News

Delaware Stonewall is proud to endorse one of their own, State Senator Sarah McBride, in her historic effort to become the sole congressional representative in the United States Congress.

Delaware Stonewall PAC, which for the past 20 years has advocated on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, is proud to endorse one of our own, State Senator Sarah McBride, in her historic effort to become Delaware’s sole congressional representative in the United States Congress.

Sen. McBride’s leadership in Delaware has shown our state first-hand the value of working together despite our differences. As a state senator, McBride has passed legislation expanding access to healthcare, implementing mental health and media literacy education in public schools, and advancing climate-conscious technologies. In her ambitious first term, Sen. McBride successfully shepherded the landmark Healthy Delaware Families Act into law, providing paid family and medical leave to workers throughout the state. In her campaign, she has demonstrated her commitment to curbing gun violence, ensuring that the economy works for the working class, and guaranteeing access to reproductive healthcare, all issues that disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community and people of color that Delaware Stonewall PAC represents.

We have no doubt that Sen. McBride will imitate her early successes as a legislator in the Delaware General Assembly within the halls of Congress. She has demonstrated a remarkable ability to work with others to bring communities together and enact legislation that recognizes the inherent worth of everyone.

While national discourse regarding the rights of LGBTQ+ community has been toxic, Sen. McBride’s historic candidacy to become the very first trans member of Congress is a beacon of hope for young Delawareans and other LGBTQ+ youth across the country. Sen. McBride’s candidacy is a shining example of the First State’s promise for all to live out their full potential. She possesses precisely the skills we need in Congress. Delaware Stonewall PAC is proud to enthusiastically endorse an eminently qualified candidate, a fierce advocate, and a friend, to represent us like no other person could. That’s why Delaware Stonewall PAC is endorsing Senator McBride and we implore all Delawareans to vote for her in 2024.

DELAWARE STONEWALL PAC

DELAWARE STONEWALL PAC
PO Box 1024
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tara Sheldon 302-604-4316 / tara@tarasheldon.com

DELAWARE STONEWALL PAC HONORS LOCAL PIONEERS; ENDORSES CANDIDATES

Delaware Stonewall PAC held its 18th annual “Summer Funder” at Shrimpy’s Bar and Grill in Rehoboth on August 13, 2022.  A political action committee whose mission is to help elect candidates who support equality, fairness, and opportunity for all, Delaware Stonewall PAC honored local pioneers and announced the endorsement of candidates for the 2022 election cycle.

The event was attended by over 130 residents from Kent, Sussex, and New Castle counties and featured a keynote by State Senator Marie Pinkney.  Awards to civil and human rights pioneers were presented to Murray Archibald, co-founder of CAMP Rehoboth, C. Dixon Osburn, who co-founded the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) which fought to overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and Charlotte King, founder of Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ).   “I was delighted to see the terrific turnout, which I think is a reflection of how critical your mission of promoting acceptance and equality is during this unsettled time in our nation’s history. Keep up the great work! I am proud to stand should-to-shoulder with you – not just as an ally, but as an advocate!” said Trey Paradee, Delaware State Senate, 17th District.

Many state elected officials were present, including presenters Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall Long, and State Treasurer, Colleen Davis.  “Your endorsement means so much to me and I am proudly announcing it to our voters! It truly is a badge of honor to have received your seal of approval. I look forward to a continued partnership. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for our LGBTQ+ communities,” said Davis, State Treasurer.

Endorsement from Delaware Stonewall is based on a candidate’s history of voting for issues that align with their mission statement, who have demonstrated a commitment to support their mission, and/or have responded positively to the candidate survey.  The PAC’s Vice President, Tara Sheldon, stated “We take these commitments seriously, and believe the candidates we endorse will, when elected, work towards the goals we have set out for protecting the lives of LGBTQ+ citizens of all ages.”  Cyndie Romer, endorsed for RD 25, stated “Thank you so much for the endorsement and financial support. I do not take these endorsements lightly and will aggressively fight for the LGBTQ+ community,”

Delaware Stonewall PAC endorses the following candidates for the Primaries, September 13th:

State Auditor Lydia York
New Castle County District 1 Brandon Toole
SD 6 Russ Huxtable
SD 14 Kyra Hoffner
RD 1 Shane’ Darby
RD 6 Becca Cotto
RD 13 DeShanna Neal
RD 18 Sophie Phillips
RD 25 Cyndie Romer
RD 26 Madinah Wilson-Anton
RD 27 Eric Morrison
RD 32 Kerri Evelyn Harris

