LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Delaware Liberty Fund Voice for Human Rights |
All across America, gay men and lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons, are working harder than ever to secure their basic human rights. It is no different here in Delaware. In the summer of 1999, a small group of volunteers from the GLBT community, started meeting monthly in Wilmington to form a political action committee (PAC). At that time, no GLBT PAC's were organized in the First State. A previous PAC, Eleanor's Voice, was created a few years ago, but is no longer functioning. After several meetings, a Steering Committee was formed and officers were elected. When the necessary paperwork was filed and accepted by the State, the Delaware Liberty Fund was born. Lisa Oursler is the President, with Suzanne Long as Vice President, Nathaniel Pusey as Treasurer and Ron Schnorbus as Secretary. Six additional members make up the Steering Committee. We are trying to identify individuals from Kent and Sussex Counties who are willing to become members of the Steering Committee. We feel it is important to have representation from all parts of Delaware. Anyone interested should contact us at the number below. The Delaware Liberty Fund (DLF) seeks to survey candidates in Delaware political races, endorse those who support equal and civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trangendered persons, announce these candidates in a voter guide, and make financial contributions to their campaigns. We have already received inquiries from several candidates about meeting with members of the DLF to discuss issues that are important to us. We will set up meetings in the near future and are planning to schedule a series of afternoon coffees or teas with local candidates throughout the State. This will enable the candidates to become acquainted with GLBT community members in their homes surrounded by gay and straight friends and neighbors who support them. The straight community has used "cocktail diplomacy" for a long time. Now it's time for the gay community to do the same. Another group, the ACLU GLBT Civil Rights Project, is also active in Delaware. The DLF performs a different function than this organization. The ACLU is more involved with lobbying legislators whereas the DLF is more involved with campaign issues. Both organizations complement each other and are integral pieces of gay political activism in Delaware. A questionnaire is being sent to all candidates in July that will survey their opinions about issues important to the GLBT community such as non-discrimination in employment, housing, insurance, and public accommodations, legalizing gay unions and adoptions, and outreach for gay students in schools. The results will be summarized in a voter guide. GLBT-friendly candidates will then be endorsed and campaign contributions will be made. It is especially important to elect individuals who are sympathetic to GLBT issues since it is expected that a comprehensive bill to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation will be introduced in the Delaware legislature next year. Delaware is a small state; so a few voices and a little money can make a big difference. The DLF has begun to show its presence. About 50 supporters, both gay and straight, marched behind the DLF banner in the Millenium March on Washington. A membership and informational cocktail party was held in New Castle County on April 15th at the home I share with my partner, Preston Watkins, who chairs the Fundraising Committee. About 80 people attended. A membership party is planned for Kent and Sussex Counties on June 10th from 5 to 8 PM at our southern residence outside of Rehoboth. A fundraiser is also planned for August 5th in Rehoboth, as well as other events. Interested persons can join the DLF with a contribution of $100 or more per year. Members receive the following benefits: DLF Voter Guide, invitations to forums, events and parties, periodic e-mail updates on issues of importance to Delaware's GLBT community, an open invitation to attend monthly DLF Steering Committee meetings and the annual meeting, at which time members will elect the Steering Committee. It is our intention to raise at least $15,000 this year to contribute to political campaigns throughout Delaware. Memberships may be mailed to the Delaware Liberty Fund, 3216 Kirkwood Highway, Box 213, Wilmington, DE 19808. E-mails can be sent to DelawareLibertyFund@excite.com. A brochure describing the DLF is available from the address above. Many other PAC's are well funded and effectiveparticularly those supporting issues important to the conservative right. Please help us secure our equal and civil rights by becoming a member. Phil Cross is a member of the DLF Steering Committee. For more information about DLF or upcoming events, call (302) 633-6635. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 6, June 2, 2000. |