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The number of Democrats in Collin County increases every year. Be a part of the movement to turn Collin County Blue. Support our community outreach efforts. |
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WHY I CELEBRATE PRIDE
By Guest Columnist Mark Phariss
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I celebrate Pride to recognize how far the LGBTQ community has come during my lifetime, but also to give hope to those who still struggle with their sexuality and gender identity.
I think it’s also a call for all of us—LGBTQ and ally—to keep fighting for full equality.
Fifty-two years ago, on June 28, 1969, in New York City, LGBTQ patrons, tired of police harassment, fought back after a raid at the Stonewall Inn.
Thus began the LGBTQ equality movement. A year later, the first Gay Pride March took place in New York City.
I was ten years old, living in conservative Oklahoma, and suspected I was gay. I knew nothing about the riots or that march. Or what it meant to be gay. Or that there might even be other gays.
At the time, LGBTQ Americans could be arrested for simply being in a gay bar. They certainly could not marry or serve in the military, and they had no protections from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
When I was 17, Miami Dade County passed an ordinance banning such discrimination. Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma, fought for its repeal in order to “Protect America’s Children.” The repeal passed by a margin of 2 to 1.
Shortly thereafter, the Oklahoma legislature passed a law banning gays from being teachers. Watching all of this, I feared that, if others found out I was gay, I would be abandoned, jobless, hungry, and homeless.
So I prayed at night for God to make me straight or, if he wouldn’t, to take me in my sleep.
Many years later, I found the courage to meet other gay men. Eventually in 1997, I met the one, the love of my life, Vic Holmes, an Air Force enlistee, at a birthday party at some mutual friends’ home.
We started dating several months later. Because of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, we couldn’t be open about our relationship. Instead, we had to come up with codes to tell the other he was loved. “What’s the code for the garage door opener?” “**131.” “Oh, that’s right, **131.”
On 9/11, the military ordered Vic to pack, to be prepared to be sent to places unknown. Ultimately he wasn’t sent, but we knew that, if he was, we wouldn’t see each other for a long time, that we wouldn’t be able to tell each other how much we missed the other. It was a gut-wrenching time.
To explain to military co-workers why he visited Dallas so often, Vic told them he was visiting his girlfriend, Torri—who, in reality, was a friend’s wife.
Eventually, tired of living a lie, Vic retired from the military as a major after almost 23 years of service in December 2010.
Vic and I loved each other very much and desperately wanted to marry. So, in October 2013 after 16 years together, we—along with a wonderful couple from Austin—sued the State of Texas for the right to marry.
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states denying marriage equality violated the U.S. Constitution. As a result, five months later, on November 21, 2015, Vic and I were married in Frisco, Texas, surrounded by friends and family.
It was a glorious day. But while some states prohibited job discrimination against LGBTQ Americans, Texas wasn’t one. Thus, a LGBTQ Texan (like me) could be married on Saturday and then be fired from his/her job on Monday—all with no legal recourse.
That changed somewhat last year when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Title VII, which prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating on the basis of sex, applied to LGBTQ Americans as well.
The LGBTQ community has come a long way during my lifetime: LGBTQ Americans can now marry, serve openly in the military, and mostly be protected from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
They also aren’t arrested for just going to a gay bar. And, from a poll I saw recently, approximately 60% of parents indicated they would be fine if their child was LGBTQ.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t threats to the LGBTQ community. The Texas legislature this past session proposed 30 anti-LGBTQ bills—13 of which targeted transgender youth. While none passed, there will be a special session this year; some of those bills may be resurrected.
So let’s celebrate Pride month and all that we’ve accomplished, then let’s get back to work for full equality.
Mark Phariss was the 2018 Democratic candidate for Texas Senate District 8. He resides in Plano with his husband Vic Holmes and their three beagles, Abby, Chispa & Jake.
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TURNING COLLIN BLUE IN '22 |
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Our REGISTER COLLIN campaign kicks off with a voter registration drive in Anna, Melissa, and Blueridge this weekend! Join us as we begin our campaign to register 60,000 new Democratic voters in Collin County.
