT in DC and attracted more than 100 participants. In 1996, the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization, (LLEG0) recognized him with an award for his multiple contributions to the Latino LGBT communities. Jose was the recipient of the Capital Pride Hero Award in 2005, published a book titled AIDS in my letters, and currently serves on the Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee.
Kathleen DeBold - Former Executive Director of the Moutner Project / Interim Executive Director of SLDN
Justice Award
Kathleen DeBold has spent much of her adult life working for social justice. As Interim Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, she is helping to end discrimination against and harassment of LGBT military personnel. From 1999-2007, she served as Executive Director of the Mautner Project, the National Lesbian Health Organization and the Washington-DC area's lifeline for LBT women with cancer. As Deputy Director of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund she helped qualified openly gay candidates win their elections- including DC Council members Jim Graham and David Catania. DeBold has also advanced our issues through volunteer service on numerous Boards and Committees including the National Stonewall Democrats, National LGBT Health Coalition, Consumers United for Evidence-Based Healthcare, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Breast Cancer Action and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
American Civil Liberties Union - National Capital Area
Richard Rausch Equality Award
The ACLU of the National Capital Area (ACLU-NCA), both specifically on its own behalf and as part of the national American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has used legislation, legal action and public education to support and defend the rights of LGBT individuals in many important areas such as: foster parenting and adoption, domestic partnership legislation and its expansion, marriage cases in Maryland (still ongoing), expansion of D.C.'s landmark Human Rights Act to include gender expression and identity as a protected class, passing and refining Montgomery and Prince George's laws against discrimination, securing anti-discrimination protection in Maryland state law (and safeguarding it against referendum), and successfully lobbying the Montgomery County Board of Education to adopt an honest curriculum concerning sexual orientation. Each year at Capital Pride, the ACLU-NCA now brings an increasingly large contingent of straight people marching to support GLBT rights.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.steindemocrats.org/LeadershipAwards
If interested in serving on the Host Committee or becoming a sponsor, please contact Mario at Steinclubdc@aol.com
The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting GLBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.
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To become a sponsor, please contact Mario at steinclubdc@aol.com
]]>Minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report was accepted.
President’s Report-
Pride activities were discussed as well as the Pride Reception at HALO Bar.
Vice President’s Report-
Plans for Policy Survey were discussed.
Guest Speakers:
Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. addressed the club membership to present his views and vote on the displaced businesses legislation introduced by councilmember Jim Graham. The Council Member took questions for 20 minutes.
Guest Speaker Eric Lerum-Chief of Staff for the Deputy Mayor of Education, discussed education issues and the upcoming confirmation hearing for Chancellor Michelle Rhee. It was announced that Tuesday, June 19th was her confirmation hearing date.
Richard Cory, representing the Chancellor’s Office, was also present and took questions from members.
Phil Pannell requested that Stein holds a reception for Michelle Rhee, welcoming her to the new position. He suggested holding it with the Korean Grocers Association, or possibly PFLAG, or Pride DC.
Chris Dyer gave an update on the Office of GLBT Affairs.
• Discussed transgender job fair
• Informed group that Sgt. Wallace was the new LGBT Liaison for Fire/EMS
• Mandatory diversity training for all city employees is going to happen
• Discussed GLUU re-deployment
Rick Rosendall made a motion to support the MPD’s GLLU as a centralized unit (current status) and oppose any efforts to decentralize it. Motion passed.
Phil made a motion to purchase two tickets at $35 each to the DC Federation of Democratic Women event. Motion passed.
President mentioned that the Stein Club would have a presidential debate watch party on July 23.
There was a resolution to honor Richard Rausch by creating the Richard Rausch Equality Award. The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm.
President called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM
Approval of March 12 and April 9 Minutes
Minutes were approved unanimously
Treasurer’s Report was approved unanimously
President’s Report
The President thanked members of the Stein Club who participated in the Voting Rights March. The President reported on the event’s success and also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of DC Vote.
The President acknowledged Lee Brian Reba, a Stein member who received the Metropolitan Police Department’s Medal of Merit from Chief Cathy Lanier. Lee Brian was recognized for his contribution to protecting the safety of a female assault victim along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
The President acknowledged Clark Ray, a Stein member who was recently appointed to serve as the Director of the Office of Community Relations and Services for the District.
The Vice President for Political Affairs discussed the upcoming email survey about the Stein Club’s policy priorities.
Membership Committee Report
The Secretary discussed the Club’s upcoming membership campaign and acknowledged the efforts of Sean Robertson who has offered significant pro-bono services in the development of membership materials. The campaign will highlight outreach at all upcoming Pride events.
Update from Councilmember Jim Graham on Bill 17-109, The "One-Time Relocation of Licensees Displaced by the Ballpark Amendment Act of 2007"
Steve Hernandez from Councilmember Graham’s office provided an overview of the legislation and addressed questions from members. This Bill, introduced by Councilmember Graham, would grant a one-year equity period to allow the displaced commercially zoned businesses to relocate to any other commercial zones.
Councilmember Graham also addressed the Club and clarified the intent of the legislation. The Councilmember acknowledged that this Bill would clear some of the hurdles for the bars and clubs that were displaced, but would not entitle them to a waiver of the ABC process which can be cumbersome. The Club voted to support Bill 17-109.
Temporary Adjournment (8:20-8:30 PM)
Remarks by Mayor Adrian Fenty
The Mayor thanked the Stein Club for championing LGBT issues and being a strong voice in the District. He acknowledged the importance of appointing open LGBT members of the community to positions in the District Government and specifically acknowledged Clark Ray.
The Mayor highlighted LGBT youth, Voting Rights, Education, HIV/AIDS, and other pressing issues for the LGBT community. He committed to working with individual members of the community and organizations to address needle exchange, CDC funding for HIV programs, and issues pertaining to LGBT inclusive policies in DC Public Schools.
Mayor Fenty also committed to working with the Stein Club to identify members of the community who are qualified to serve on Boards and Commissions and in other appointed capacities.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Richard Rausch was an advisor and confidant to Stein Club leaders for many decades and a force to be reckoned with within the Stein Club and the DC political community. He served as the first openly gay member of the Democratic National Committee from the District of Columbia, Vice-Chair of the DC Democratic State Committee, and Chair of the Ward Six Democrats.
"Our community, and the entire DC political community, has lost a valued friend, a wise advisor and most of all, a fighting progressive. We miss Richard already, but we re-commit ourselves to fighting for the values and causes he held so dear," commented Mario Acosta-Velez, Stein Club President.
]]> The Stein Club, founded in 1976, is a membership organization dedicated to growing the political participation, representation, and visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the District of Columbia's political process. It is also the local organization of National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from all across the United States.###