This weekend here at The Leaf, we spent our time in Austin for the 1st biennial Texas Stonewall Caucus Conference. The Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus is celebrating it's 10th anniversary as the LGBT wing of the Texas Democratic Party.
In the shadows of the Longhorns, we descended on the Doubletree Club hotel. Our Friday evening arrival, in Austin's horrific I-35 rush hour traffic, brought us to Austin City Hall for an opening reception in the lobby. Let us just say, Austin's City Hall is a magnificent work of art and also functions as an art gallery itself. We were welcomed by Austin Stonewall President Rich Bailey who then opened the floor to National Stonewall Executive Director Jon Hoadley and Equality TX Executive Director Paul Scott. Both were happy to have so many Democrats coming for the conference. Paul Scott announced more than 400 registrants were signed up for March 2nd's Lobby Day, which is double the previous attendence! (We hear it may be closer to 500 as of today).
The keynote speaker of Saturday's luncheon was Matt Foreman, who is a long time activist and former director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. We were also joined by out Austin Councilmember Randi Shade, and the Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Ritchie.
Wonderful breakout classes were in between our eating and drinking. JD Angle spoke on how to work with your elected officials. Jesse Garcia spoke about how to increase chapter memberships. And so on.
Elected officials also spoke to us, most of whom were gay. Houston City Controller, and future Mayor, Annise Parker was there, along with Fort Worth Councilmember Joel Burns, Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, Dallas County District Clerk Gary Fitzsimmons, and San Antonio candidates Chris Forbich and Elena Guajardo. Our surprise of the forum included Houston Mayor Bill White, who is running for US Senate once KBH is gone! It was refreshing for us to hear yet another Democratic Senate candidate from Texas tell LGBT people how much they matter. Where was John Sharp? Hmm.
We welcomed out Congressman Jared Polis of Colorado to a reception Saturday evening, and he keynoted the Sunday brunch. Congressman Polis is a great example of hard work and overcoming hardship as a 33 year old gay Jewish man winning a Congressional seat in suburban Colorado. He is an inspiration to many in Stonewall Democrats.
Overall the first conference went well. We are sticking around for Lobby Day on Texas Independence Day March 2nd. Equality TX needs your help if you have not already registered. So join us to talk to our legislators in Texas.
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