We will be canvassing this weekend, Saturday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. in several shifts. Sign up below via our Sign Up Genius page for the time and location that best suits you! You can also sign up for canvassing events later this month.
#Blue2022 #RegisterCollin
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CONGRATULATIONS TO JULIE HOLMER - ELECTED TO PLANO CITY COUNCIL PLACE 7!! |
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On June 5, CCDP-endorsed Plano City Council candidate Julie Holmer prevailed in her run-off election for City Council Place 7. After a first-place finish (out of 5 candidates) in the May 1 election, with a total of 10,736 votes out of 31,510 total votes cast, she faced the second-highest finisher, Chris Robertson, in the June 5 run-off election. For the run-off, Holmer won with 11,544 votes out of 21,528 total votes, or 53.6%.
Ms. Holmer will serve out the remaining two years of Council Member Lily Bao's term, who resigned her Council seat to run for Mayor. Bao was defeated by long-time Plano resident John Muns, who was sworn in as Mayor last month. Julie Holmer will be sworn in and take her Council seat at the City Council meeting on Monday, June 14.
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While we cheer for Julie Holmer, we are saddened that Allen City Council member Lauren Doherty lost her run-off election for a second term on Council. Ms. Doherty served the people of Allen with courage and distinction, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. |
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Commissioners Court: Although there wasn’t a meeting last week, Chris Hill (or rather, his staff) has been hard at work drafting a Court Order for establishing Rules and Decorum of the Commissioners Court meetings to be voted on during the June 7th meeting. The Court Order allows them to vote on shortening people’s speaking time, hold people in contempt of court for “disruptions,” and create a dress code that refuses to allow hats. One wonders what they’ll do about religious-based head coverings. It shouldn’t escape our attention that this has only been put together AFTER the public started showing up and making them uncomfortable due to justified criticism. The commissioners are wading into the dangerous waters of authoritarianism.... ( read more) |
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Collin College Board of Trustees: Andy Hardin is the new board chair. The reinstatement of the professors released from their contracts was asked to be placed on the agenda. Instead of doing so (which they should have to do when requested by two Board members), they read a statement about how it is against various board policies and Robert’s Rules of Order to place the reinstatement on the agenda. In other words, they’re doubling down on violating the rights of the professors. This probably will have a chilling effect on faculty morale and recruitment. It also begs the question of what happens when the people in charge don’t follow the rules.... ( read more) |
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Allen and Frisco City Councils: A Tale of Two Run-offs: Both Allen and Frisco had excellent and qualified women fighting for council seats against unqualified, hateful, Trumpian opponents. In Allen, incumbent Lauren Doherty had good ideas and presented constituents with a thoughtful voice for greater representation. In Frisco, Angelia Pelham provided a solid track record of competency and service.
Neither of their opponents ran on ideas or policies but instead offered dangerous ideology, fear-mongering, and, in the case of Ms. Doherty’s opponent, a criminal record and unrepentant Islamophobia. Ms. Pelham’s opponent was so bad that even conservative Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney recognized the danger and endorsed Ms. Pelham. She won with 59% of the vote..... ( Read more) |
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Collin County Muni Run-Off Elections Round-Up:
Little Elm City Council: After earning 54% of the vote, Curtis Cornelious will be the next mayor of Little Elm. He’s a familiar face having served 2 terms on the city council and as a director on the Economic Development Corporation Board. Although this is a non-partisan race, it’s exciting that Mr. Cornelious is a Democrat.
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Plano City Council: The wins of both Julie Holmer and Kayci Prince in their run-offs means the Council will not continue its dangerous rightward tilt. By joining John Muns, elected Mayor last month over soon to be former Council Member Lily Bao and newcomer Lydia Ortega, Holmer and Prince enable a 5-3 Council majority over right-wing Plano Citizens Coalition-backed council members. |
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Richardson City Council: Arefin Shamsul won a seat on the city council with 53% of the vote. His addition to the council means that we have a majority Democrat council in Richardson for the first time in decades! |
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ANGIE BADO JOINS CCDP FUNDRAISING AS CO-CHAIR |
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The CCDP is thrilled that Angie Bado has joined the Party Fundraising Committee as Committee Co-Chair! A former educator, Angie has spent 40 years as a community volunteer and leader, championing public education and fighting for the underdog.
