While Under Attack, We Organize: Executive Board Elected of LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia

As the Trump Administration attempts to destroy any trace of diversity, equity, and inclusion from the federal government and society at large, communities must organize to push back and work to maintain these values and ensure that our nation does not devolve into a place where only the existence and contributions of those within the historically privileged majority are recognized and protected by the laws of the land. We must also work to limit the power and influence of the obscenely wealthy in our politics and government. Our government should work for We the People. All of us.

The LGBTQ+ community is under attack by the Trump Administration. Our transgender neighbors, friends, and family members are being targeted, erased, and ostracized. Lifesaving gender-affirming care and HIV prevention and treatment are being withheld due to Trump’s actions. The federal government’s history of Stonewall under Trump is being rewritten. The question of national marriage equality is making its way to an unfriendly Supreme Court. There can be no expectation of safety for any within the LGBTQ+ community while Trump is president. No doubt more harm will come.

In this atmosphere, LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia, the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia, announces the election of officers to its Executive Board. With no more than one candidate filing to run for any office, the Nominating Committee overseeing the election declared all candidates who filed by the deadline elected.

The newly elected or re-elected officers are:

• Joel McDonald, Chairperson
• Joseph Gaborow, Vice-Chair for Membership
• James “Jimmy” Lewis, Vice-Chair for Communications
• Deanna Bayer, Vice-Chair for Candidate Endorsement
• Charles Unger, Secretary
• Cindy Bray, Treasurer
• Isaac Amend, At-Large
• Nicholas F. Benton, At-Large
• Charley Conrad, At-Large
• Bob Martin, At-Large
• Brian Reach, At-Large
• John Whitley, At-Large

Maggie Sacra continues her service on the Executive Board as Immediate Past President. You can learn more about board members at https://lgbtvadem.org/about/board/.

“We exist to represent and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community within the Democratic Party of Virginia while working to support pro-LGBTQ+ Democratic candidates at all levels of government in the Commonwealth,” shared Joel McDonald, Chairperson. “I know many in our community feel frustrated by a system—often seen as limiting, ineffective, and unresponsive—and question whether parliamentary procedures, committee meetings, or lawsuits can truly combat the harm Trump is causing. Still, we must fight on all fronts. We have seen real change benefiting our community by advocating within the system, supporting candidates, and educating elected officials. Our involvement doesn’t excuse the system’s flaws; it betters and positions the Democratic Party to protect our community. We invite those ready and able to join us—now more than ever.”

Several offices are vacant as they were without candidates. These offices are:

• Vice-Chair for Outreach
• Vice-Chair for Technology
• Vice-Chair for Development
• Vice-Chair for Elections
• 3 At-Large Seats

An application is open on our website at https://lgbtvadem.org/board-application for anyone seeking to serve in an open position on our Executive Board. Complete descriptions of each office can be found in our Bylaws at https://lgbtvadem.org/about/bylaws. Questions about applying can be sent to [email protected].