Queer 101 Recap

Yesterday The Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada hosted Queer 101. The legislators that participated were, Stonewall member, State Senator (7) David Parks, Assemblyman (10) Joseph Hogan, Assemblyman (41) Paul Aizley, Assemblywoman (21) Ellen Spiegel. A surprise addition to the panel was Assemblyman (18) Mark Manendo who showed up and asked. Every one of the empaneled legislators was also a Stonewall endorsed candidate. They were joined by members of the community: Judy Cox and Allan Lichtenstein (ACLU-NV), Dawn Christensen (Stand Out for Equality), Lauren Scott (NITRO of Nevada), Launce Rake (PLAN) and community activist Donielle Twitty-Allen.

The program started with a greeting by me as Stonewall Chair and The Pledge of Allegiance lead by, Stonewall endorsed candidate and Stonewall member, Judge Kathleen Delaney (Dept. 25). [Judge Delaney was invited to be on the panel, as she worked with Assemblyman Aizley in writing Bill Draft 792, but declined for reasons of professional conflict. As judges must remain above reproach we totally understand but I wanted to makes sure that she got credit for her tireless efforts. We thank her.] After a few opening remarks by me, I introduced Vice-chair Jane Heenan who gave a charge to the assembled concerning our letters (LGBT) and the Queer Community. Jane's talk was evolutionary and inspirational. She then introduced moderator Jon Ralston.

When I went about constructing the framework for Queer 101, I took the opinion that, the right people placed in the right position create something greater than the parts. In this respect I asked Jon Ralston to moderate Queer 101. I have seen him in action in the community many, many times and he is the best at what he does. Whenever he asked about format and participants, we discussed things over and I always deferred to his experience. As a major player he brought together a loosely constructed event and turned it into a lively, provocative and exciting event. With much sincerity and gratitude I say THANK YOU Jon Ralston. [He also stayed longer even though he had a family conflict. Whatta guy:)]

Jon kept the legislators on their toes and then moved to the community activists and lobbyists, and then to a combined panel. It was most interesting, educational and motivating.

This was followed by a Q&A, where as a member of the audience, Clark County Democratic Party Chairman, John Hunt, made an impassioned speech about Democrats, and LGBTQ Democrats in particular, seizing the day legislatively because we cannot know if opportunities will ever be greater. A special shout out to John for making an empowering speech at our event. Hunt, YOU ROCK!

After Q&A the forum disbanded and then something very unusual happened. People from many diverse parts of the community networked and moved into ad hoc meetings. I was part of the Clark County Black Caucus/HRC/Stonewall group. It was wonderful to see Yvette Williams, the chair of the CCBC, grab a copy of the list of LGBTQ legislation and tell me that they are behind us. [As an aside, Yvette has placed me on the State Democratic Party's Committee on Diversity, which she also chairs.] Having André Wade, a hugely charming and effective African American member of the NV HRC Steering Committee, get together with Yvette is what these things are all about.

Personally, I want to thank each and every one of the people that came together to make this happen. Too many to mention but all very much appreciated. It is what Stonewall is meant to do. We did it well.

As a part of the greater LGBTQ community, we now move into a supporting role for the next great effort. Stand Out for Equality is hosting the LGBTQ Lobbying Days in Carson City during the Legislature April 21 and 22. I will be making a motion at the next board meeting, this Wednesday Janusry 28th, that Stonewall participate in a major way.

Stay tuned, The Gay (and you know I mean LGBTQ) Pride Parade NEVER ENDS!