 

General Election Endorsements (to be updated following the Primaries): 

 

Congress Lisa Blunt Rochester
Delaware State Treasurer Colleen C Davis
Kent County Sheriff Brian E. Lewis
SD 1 Sarah McBride
SD 13 Marie Pinkney
RD 23 Paul Baumbach
SD 5 Kyle Evans Gay
SD 7 Spiros Mantzavinos
SD 8 David P. Sokola
SD 11 Bryan Townsend
SD 17 Trey Paradee
RD 4 Keegan Worley
RD 9 Terrell A. Williams
RD 20 Stell Parker Selby
RD 21 Frank Burns
RD 39 Susan Clifford

 

Dwayne Bensing, the organization’s President, stated “We were very encouraged so many candidates sought our endorsement and committed to serving our broad, intersectional, community. We look forward to announcing further endorsements after the Primary and working with these candidates and other elected allies to pass inclusive, pro-LGBTQ+ equality legislation.”

Candidates who wish to be considered for Stonewall endorsement are invited to complete the Candidate Survey.  Further information about Delaware Stonewall PAC and current list of the candidates can be found at https://delawarestonewall.org.

Tara Sheldon & Murray ArchibaldCharlotte King & Leslie Ledogar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lydia York, Sen. Marie PinkneyChristopher Howland & Kathy Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DELAWARE STONEWALL PAC

Pictured:

Tara Sheldon & Murray Archibald

Charlotte King & Leslie Ledogar

Lydia York, Sen. Marie Pinkney

Christopher Howland & Kathy Hughes

Front row: Peter Schott, Sen Marie Pinkney, DeShanna Neal

Back row: Erik Raser-Schramm, Tara Sheldon, Dwayne Bensing, C. Dixon Osburn, Leslie Ledogar, Colleen Davis, Scott Strickler

 

Dear Delaware Stonewall PAC Members,

As your newly elected President, I am writing to introduce myself, provide an update about the Executive Board’s activities, and encourage you to renew your support of our organization.

First, an introduction. My partner of sixteen years, Christopher, and I moved to Delaware in 2018/2019 to seek a change-of-pace from Washington, D.C. We’re both originally from Arkansas, so we craved the First State’s sense of community (without the rabid bigotry). As a civil rights attorney for the Delaware affiliate of a national public interest organization, I have learned that even the “Delaware Way” sometimes comes up short, but we Delawareans share an optimism for our future and invest in each other’s potential to thrive. While new to Delaware, I am no stranger to politics and LGBTQ+ activism; I have been involved in progressive politics for over two decades, have successfully managed and worked on local, state, and national campaigns, and have served on two LGBTQ+ political organizations’ boards. I have a deep commitment to serving our community and am eager to share my skills with this organization. Thank you for entrusting me with this duty.

The past several months I have worked with our Executive Board to plan for the exciting year ahead. As you know, 2020 was the first time in Delaware’s history that openly LGBTQ+ candidates were elected to the General Assembly. We are proud of Rep. Morrison and Sens. Pinkney and McBride, and their allies, for forming the first LGBTQ+ Caucus and pushing for reforms that make our state more welcoming and inclusive. Stonewall continues to monitor legislation that directly impacts our community and is hopeful for advancements on protections for students and the elderly, criminalization of LGBTQ+ biased-based hate crimes, and, most importantly, becoming the first state to constitutionally enshrine equal rights based on sexual orientation.

We are also eager to recruit and support more LGBTQ+ people and allies to run for office in the coming 2022 midterm elections. With your support, we will have the ability to contribute to strong advocates from every corner of the state and help ensure that they have the resources they need to run their pro-equality campaigns. To help in that endeavor, planning for our annual summer funder is well underway. The event is scheduled for August 13, 2022. Please save the date!

We need your support–through membership, your social network, and your contributions. Renew your membership, invite your LGBTQ+ neighbors to join, and buy a ticket to our annual can’t-miss event. Better yet: join the host committee!

I am always an email, phone call, or text away. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m excited to see what we can do together.

Sincerely,

Dwayne Bensing

Dwayne J. Bensing
Delaware Stonewall PAC, President

November 30, 2021

Delaware Stonewall PAC, a non-partisan political action committee supporting the LGBTQ community strongly supports school policies which protect transgender and non binary students.

