5 questions with Travis Gasper
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| Travis Gasper |
Travis Gasper is the president of Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats. A native of Dallas, the 23-year-old grew up in Colorado, but returned to Dallas four months ago. Gasper is currently a graduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas studying constitutional law. During his time in Colorado, Gasper worked for the speaker of the house. A member of Equality Texas, Gasper is involved in the Dallas political scene. He currently lives in Oak Lawn.
What is Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats?
DSYD is an organization dedicated to LGBT youth and young professionals in the Dallas area. We are first and foremost against discrimination, inequality and injustice, a stance we believe strengthens our society and our party.
Why did you decide to found this organization?
Along with a group of friends, we decided to start an organization that would focus on involving the gay community in politics, as well as social and community events. There seems a genuine desire to give back and get involved. We hope DSYD will be an outlet to do just that, both politically and in the community.
What do you hope your organization will achieve this year?
I hope that in addition to getting the younger LGBT individuals politically active, we will also have a variety of opportunities to give back in our community and the Dallas area. Being involved in politics is a great way to improve society, but we can also lend a hand and help people more directly.
How did you become interested in politics?
I think politics is in my blood. I remember listening to the radio on the bus to elementary school during 1992 presidential election. I really got involved after the 2000 election.
What future events does Stonewall Democrats have planned?
Just this month we have several events: from mixers/social events, to voter registration, to community service events, a cultural night at the Dallas Museum of Art and our general meeting. You can find the complete listing on our Facebook group or e-mail us dallasstonewallyd@gmail.com.
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the LGBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, editor@dallasvoice.comÂ.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition April 3, 2009.