LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia joins National Stonewall Democrats

LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia, the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia, joined the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats. The caucus was accepted as a member of the national organization on Monday, March 24th.

Founded in 1998 to unite and coordinate the efforts of LGBTQ+ Democratic organizations nationwide, National Stonewall Democrats ceased operations in 2013. Earlier this year, the organization was re-launched in response to a second Trump administration and current issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.

“The challenges facing LGBTQ+ Americans today underscore the need for a bold and unapologetically progressive action, especially given the uncertainty we face with the incoming Trump administration,” said President Jeremy Comeau in an announcement of the new group’s formation just days before Trump’s inauguration. “We are united in our mission and we are unapologetically committed to that work.”

During the initial iteration of National Stonewall Democrats, Virginia was represented by the Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club, the precursor to the caucus. In 2013, Virginia Partisans and the caucus merged to form what is now LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia.

“Our caucus joining the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats feels like a natural continuation of our historic work and an expansion of our efforts to coordinate nationally through the Democratic National Committee and presidential campaigns,” shared caucus chairperson Joel McDonald. “We look forward to what we hope will be a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership.”