According to the most recent survey by the Trevor Project, a full 52% of transgender and non binary students have contemplated suicide.  The rate is so high because in many cases these students have no support at either their homes or in their schools.

Educators have a responsibility to provide a safe, secure environment for all students and to encourage their participation in school activities.  There must be no discrimination of any kind in any activity in which the school is engaged.

We encourage Red Clay, as well as other school Districts, to adopt policies similar to what Red Clay Board Policy 8005 proposes to do.

Peter Schott, President

Delaware Stonewall PAC

Transgender

June 2 and 4, viewing of the film For They Know Not What They Do showing at Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware. Senator Sarah McBride who is featured in the film will be participating in a discussion following the June 4 showing. Below find instructions on how to view the movie.

UUSD is offering two options for viewing the film and discussion – either remotely or in person at the Unitarian Universalist church, 30486 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Lewes DE 19958. State Sen Sarah McBride will join a post-film discussion via ZOOM around 8 p.m. on Friday, June 4. For those who prefer a virtual experience, we will offer the film via ZOOM on Wed., June 2 starting at 7:00 p.m. For those who prefer an in person experience, we will show the film at UUSD on June 4, starting at 6:30. For either option, people can join the discussion with Sarah in a hybrid discussion – either at the church or at home via ZOOM. The remote only option will require registering twice – once for the film and the second time for the discussion. For those opting for in-person, only one registration is required. All options are free.

For movie only via Zoom on Wednesday, register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-only-they-know-not-what-they-do-tickets-154335982077

For discussion on Friday via ZOOM, register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discussion-only-of-movie-they-know-not-what-they-do-tickets-154336180671

For in person movie and discussion on Friday, June 4, register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/150980281085

Also put on your calendar the annual Stonewall summer event, this year at lovely Lavender Fields in Milton, August 21 beginning at 4 pm. Details to follow.

Peter Schott, President

Delaware Stonewall PAC

DE Stonewall PAC, YES image

We congratulate Stonewall Board members Dwayne Bensing for being elected to the Delaware Democratic State Committee and Erik Raser-Schramm for being selected as Chair of the Platform Committee of the Democratic Party.

If you have something you want the Party to place on its platform submit it at platform@deldems.org.

Peter SchottCommentary: Stonewall PAC supports legislation protecting LGBT residents

by Peter Schott

Delaware Stonewall PAC, a political action committee that focuses on protecting the LGBT community, was established Feb. 1, 2003. Originally called the Delaware Stonewall Democratic Club, it came about because, after years of trying, we could not get the nondiscrimination bill passed.

The club was restructured and carried different names throughout its existence, and it has most recently been known as the Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats, in honor of an iconic lesbian activist who resided in Delaware. We, early on in our existence, established a PAC that assisted candidates who were supportive of LGBT issues. Since the primary role of Stonewall is to raise enough funds to support candidates, we decided just to keep the PAC.

During the first two summers of our existence, we were able to bring then-Congressman Barney Frank to Rehoboth Beach, and both years, we raised about $10,000, almost all of it going to support our candidates. We have continued that tradition every summer, except 2020, when, because of the pandemic, we did not have a gathering. We are hopeful of resuming that tradition June 4 of this year.

Over the years, as we helped change the legislative makeup, we were able to secure passage of a hospital-visitation rights bill, a bill drafted by us. Building a coalition, we later passed legislation supporting nondiscrimination, civil unions and marriage equality.

At our recent annual membership meeting, we elected this year’s board and members discussed legislative issues which the organization will pursue. But today, we still have our work cut out for us, as there is still some unfinished or reparative work that must be done.

The gay-panic defense is a legal strategy that asks a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for a defendant’s violent reaction, murder included. It has been successfully used in criminal trials. It has been banned in dozens of states, and we believe Delaware should be included on that list.

Rep. Sean Lynn, D-Dover, has proposed a bill mandating that insurance companies cover preventive treatments for HIV/AIDS, particularly preexposure prophylaxis, better known as PReP. We strongly support this legislation.

Delaware Stonewall PAC is supportive of legislation that would require the state to issue nonbinary driver’s licenses to those who desire them. At times, people who identify as one gender are forced to have licenses of another gender.

We are also supportive of legislation that will increase penalties for forcing minors to undergo conversion therapy. The current law prohibits licensed Delaware professionals from using conversion therapy on minors or referring them out of state, but we feel it does not prevent it where it is most practiced, by unlicensed, nongay organizations.

