- Judge Tonya Parker
Everyone knows it’s difficult to get young LGBT people to give more than a shit about gay rights, but if you offer them free alcohol, they just might show up. This appears to be the strategy of Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats, which is offering a free drink to anyone who attends its monthly meeting tonight at Dish Restaurant & Lounge. Actually, you could be eligible for up to four free drinks if you bring a friend, according to a message we received from DSYD:
“That’s right! Everyone attending Tuesday’s DSYD meeting will receive a free drink ticket. As an added incentive, people who bring a friend (a.k.a. a potential new member) will receive two drink tickets for themselves and two for their friend.”
We’re currently seeking clarification as to whether this means you have to be a member bringing a non-member to be eligible for the four free drinks, or whether it can just be two random people. And in case you’re wondering why her photo is alongside this post, the meeting will also feature Dallas County District Judge Tonya Parker, the first openly LGBT person elected judge in Dallas County, and the first out African-American elected official in Texas.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. For more info, see the Facebook event page.
UPDATE: DSYD Vice President Jared A. Pearce stopped by the Instant Tea brewery in response to this post. As Pearce pointed out in the comments below, you have to be 21 to drink, and these types of promotions are not uncommon. Pearce also mentioned that DSYD held a very successful fundraiser over the weekend, featuring House Democratic Leader Jessica Farrar. The event raised $5,500 and drew 100 people, Pearce said. The DSYD chapter is approaching its second anniversary after being launched in March 2009. The chapter has 250 members on its roster and has raised more than $13,000 for the Legacy Counseling Center. Read a story about the chapter’s launch here.
What a horrible idea. Shame on Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats for promoting alcohol to youth.
As always, one must be 21 to drink. Offering drink specials or complimentary drinks is nothing new to the community. As someone who attends many organization mixers, I can tell you this is pretty common. We are excited to bring as many young individuals into the community as possible to hear from dynamic speakers and learn of ways they can get involved.
Free drinks works for old people too!
found this oldie but goodie from 2009 at a QL milk box…remember the line from DJ Anderson “alcoholism and activism do not have to be mutually exclusive”?
dammit…forgot the link https://www.myspace.com/video/vid/58381833