Stonewall Democrats to Honor Heroes
Delaware Stonewall Democrats will hold their annual picnic and party on Saturday July 24 from 5-7 p.m. The event will honor three individuals for their commitment to equality for all.
Delaware’s largest LGBT political event, it is attended by statewide, county and local Democratic elected officials. This year, the honorees are Governor Jack Markell, State Senator Dave Sokola, and activist Barbra “Babs” Siperstein.
Delaware Stonewall President Mitch Crane of Lewes says, “In his first year in office Governor Markell signed legislation granting all citizens the right to be visited by whomever they please in a nursing home or hospital, used his influence to gain passage of a landmark bill adding discrimination protection for gays, lesbians and bisexuals in public accommodations, housing, employment and insurance, and enacted an executive order prohibiting discrimination in state government based on gender status.“
Sen. Dave Sokola of the Newark area will be honored for sponsoring and guiding Senate SB 121, the landmark law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. The bill failed to be enacted for over a decade, but Sen. Sokola’s commitment and perseverance got the job done. Sen. Sokola used his skills to line up a coalition of progressive senators that threatened to use parliamentary maneuvers to thwart another attempt to kill the bill.
The club will also honor New Jersey resident Babs Siperstein, the first transgender person on the Democratic National Committee and co-chair of the National Stonewall Democrats PAC Board. She has served as President of NJ Stonewall and is a founding member of Garden State Equality. She served in the Army Reserves from 1964-1970, owns a business with one of her daughters and takes great joy in her grandchildren.
Also at the July 24 event, the first two scholarship awardees of the Dr. James D’Orta/Barbara Gittings Scholarship Fund will be announced. The scholarship is awarded to Delaware LGBT youth dedicated to public service.
The event will be held in the beautiful and spacious backyard of the home of Dr. James D’Orta, 123 Silver Lake Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Hors D’ouevres, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available—and it’s always a fascinating and fun event.
Tickets are $35 for the event or $60 for the event and membership to the organization. Sponsorships in the amounts of $125 (2), $250 (4) and $500 (8) are available which provide entry and memberships. Sponsors will be featured in advertising and event literature.
While tickets may be purchased at the door, you can mail a check to DE Stonewall Democrats, PO Box 1024, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971. Include your address and email information. This will speed up entry to the event—getting you to the food, beverages and fun faster!
Delaware Stonewall Democrats is an organization dedicated to promoting and securing equal rights for all Delawareans.
For information contact Larry Hooker at rehohook@comcast.net.