It seems only minutes ago that Senator David Parks surprised the Nevada LGBT community by submitting a Domestic Partnerships Bill in February of 2009. And even though the bill applies to both gays and straights I can only share this with you from my perspective as a Lesbian and a leader in our community. It basically started without a chance in hell. But that didn’t stop the LGBT community. We got ourselves together, dressed and showed up at the Legislature on March 27^th to testify on three bills of importance to our community one of which was the Domestic Partnership Bill. The Legislature learned more about the LGBT community this session than ever before and conversely we learned more about the process as once this effort began on March 27^th the momentum carried us through to May 31^st. It was a legislative session like no other.

But on March 27^th it wasn’t just “the gays” that showed up. Our friends and family showed-up too. The clergy was there, PLAN, the ACLU, the Casino community, the Democratic party affiliates, the Woman’s Lobby and many more. Our “straight” friends showed up in numbers like never before, they sent letters, made phone calls. And I don’t just mean our wonderful legislative friends like Sheila Leslie and Barbara Buckley. Folks like Cal Lindsey, Kathy Baldock, Julie and Chris Wedge, and Xiomara Rodriques and others stood next to us every step of the way. We could not have done it without all of you.

They say that “80 % of success is just showing up.” Well I’d say that was the difference this session. The LGBT community showed up like never before united north and south, united gay and straight. So that in 120 days on October 1, 2009, before the great state of Nevada we can register our committed relationships and be afforded all the protections and rights that this step affords us.

That being said please join the Stonewall Democrats of Northern Nevada for a huge celebration on June 20^th from 11 – 3 at Galeena Creek Park, the Bearmat facility. It’s only $10 and it will be a great time. If you don’t want burgers come for hugs!