FAQ

Want to know more about the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats?  Click on one of the questions below to find out more!

What is the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats?

What is important about Pinellas County?

Is there a strong LGBT community in Pinellas?

Why is it important to get involved?

How can I become a part of the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats?

What is the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats?

The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County is a newly-formed group committed to organizing the Pinellas County’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Democrats. The chapter is an affiliate of the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) and the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus.

NSD is America’s only grassroots Democratic LGBT organization. It has more than 90 local chapters across the nation and is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Members of the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats automatically become members of the National Stonewall Democrats.

The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus represents the GLBT arm of the Florida Democratic Party and has 10 chapters across the state. It is building a statewide grassroots effort to organize the state’s large population of GLBT voters.

What is important about Pinellas County?

Unlike most Florida counties that are either solidly Democratic or Republican, Pinellas is considered a “swing” county. There is only a 1% difference in the number of registered Democrats and Republicans in the county. However, there is also a large block of unaffiliated voters in the county who we need to educate and motivate to support our candidates and issues.

Pinellas County is seen as a progressive county and county voters generally support Democrats in national elections. In the 2004 presidential election, George Bush received only 226 more votes than John Kerry. In 2000, Al Gore beat George Bush by 15,805 votes.

However, the local prospect is not as good for the LGBT community. Pinellas County tends to vote Republican in local, state and congressional elections. While Betty Castor received over 36,000 more votes in Pinellas than Mel Martinez in the 2004 Senate election, local voters also gave strong support to two Republicans in the three congressional districts that are part of this county. Of four state senate districts in the county, only one is held by a Democrat. Of eight state house districts, only two are held by Democrats. Today, the tide is against us – but not for long.

Is there a strong LGBT community in Pinellas?

We know there is a strong LGBT community in Pinellas. We see it at St. Pete Pride, at the film festival, in the business community, and by the outraged voices from this side of Tampa Bay when the Hillsborough County Commission banned recognition of Gay Pride.

Based on analysis of the 2000 Census, Pinellas has a large number of same sex households in our area communities. Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulfport, Largo, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg all rank high on the “gay index” of same sex households. We are a significant part of Florida’s 1,250,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population. 

 When the LGBT community and our progressive partners are organized, we make a difference in elections. The Pinellas Stonewall Democrats are anxious to:

●  Educate our community and our allies about issues that affect our lives;

●  Mobilize voters to support fair-minded Democratic candidates; and

●  Stand up to Republican attacks on us, our families, and our rights.

 Together, we can have a real impact on who represents us -- locally, in Tallahassee and in Washington.

Why is it important to get involved?

There are major differences between Democrats and Republicans. Every day, elected officials and party leaders make decisions and develop strategies that directly impact our lives.

 We must elect leaders who understand our community and who will represent us on such issues as: equality and protection from discrimination, legal recognition of LGBT families, and access to healthcare. We need leaders who will: protect the environment, ensure fair treatment of workers, and safeguard a woman’s right to choose.

As Floridians, we know how important it is to make sure every vote counts, and the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats know how important it is to increase the number of registered Democrats, and increase the visibility of LGBT Democrats as elected officials and as appointed members of local and state boards and commissions.

If you also believe these things are important, then join the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats today!

How can I become a part of the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats?

Any Democrat registered to vote in Pinellas County who is supportive of the mission of the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats can become a member or associate member.

Activities are being planned in conjunction with Democratic Party needs, elections, and chapter business. In November, the chapter joined with other Stonewall groups across the nation to raise money to help retire Pennsylvania’s homophobic senator, Rick Santorum, in the 2006 election.

Pinellas Stonewall Democrats meet the third Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Pinellas Democratic Party Headquarters at 2250 First Ave., N., in St. Petersburg. Try a meeting and become aware of how you can help make a difference in who represents us and how they vote on issues that affect us.

For more information about the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas and our meetings, contact Rick Boylan by e-mail by clicking the Contact Us link on this page.