by Pepper Partin

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To many, a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (GLBT) Republican is an oxymoron. Republicans, by doctrine, do not typically stand upon the platform of inclusion regardless of sexual orientation. Legislating morality is a long-standing hobby of the party. In contrast, Democrats are well known for their platforms on equality. Democratic leaders have historically proven to be this country's hope for supporting social movements that end decades-long oppression and suffering. So many of us can understand why a Political Action Committee (PAC) such as the Indiana Stonewall Democrats is a valuable, and even necessary part of the fight to make sure GLBT people obtain the same freedoms and protections as our heterosexual counterparts.

Affiliated with the National Stonewall Democrats, Indiana Stonewall Democrats (ISD) is a state organization whose purpose is to improve the voting record of those in the Democratic Party and to educate voters on the differences between the two major parties relative to economic justice and social equality. The often-uphill battle of educating voters and supporting Democratic leaders and candidates has been given a little more edge with this year's national media attention on gay marriage. But the battle continues - even thirty years after Stonewall - the New York City gay bar and famous rebellion for which the organization is named. For those who are unfamiliar with the importance of Stonewall to the GLBT community, a brief history lesson seems in order.

The intended seizure of the Stonewall establishment in 1969 is often thought of as the harbinger of the GLBT rights movement that had been, up to that point, gaining quiet momentum. But on the night of June 29th, patrons of the bar became militant and rebelled against yet another police and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's seize. The uprising against the unjust raid under the guise of violations of alcohol control laws spawned a three-day protest and became this country's most revered uprising for GLBT rights.

So while there are other organizations and businesses that borrow the word and symbolism of Stonewall, few of them so aptly represent the spirit of the rebellion like the Indiana Stonewall Democrats - considering their mission. And the mission is certainly put to task in this election year.

Linda Perdue, President of ISD, admits to a laborious year ahead. "This year is a really big year for us because not only do we have the Governor's race and the local races we care about very much, we also have the Presidential race."

The big year Perdue talks about involves building on the momentum gained with Governor O'Bannon and now Governor Kernan - known for their support of GLBT issues. The big year also includes not only fundraising that will help to support and educate worthy gay-friendly Democratic candidates about what is important to the GLBT community, but getting information out within the community as well.

"We also educate our own community about the importance of participating in a democracy," Perdue says. "We do voter registration; we do as much get-out-to-vote stuff as we can. And by that we try to devise programs or media releases - things in the bars and so on - to remind people that they need to register to vote.

And in what Indianapolis neighborhoods does the ISD focus most of their efforts regarding educating our GLBT citizens on the importance of voting? Perdue admits that targeting specific areas is a struggle. "It is difficult because we all do not live in one neighborhood. Demographically it is a challenge because gay is not a race."

While the ISD boast no staff and no overhead, and no funding from the National Stonewall Democrats, their expenses to function as a PAC are very real. Because, as a PAC they cannot file for nonprofit status, contributors are unable to write off any contributions. Fundraising without tax deductions is difficult - but not impossible. Their fundraising goal this year was to bank $34,000 by August. Their most recent fundraiser allowed them to come very close to their goal. The event, to honor the Magnificant Seven with the Frank and Judy O'Bannon Equality Award, included Lieutenant Governor Kathy Davis as the guest speaker. The function also honored the seven Democratic State Senators who voted against Senate Joint Resolution 7, which would have written discrimination into Indiana's Constitution by banning same-gender civil marriage. The night produced $9,000. And already the ISD have exceeded their August goal by $8,000 for a grand total of $42,000 - a testament to the organization's hard work. In addition, more fundraisers are scheduled prior to the election. Perdue is pleased with the results. "We consider it a huge success. We're raising it through traditional fundraising efforts - our newsletter, direct appeal through fundraisers and a limited direct mailing."

Joe Miller, an ISD board member and a GLBT community activist, is committed to seeing that the organization is out front and leading the way with supporting socially progressive Democrats in this year's election. The Miller Challenge has been issued to all Hoosiers in an attempt to raise the money necessary to support those Democrats for whom the ISD will work for votes. Miller will personally match, dollar-for-dollar, all contributions up to $20,000. "My Challenge is an effort to help continue the advancement of GLBT issues in our state," Miller said. "Our issues are basic, humanitarian issues, unrelated to 'special rights'; they are issues that are right for our community and for our state's continued progress." The dollars raised through the Miller Challenge will be used for backing those Democratic candidates who voice their support of human rights ordinances, hate crimes, non-discrimination laws and domestic partner benefits.

Miller's gift not only means a great deal for the ISD and the Democratic candidates they champion, but for the GLBT community as a whole since the fearless leaders of this organization are paving the way for equal rights and inclusion in the state of Indiana. If those who benefit from the work that the ISD does are not willing to jump into the trenches beside them, we should, at the very least, vote for the Democratic candidates they support, and, if possible, financially assist this organization led by spirited people who give the Indiana GLBT communities their voices.

For more information about the Indiana Stonewall Democrats, visit their website at www.instonewalldems.org.

Pepper Partin is a freelance writer living in Historical Irvington.