Posts by Joel McDonald
New Chairperson and Executive Board Elected for LGBT Democrats of Virginia
Of note, Maggie Sacra, the caucus chairperson for over a decade, opted not to run for re-election to this office. Instead, she will remain on the board as the Immediate Past Chairperson and also serve as Assistant Treasurer. Longtime board member Joel McDonald, who has served as Vice Chair for Technology and Communications and the Vice Chair for Technology, will serve as Chairperson.
Read MorePassing the Baton, but Still Keep’n On
For the last fifteen years I have served on the Board of the LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia as an elected member, first as a Treasurer (2009-2011), part of the time acting as Chair, and then as the Chairperson (2012-2023). We have grown a great deal during this time, and we’ve weathered lots of changes. Ones that probably would have resulted in the demise of a less resilient and strong organization, COVID being a recent example. I could not be prouder of the amazing group of Board members that I’ve shared this ride with for the past fifteen plus years.
Read MoreAn Almost Return to Normal in 2022, the Work for Equal Rights and Protection Continues
When I sat down a few days ago to write this letter, I looked at letters from the past. I read through them thinking how different our 2022 was from our 2019, 2020, and 2021. So many things have changed in our lives over the past few years. Now that things are getting back to ‘normal’, we have almost completely gotten back to our previous activities. Hopefully, by next year we will be back to pre-pandemic schedules and events!
Read MoreHappy Pride!
While Pride is celebrated with parades and festivals, we have to remember that it didn’t start this way. It was a protest; a roar demanding our rights.
Read MoreBoard of LGBT Democrats of Virginia Elected for 2019-2021 Term
With the nominations for positions on the board of LGBT Democrats of Virginia not having any contested offices and being within the number of members allowable according to the bylaws of the organization, all nominees have been elected.
Read MoreJennifer Boysko Endorsed by LGBT Democrats of Virginia in 33rd District Special Election
LGBT Democrats of Virginia endorses Jennifer Boysko in the special election to fill the seat being vacated by Congresswoman-Elect Jennifer Wexton in Virginia’s 33rd Senate District. Boysko has a strong legislative record on issues important to LGBTQ Virginians.
Read MoreHistory was made last night
Democrats ran in a number of races unprecedented in recent history, challenging incumbent Republicans in 56 House races and winning 16 of those races without any incumbent Democrat losing their seat. Virginia Democrats also swept statewide races.
Read MoreEquality, Pride, and Unity on Display at 2017 Equality Breakfast
The breakfast was an opportunity for Virginia Democrats to come together to celebrate and advance equality, pride, and unity following a passionate primary season. The breakfast was the first event of the day for Virginia Democrats which included their quarterly Central Committee meeting and their annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, a major fundraising event for the Party.
Read MoreTickets and Sponsorships Now Available for 2017 Equality Breakfast
We’re excited to let you know that we’ll be hosting our almost-annual Equality Breakfast on June 17, 2017! The breakfast will take place before the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Central Committee meeting. As you probably know, this is the same weekend as the DPVA’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner, so we expect tickets to the breakfast to go fast! Our last breakfast sold out quickly. Don’t miss out, get your tickets today.
Read MoreNew Responsibilities and Fresh Faces on LGBT Democrats of Virginia Board
LGBT Democrats of Virginia elect officers to the organization’s board in March of odd-numbered years. Participation in the election is open to any person with an active membership on January 1st. This year, thirteen board members were either re-elected or elected. One Board member was elected to a new position. There is one new addition to the Board.
Read MoreVolunteers Needed for DPVA Booth at State Fair
We’re using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming shifts for volunteering at the DPVA booth at the State Fair of Virginia. Don’t forget everyone that volunteers gets a free ticket to enter the fair. Plan your day so that you will have time to take in the sounds, food, and events at the State Fair either before or after your shift.
Read MoreVideo: 2015 LGBT Democrats of Virginia Equality Breakfast
The LGBT Democrats of Virginia hosted their annual Equality Breakfast on December 5th, 2015 in Richmond, VA. The guest speaker for the event was Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. Master of Ceremonies was Virginia State Senator Donald McEachin. Special guests included Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney and Gavin Grimm.
Read MoreJoint Statement from LGBT Democrats of Virginia and DLOV on Week After Orlando Attack
We stand together because we are stronger together. DLOV, the LGBT Democrats, and our allies will work every day to amplify issues that afflict our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, and in November, we will elect public officials who will work to further our vision for the future.
Read MoreHillary Wins Virginia Primary
As United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton advocated for LGBT equality in the U.S. and abroad, saying, “gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.”
Read MorePresident Obama first to add the L, B and T to LGBT in State of the Union
President Obama becomes the first President to use the words “lesbian”, “bisexual”, and “transgender” in a State of the Union Address. He also gives a few other nods to the LGBT community while attempting to inspire Americans to lead the world economically, academically, and in acting on climate change.
Read MoreRemembering
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Here are a few events throughout Virginia you may want to attend in recognition of this day.
Read MoreOn Marriage Equality: Yes for Warner. No for Gillespie.
In their first, and perhaps only, debate held in West Virginia on July 25, 2014, with about 800 live stream viewers, Democratic Senator Mark Warner and his Republican challenger, Ed Gillespie, discussed most of the current hot button political issues, including immigration, climate change, and health care reform. They also, briefly, discussed marriage equality. It was the last question of the debate.
Read MoreDemocrats Care About People
Joel McDonald spoke at the March 2014 Central Committee meeting of the Democratic Party of Virginia on the progress the Party has made toward marriage equality and hope for the future. Video and transcript included.
Read MoreLGBT Democrats of Virginia Meets with Mayor Dwight Jones
This past Monday, a delegation from the LGBT Democrats of Virginia, met with Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones to discuss his lack of support for marriage equality. After the meeting, the Mayor released a statement where he said, “It would be my honor to lead the party in seeking full equality under the law, which everyone deserves.”
Read MoreNearly 800 Virginians Sign Petition Supporting Pro-Marriage Equality DPVA Chair
Nearly 700 people have signed the petition and letter in the 48 hours since the petition was launched. The number includes 71 Central Committee members who will vote on the new chair on March 15th. 40 local party chairs and other officers also signed onto the effort.
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