We want schools to provide a protective environment for students. We, therefore, support legislation mandating that schools protect children who live in a home environment where they feel unsafe to reveal their true gender identity or sexual orientation. Studies have shown that an unsafe home environment, where parents reject or punish a child who wants to be true to themselves, causes trauma, pain and even suicide. We feel schools should provide the safe haven.

Delaware Stonewall PAC can be found online and on Facebook.

Peter Schott, a former congressional aide, was a founder of National Stonewall Democrats and its Delaware affiliate. He currently serves as the president of Delaware Stonewall PAC.

2021 Board Members

At its annual membership meeting Delaware Stonewall PAC, a Political Action Committee dedicating to supporting equality for the LGBTQ community, elected several new members to its Board. Erik Raser-Schramm, former  Chair of the Delaware Democratic Party, was elected as Political Vice-President.  Also added to the Board were Dwayne Bensing, ACLU legal staff member, and Anthony Purcell, a clinical social worker.

These three join, Peter Schott, reelected Chair, Scott Strickler, Treasurer and At-Large members Tara Sheldon and Martin Rendon.

In addition to the elections, members discussed legislative issues which the organization will pursue including preventing insurance companies from discriminating against persons who use PrEP, and eliminating a “gay panic” defense.  The PAC will also make efforts to make forced conversion therapy by parents into a crime of child abuse, and will work to pass legislation to protect transgender children in schools, and work towards allowing non-binary drivers licenses.

Schott said, “Following our election success last year including the election of 3 members of the LGBT community we are more confident that we can move forward with legislation which further protects the rights of our community.”

Assistance wanted for Delaware Stonewall PAC Endorsed Candidates

ANNUAL STONEWALL PAC MEETING—JANUARY 30, 2021, NOON

This year’s meeting will be virtual, so you must inform us if you will be attending so we can send you the zoom address.
The agenda will include:
  • review of ’20 election results
  • proposed agenda for ’21-’22 legislative agenda
  • election of Board
    • Chairman, Peter Schott
    • Political Vice-Chair, Erik Raser-Schramm
    • Secretary, Anthony Purcell
    • Treasurer, Scott Strickler
    • At-Large Board Members
      • Tara Sheldon
      • Marty Rendon
      • Dwayne Bensing
Special Guest:
Newly-elected State Rep. Eric Morrison, one of the open LGBT members elected in 2020 with the help of Stonewall members
If you are not a paid-up member please do so to help us this year. Visit our membership to join.

DE Stonewall PAC, YES image

We are very excited about the election results especially since we went from zero LGBTQ members of the State Legislature to three with the election of Sarah McBride, Marie Pinkney, and Eric Morrison. That with the addition of several other new forward-thinking individuals should help us with our expected legislative agenda for 2021. It turns out that 86% of our endorsed candidates won.

We believe that a lot of our success this past year comes from your work and support, and we certainly want to thank you. Hopefully, our annual meeting will take place around January 30th, but of course with everyone’s safety in mind, this is subject to change. At that meeting, we will be electing officers and recommending our legislative agenda which we will pursue during the next legislative session. You must be a member to vote, so sign up at www.delawarestonewall.org/join-us to contribute.

We are looking for people who are willing to spend a few hours a month of commitment on our Board. The Board should reflect the diversity which exemplifies our State, so if you are interested, please contact Peter Schott, Delaware Stonewall PAC President at dc2de@aol.com, or 302 827-2811.

Delaware Stonewall PAC endorses candidates

GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS

Since the process has begun, Delaware Stonewall PAC urges you to vote for the candidates listed below:

PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT- JOE BIDEN/KAMALA HARRIS

US SENATE-             CHRIS COONS
US HOUSE-              LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER
GOVERNOR-           JOHN CARNEY
LT GOVERNOR-     BETHANY HALL-LONG
INS. COMM-            TRINIDAD NAVARRO

STATE SENATE

1-    SARAH MCBRIDE
5-    KYLE EVANS GAY
7-    SPIROS MANZAVINOS
8-    DAVID SOKOLA
9-    JOHN WALSH
12-   NICOLE POORE
13-   MARIE PINKNEY
15-   JACI HUGG

