Only in its second year, Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats already has its third president.
Founding President Travis Gasper moved back to Colorado, then his successor Matt Burckhalter moved to Fort Worth. But the group is pressing on and promises something new and completely different for tonight’s inaugural meeting under President Pennington Ingley.
DSYD Treasurer Justin Williams, whose Uptown Title offices share a building with the Instant Tea Brewery, forwarded this message from Vice President Brian Stout:
“We’ve been working hard the past few weeks to turn the organization around and build momentum, and all the change will culminate in our next meeting which happens this evening at Woody’s,” Stout said. “We also have a brand new vibe and meeting format, which includes ditching the old formal agenda in favor of organized discussion (a new topic every month), and breaking out into small groups to plan upcoming events.”
DSYD previously met at Ojeda’s — the same location as its parent chapter. But who really needs to eat? And we’re all for ditching agendas! Stout referred us to the Facebook event page, which clarifies that the meeting will be at 8 p.m. on the back patio and confirms that the “cocktails will be flowing”:

“It’s a brand new DSYD! We have new leadership, a new format, and a whole different vibe.

“We’ll start off with a passionate political discussion on Obama and the national progression toward LGBT Equality, including ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and how we plan to help.

“Next we’ll discuss opportunities to get involved with exciting upcoming political, social and community service events, such as our July retreat in Austin with our peer organizations in Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

“Finally, we’ll end with breakout planning sessions, when we’ll divide up into small groups to actually make change and plan events like our upcoming Red Party.

“And in typical Dallas style, the cocktails will be flowing.

“So even if you’ve given us a chance before, here’s your big chance to be a part of our new group as we embark on a whole new era.”