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10 ways the DNC will impact Colorado’s GLBT community
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Colorado's GLBT community is very excited about the upcoming DNC. In their own words, here are ten ways they believe the convention will impact Denver's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens:
1. "The election of a Democratic president who supports our belief in equality and civil rights will change our lives for the better. A great turnout and strong support of the convention will take us to victory in November!" - Amy Drayer, Event Director for The Center
2. "I'm hopeful that hosting the DNC here in Denver will energize our community to volunteer and vote like never before. Our country is at a crossroads and this election will set our course for many years to come. We can't sit this one out - so here's hoping the DNC makes us even more engaged." - Pat Steadman, attorney with Mendez, Steadman and Associates
4. "I am not sure what effect the DNC in Colorado will have on the LGBT Community. I know from the people I communicate most with that it is really bringing together Democrats, as a whole, and bolstering the party. I have not heard that it is really bringing together the LGBT community.
I am still disappointed in the LGBT community because we don't seem to rally unless there is trouble. We sit back and watch, without action, too often. Leaving our fate to others.
The DNC in Colorado is a wonderful visible opportunity for our state and for US to be seen as a powerful voice within the Democratic party. Let's get active!" - David Corder, owner of Perfect Fit Gym
5. "Colorado will benefit from having national gay organizations here in town like the National Stonewall Democrats, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force along with the Human Rights Campaign. The networking and eye-opening experiences of visitors will expand and grow Colorado's local GLBT community. Many people outside of Colorado still perceive us as a "hate state" and those visiting will see how much progress we have made since Amendment 2. I also think that you will see a greater GLBT voter turnout in November as a result of hosting the DNC in Denver." - Nuclia Waste, drag queen extraordinaire
6. "I think there could be positive impacts on two levels. First on the community level: As a small state with a very regional and local view of politics, everyone including the GLBT community will have a front-row seat to witness the magnitude of high-level national politicking—all that is at stake for our nation’s future, the diverse range of people who care about it, and why it is important to pay attention. On an individual level, I hope the convention will spark some promising but undiscovered political talent from our GLBT community to imagine himself or herself as President in 20 years, and launch a political career." - Phil Nash, vice-president of communications for Rose Community Foundation
7. "I don't think the DNC will negatively impact Colorado's GLBT community in any way other than the minor inconveniences that we will have to endure along with everyone else, such as altered traffic patterns, blocked-off streets, parking difficulties, and 50,000 more people roaming around town. There will, however, be a great deal of positive impact, in my opinion.
Having the DNC here in Denver helps bring the importance of the political process and of voting to the attention of our community. It makes us really think about what the whole process involves and how we can actually be a part of it. For example, the caucuses are open to the public for the very first time, so citizens can actually find out what goes on behind now-open doors. I think the GLBT community sometimes feels left out of politics because we do not have the same rights as other citizens do. That's why anything that can make us more interested and involved in the political process is important to our community. We need to be politically active - we need to be paying attention - and something like the DNC right in our own back yard helps us realize that." - Matt Kailey, author, trans activist and managing editor of 'Out Front Colorado'
8. "The DNC brings a lot of progressive energy to town. The week prior to the DNC, the National Stonewall Democrats are having their convention. The DNC delegate selection process included goals for diversity of gender, race, and sexual orientation. It will be fun to host our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters from across the country as we fight for political change!" - Jared Polis, Democratic candidate for US Representative from Colorado's 2nd Congressional District
9. "I think that one of the positive things will be is that it's bringing national GLBT organizations to Colorado in force in a way that they haven't been in some time. I think it's great that we will have that opportunity to be connected to the national scene in a stronger way. The obvious result of that is hopefully to get some additional presence to remain here after the fact. I'm also hoping that, with the eyes of the nation upon us, it will help focus and strengthen our own local community." - Brian Brant, Regional Director of Child Welfare League of America
10. "I think the real impact is going to be when the National Stonewall Democrats have their convention in Denver the week before the DNC because they're going to be working on a GLBT platform that they are going to forward to the GLBT Caucus that is meeting during the national convention. ... I think the other benefit is going to be the exposure our community is going to get on a national level. People will be able to see for themselves that we are not still the Hate State and that we have a strong and vibrant GLBT community. We are going to change a lot of peoples' perceptions. And then the prospect of future visits and an economic boom will be a very real thing. Once they see what our community is really like and how supportive the people of the state, including the Mayor and the Governor, are they will want to come back." - Anthony Aragon, Director of Boards and Commissions for Mayor John Hickenlooper
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