Officials with Texas Stonewall Democrats today issued a press release celebrating the fact that Texas this year is sending 43 LGBTQ delegates to the Democratic National Convention, the most from any state.

“While Texas faces significant challenges due to the Texas Republican Party’s anti-LGBTQ efforts, the Texas Democratic Party continues to lead the charge in championing LGBTQ representation and advocacy,” the press release notes, adding that Texas’ 43 LGBTQ convention delegates is 300 percent of the goal set by the Democratic National Committee.

“Notably, [more than] half of the youth delegates identify as LGBTQ+, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse leadership,” the press release points out.

At the Texas Democratic Convention held recently in El Paso, several Texas Stonewall Democrats Chapters were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the party and the community. They included:

  • Stonewall Democrats of Dallas which was awarded for outstanding get out the vote programs including extensive canvassing, door knocking, distributing political literature, and comprehensive outreach activities that significantly boosted voter turnout.
  • Collin County Stonewall Democrats which received a Rising Star Award for initiating a new Stonewall chapter, actively engaging the community and elected officials and providing robust support to candidates through highly engaged leadership.
  • MidCities Stonewall Democrats which also received a Rising Star Award for remarkable efforts in establishing the chapter, fostering community engagement and supporting local candidates by committing to fighting extremism and advocating for pro-equality candidates.
  • Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats which was recognized for exceptional efforts in engaging with elected officials and candidates, providing valuable networking opportunities for members and political leaders.
  • San Antonio which was recognized for social media engagement.
  • Chisholm Trail which was recognized for community and party engagement,
  • And Austin which was recognized for its endorsement program, the Mega Multi-Club Endorsement.

Several individuals were also honored for their exceptional service and activism. Longtime activist and former state representative Glen Maxey of Austin, received an award honoring his service to the Democratic Party and his efforts in fighting for equality and providing services for those living with HIV and AIDS. Maxeyis retiring from his role on the Democratic National Committee and will be succeeded by Jeff Strater of Dallas.

Karen Wilkerson of Tyler was recognized for her work within the Texas Democratic Party, Equality Texas, and grassroots LGBTQ efforts in East Texas. Todd Hill of Dallas was awarded the Buck Massey Legacy of Leadership Award for his activism and leadership with the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and Texas Stonewall Democrats.

The Texas Stonewall Democrats elected new officers. They are:

Robert Vargas III of San Antonio as president; Jessica Cohen of Austin as vice president; Todd Hill of Dallas as secretary; Michael Apodeca of El Paso as treasurer; Mo Jenkins of Houston as at-large officer and Jeff Strater of Dallas, past president and newly-elected Democratic National Committee nember, as ex officio b oard member.

The press release lauded the Texas Democratic Platform as “a beacon of progressive values, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community through comprehensive policies across various sectors, including education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, religious freedom, and equity and social justice.

“In stark contrast, the Texas Republican Party’s platform continues to promote discriminatory policies,” the press release continued, “seeking to ban same-sex marriage, restrict LGBTQ+ rights and criminalize gender-affirming care, among other regressive measures. This opposition underscores the importance of the Texas Democratic Party’s commitment to equality and justice for all Texans.

“As we move forward, the Texas Democratic Party stands proud in its leadership and unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community, demonstrating that inclusivity and progress are the foundation of our collective success.”