STATE HOUSE

1-    NNAMDI CHUCKWUOCHA
2-   STEPHANIE BOLDEN
3-   SHERRY DORSEY-WALKER
4-   GERALD BRADY
5-   KENDRA JOHNSON
6-   DEBRA HEFFERNAN
7-   LARRY LAMBERT
8-   SHERE’A  MOORE
9-   DEBBIE HARRINGTON
10-  SEAN MATTHEWS
12-  KRISTA GRIFFITH
13-  LARRY MITCHELL
14-  PETE SCHWARTZKOPF
15-  VALERIE LONGHURST
16-  FRANKLIN COOKE
17-  MELISSA MINOR-BROWN
18-  DAVID BENTZ
19-  KIM WILLIAMS
21-  STEPHANIE BARRY
22-  LUANN D’AGOSTINO
23-  PAUL BAUMBACH
24-   ED OSIENSKI
25-   JOHN KOWALKO
26-   MADINAH WILSON-ANTON
27-   ERIC MORRISON
31-    SEAN LYNN
32-   ANDRIA BENNETT
33-   RACHEL KING
34-   DARRYNN HARRIS

Delaware Stonewall PAC endorses candidates

Delaware Stonewall PAC’s 2020 Primary Endorsements

Delaware Stonewall PAC, an LGBT political action committee, urges you to vote for the candidates listed below on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, or prior to that by mail or online. Go to ivote.de.gov to vote early.

We sent questionnaires to candidates from both major parties who are running for office to ascertain their positions not only on issues of concern to the LGBT community but also on such subjects as minimum/livable wage or their feelings about the Trump repressive agenda. Where incumbents were involved, we also had their legislative history to look at. In some cases we felt they did not deserve our endorsement.

Please note that two candidates, if they win will be historic for our community.  Sarah McBride would be the Nation’s first transgender State Senator and Eric Morrison would be Delaware’s first openly gay State Representative.

Since we have only endorsed in legislative races, please let us know if you have any county or row office candidates you think we should be considering.  Contact Mitch Crane, Political VP with names we should consider.

Before the November 3 General Election, we will submit another list of endorsed candidates.

US SENATOR-                                    CHRIS COONS

GOVERNOR-                                      JOHN CARNEY

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER-  TRINIDAD NAVARRO

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 1-       SARAH McBRIDE (Wilmington)

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 5-       KYLE EVANS GAY (Wilmington)

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 13-     DAVID McBRIDE (New Castle)

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 14-     KYRA HOFFNER (Dover)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 4-        GERALD BRADY (Wilmington)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 7-        RAY SEIGFRIED (Wilmington)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 8-        MATTHEW WALLACE POWELL (Middletown)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 10-      SEAN MATTHEWS (Chalfont)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 26-      JOHN VIOLA (Newark)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 27-      ERIC MORRISON (Newark)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 34-      ROBERT HAYNES (Camden-Wyoming)

Annual Meeting

Stonewall Delaware PAC is pleased to announce that our Governor, John Carney, has appointed a Stonewall member, Martin Rendon, to the State Human Relations Commission. This is one of the most important Commissions in the State since it is responsible for the enforcement of laws related to Fair Housing, Equal Accommodations, and Employment Discrimination. It also conducts hearings and resolves conflicts involving these issues and promotes programs aimed at eliminating discrimination.

We will continue to work on placing eligible people into meaningful positions within the State. We have that commitment from our Governor that he will work with us.

Peter Schott,

President
Delaware Stonewall PAC

Delaware Stonewall PAC is proud to support Sarah McBride for Delaware State Senate District 1.  We celebrate the fact that if elected she would be the first transgender individual elected to a legislative position in Delaware.  But, we are also cognizant of the fact that she is a person who has excellent qualifications to serve in that capacity.

Ms. McBride understands the District well.  She has deep roots in the District, having been born and raised there, shares the values of people living in the District, and has demonstrated through her work and passion an interest in assuring everyone is treated equally.  Her history has also shown that Ms. McBride will be working to make sure we have an affordable health delivery system which works for all.

PAC President Peter Schott says that in addition to her State credentials, “Ms. McBride, has gained respect on the National level which can only ensure that Delaware’s voice will be heard and respected nationally and we know that all of us will be proud when she is elected as the Delaware State Senator from District 1.”

Delaware Stonewall PAC has for 16 years supported and assisted candidates who support policies which have a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ Community in Delaware.

SUPPORT THE DELAWARE STONEWALL PAC