Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance Announces 2007-2008 Officers & Board of Directors

The Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance (DGLA) is pleased to announce its new officers and Board of Directors for 2007-2008. Board members serve a two-year term, while officers are elected annually for one-year terms. The new Board includes a diverse group of new and returning members as DGLA continues its year-long celebration of 30 years as the premier local voice for the LGBT community. DGLA welcomes Cannon Flowers to its board this year.

"This year's board brings both seasoned experience and fresh ideas," said Patti Fink, DGLA's newly-elected President. "We are excited about the work ahead – building relationships with the new Dallas City Council and advocating and educating within and outside the LGBT community."

DGLA Embraces the Future

Dear Friends:

I spoke with William Waybourn; former DGLA President and community activist.

He stated that “…but what can’t be counted is the “victory” inside the minds of so many who believed in his race and the changes it will bring. You should remind Ed Oakley that Harvey Milk lost five times before he won in San Francisco. There is no shame in losing this one.”

That is the silver lining in this election. It was truly historic to have GLBT activists; progressive Republicans; Democrats and people from all over the country involved in this campaign. I firmly believe Dallas is a better city because Oakley decided to run for Mayor. I know that future generations will stand on his shoulders to achieve victory.

Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance Announces 2007 City Council Endorsements

(Dallas, Texas) In a series of meetings during April 2007, members of the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance (DGLA) Political Action Committee reviewed questionnaires and conducted personal interviews with candidates for Dallas City Council who sought the DGLA-PAC endorsement. With the largest field of candidates ever in this election cycle, the DGLA-PAC elected to make endorsements only in the contested races for Dallas City Council (nine District seats plus Mayor).
The DGLA Board of Directors voted on the recommendations of its PAC, and proudly endorses the following ten (10) candidates in contested races for the 2007 Dallas City Council:

DGLA stands for Justice and Equality in Denton Hate Crime Case

Press Release Dated: March 9, 2007

The Dallas Gay & Lesbian Alliance is disappointed in the outcome of the court case. Chris McKee was victimized again by the not guilty verdict. This case symbolizes the importance of vigorous and effective investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Hopefully this will be wake up call to state and national leaders for the importance of better tools and resources surrounding hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. McKee over the last year. I will not let his experience go unnoticed. I am thankful that Mr. McKee took a stand for equality. It is important for GLBT people to speak out against injustice. Speak and share your stories of hope; strength and courage. It is only in sharing your stories that we can make a change in our society.

DGLA Supports Domestic Partner Benefits at DART

(Dallas) With a decision pending within the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) agency, the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance (DGLA) reaffirms its support of the DART proposal for employee domestic partnership benefits.

DGLA proudly stands with community leaders and corporate entities that recognize the rich gifts and diversity of the workplace. It is imperative that DART stay competitive to attract the best workforce in Dallas and its participating cities.

The DART policy is under internal management review. A decision regarding the updated benefit package should be made by DART officials within the next sixty to ninety days.

Leadership Development in the LGBT Community

In conjunction with the UNT Division of Equity and Diversity, Leadership Lambda facilitated a workshop of student and community leaders as part of the 2nd annual seminar: Developing Multicultural Leaders: Women who are Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and their Allies. Through lecture, individual reflection, and group interaction, participants were able to assess their leadership skills, and start on the journey of active citizenship and leadership development

Community Feedback:
Awesome workshop.
Instructors practiced what they taught.
They "lead" the class instead of just lecturing all day.

DGLA Needs You In 2007

The Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance needs your support to continue to fight the battle for equality at the local level. If you want equality on the national and state level, then you must heed the phrase that "all politics is local". We have fought and won many battles including the fight for diversity training for city employees, domestic partner benefits for city employees, as well as the most progressive non-discrimination ordinance in the country. With these successes behind us, we are constantly raising the bar for Dallas while defending the gains we’ve made. We have more battles ahead and need your support. Please join DGLA by becoming a member now.