Democratic Meet and Greet
By: Jack Hays
There will be a “Meet and Greet” August 1, at the Jefferson County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1825 Calder, at 6 p.m. Democratic congressional candidate Nick Lampson will be in attendance, as well as local members of the Stonewall Democratic party that is currently being formed in the Golden Triangle.
Although Stonewall is a national organization with a Texas affiliate, the organization of a party in the Beaumont area is in its infancy.
Michael Therrien, disabled Navy veteran and Fannett resident, is actively trying to facilitate the organization of an affiliate in the area.
“I have few people signed up for it,” Therrien said. “But right now, I am trying to gather bodies together that are gay or lesbian or bisexual or transgender to actually pull together and form some kind of community.
He said once there is a proper committee formed it will take a democratic route.
Stonewall is representative of the gay and lesbian community in the democratic party, and if an affiliate is formed in the area, they would actually be able to indorse candidates.
“We would be able to pass that on to the democrat parties in the counties and the state would pay attention,” Therrien said. “So if there is something going on in our area we can alert Stonewall Texas — if there is a Democratic candidate out there that has Republican platform issues, we can stand up and say this guy doesn’t represent our interests.”
To find out more, or to get involved, attend the meeting or visit goldentriangleglbt.wordpress.com for a sign up form. Michael Therrien is also available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/misquetofarmer.
