San Francisco—California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus Chair Christine Pelosi released the following statement responding to the growing discussion of sexual harassment in California politics: 

“The last few days have made clear that the pervasive, demeaning and degrading harassment women face in political circles is a problem that goes beyond partisanship and everyone is accountable. We as Democrats must continually strive to advance equality for all. The bipartisan #WeSaidEnough movement started by Adama Iwu is a clarion call to do better immediately. 

We stand by the coalition's call for much-needed reform, including the following suggestions for workplace procedures: 

1. A confidential hotline to report incidents of harassment or abuse.
2. An independent outside entity, staffed by professionally trained investigators, to review and make determinations on claims; 
3. Public disclosure of how tax dollars are used to adjudicate claims and settlements;
4. A party that holds candidates and elected officials accountable to promote and maintain a safe culture for all; and,
5. Laws that provide whistleblower and retaliation protections for all victims. 

Our party should be an inclusive place where people can achieve their potential and make real contributions to a progressive future for our country. Democrats at every level must embrace a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault, from small clubs to our candidates to our national party. We must look to the best practices of private entities and adapt those practices to our own operations—things like anonymous hotlines for complaints and making sure investigations are handled by experienced professionals in a sensitive and comprehensive manner. And it’s incumbent upon every single one of us to build a culture that respects and values women and the contributions we have made to our Party. 

We are witnessing a powerful moment where women are standing up and refusing to stay quiet about the treatment we have endured for too long. This is how change for the better starts, and our Democratic Party must stand in solidarity with the amazing women driving this long overdue and badly needed movement.”

# # #

Come celebrate Oakland's Pride Breakfast with friends, food, and the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club.

Annual East Bay Stonewall

Oakland Pride Breakfast

Sunday, September 13, 2015
8:00 am-9:30 am
California Nurses Association

Sunday, September 10, 2017, 1544 Broadway, Oakland
RSVP Online

This event is FREE for members of the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please become a member. Stonewall is offering a one-time only Oakland Pride membership special for $25.  Bring cash or a check to the breakfast, or please join online.

We are pleased to welcome Congresswoman Barbara Lee, our keynote speaker!

Please join us for a morning celebration before the Oakland Pride Parade.

Click Here to RSVP

Thank you to our generous event sponsors:

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - Click Here

August 18, 2017

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear President Trump,

This past week you let us all know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are unfit to lead this nation. You lifted up violent racists as reasonable and valuable members of this society, stating repeatedly that “both sides” are to blame for the bloodshed and chaos in Charlottesville. To be very clear, violent racists are not reasonable or valuable, and they are solely to blame for this horrific act that led to death, horror and injury for so many. Your lack of a moral compass is outrageous and showcases at best a stunning ignorance of our collective democratic values and at worst a willful disregard for the wellbeing of our nation. 

We are writing to let you know that while your leadership is an abject failure, the leadership of the people at the local level abides. We are grateful today that our nation is one that is built upon strong institutions at all levels, from the national to the local.  It is clear that our voices at the local level matter now more than ever.

We are writing to let you know that we wholeheartedly believe in the saying that a nation is not to be judged by the character of its leader but by the character of its people. We know that what you lack in moral fiber and aptitude for service, we the people are working to exemplify every day and every waking minute. And while you have consistently chosen to not stand up against violence and abuse, we the people will stand up.

We say no to horror. We say no to white nationalism. We say no to xenophobia and transphobia.  We say no to divisive, non-democratic rhetoric that scapegoats and vilifies our loved ones and neighbors. We will fight for our nation, and we will be strong and unwavering in our commitment to justice and equity.

It is clear that you will continue down an abysmal path that serves the narrowest possible interest: your own. While we shudder at the reality that the man currently entrusted with upholding our nation’s highest office is entirely incapable of doing his job, we will continue to work every hour of every day to make certain that this nation is one that welcomes and lifts up the health and wellbeing of workers, immigrants, blacks, whites, Jews, Muslims, transgender people, gays and lesbians. Moreover, we will continue to lift up the voices and wellbeing of women and men regardless of their race, religion or income level. We will, in short, do what you are incapable of doing, and that is to lead with heart and courage in a time of difficulty and great peril in our nation.

Sincerely,

Brendalynn Goodall, President
The East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club

In honor of the upcoming Oakland Pride and our club's 35th anniversary celebration, you can join or renew your club membership for only $25!

Membership has its privileges as it allows you free registration for our annual pre-parade breakfast with Congresswoman Barbara Lee. 

Letter from Brendalynn Goodall, Club President, on The Supreme Court decision.

Wednesday July 1st, 2015
 
Dear Community,
 
With the historic decision on marriage equality by The Supreme Court, we have come closer to full equality in the eyes on the law, our loved ones and the communities in which we live, work and thrive.
 
I am reminded at times like this of our mission as a club:

• To further equality through the political process and community activism,
• To bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, (LGBT) individuals and our allies to achieve equality for all and to advance progressive values through the Democratic Party,
• To raise the issue of LGBT rights in political campaigns, and
• To lobby for legislation that advances and upholds the rights of LGBT individuals.

The Supreme Court decision is a celebratory victory, however, there are many challenges and issues that we need to continue to address. We need to continue to fight for equality in health care services, workplace discrimination by supporting the passage of ENDA, open adoption policies to all LGBT members, transgender issues, racism within and from outside of our communities, and elder and youth issues.
 
As a community, we need to continue to re-energize and use what we have learned in the fight for marriage equality – and continue to fight for all LGBT rights. A battle has been won but many more are still ahead of us. The road is long, but together and with our non LGBT allies it will be a successful one. Lasting changes take time but we are on our way. With your support, your energy and your passion, we will continue to change hearts and minds and reach full equality.

Sincerely,

Brendalynn Goodall, President
East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club

The East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club has continued concerns about the adequacy of BART service during this coming weekend's SF Pride festivities. Although BART has committed to run extra trains on an on-call basis, they have fallen short of implementing a weekday schedule even though SF pride is one of the Bay Area's largest cultural events and BART’s highest ridership days of the year. To compound matters, both the Giants and A's also play home games on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. And even though there are events on Sunday that begin well before 8 A.M., that's when BART will start operating.

East Bay Stonewall's message to BART has been clear throughout: our community expects adequate BART service on SF Pride weekend.

Please help us hold BART accountable by telling us about your BART experience this weekend. Use #FixBARTPride or e-mail eastbaystonewalldems@gmail.com.