The founder and CEO of a hyper-local online news website, Angie combined her passion for politics and education with her desire to serve others and ran for State House District 70 in 2020. She resides in McKinney, Texas and is mom to two sons and a daughter and GiGi to three grandchildren.
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PRECINCT CHAIR OF THE MONTH
Elizabeth Michel, Precinct 169 in McKinney
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When I contacted Liz to let her know she was being selected as precinct chair of the month for May, I asked her what drives her, what were her passions. Like ALL good leaders, her response was, "There are so many others who are deserving of this besides me."
Liz has been a tireless community activist, door knocker, phone banker, texter, supporter and speaker for justice. I have watched and listened as she addressed local governmental bodies such as the McKinney City Council and the Collin County Commissioners Court. Her passion comes through to remind our local elected officials what our community needs are and exactly what their jobs are as representatives. Many of those elected officials seem to have forgotten, but Liz' strong voice has been there to remind them. She reminds me of White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaking at a national press conference. Liz has been thorough in her job as precinct chair, identifying others to become precinct chairs in McKinney. Liz is a role model for us all.
Thank you, Liz ! You are very much appreciated.
Vickie Parker
Chair, Precinct Chair Operations
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COMMUNITY MEET AND GREET - SCOTT COLEMAN FOR COMMISSIONER |
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Join Scott Coleman in Richardson on June 13 at 12:00 p.m. for the first stop of his community tour. Scott will be listening to community members' concerns and sharing his plans for the Collin County Commissioner's Court. Attendees will be able to sign Scott's petition to get on the ballot, and learn how to get involved with the campaign. We look forward to seeing you there!
When: June 13, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Crowley Park, Richardson (South Entrance off of Lookout Dr., 100 E Lookout Dr, Richardson).
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Attention friends of the CCDP, your CCPD Events and Outreach Committee needs your help. We will be hosting a booth at the Annual Collin County Juneteenth Celebration on June 19th at Haggard Park in Plano. We need people to work the booth and promote all CCPD and Partner Club events. If you can assist please sign-up for a shift, and we hope to see you there.
Shifts:
- 8 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (Includes booth set-up)
- 10 a.m. - Noon
- Noon -3 p.m. (includes booth break-down)
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MCKINNEY DEMS LIVING LIBERALLY JUNE SOCIAL |
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Living Liberally and MADC are meeting OUTSIDE at Wing Bucket for a social get-together. If you're not vaccinated, we encourage masks (when not eating or drinking) and social distancing. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a cash bar is available. Please RSVP so we'll order enough food. In the event of inclement weather, we will move our event inside. Please RSVP so we have a good headcount.
When: Friday, June 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: WingBucket McKinney, 3510 W. University Dr, McKinney
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The Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at Texas Woman's University will be hosting campaign workshops on July 14 and July 31. They are free, virtual, and nonpartisan, with an emphasis on helping women run for office.
This free, virtual workshop series will help attendees with the basics on how to prepare and run for office in Texas. The two-afternoon series will feature workshops and speakers covering topics like getting started, selecting a treasurer, profiling a district, working with political parties, getting out the vote, precinct walking, messaging, fundraising, and more. We'll have workshops with consultants, Q&As with noted officeholders, and panels with women officeholders and candidates sharing their experiences running for office.
Sign up for one afternoon or sign up both! The events are virtual via Zoom. They are open to anyone in Texas. Our schedule of events includes:
Saturday, July 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Session 1: First Steps
Keynote + Q&A: Delilah Agho-Otoghile, Executive Director, Harris County Democratic Party
Session 2: Party Support and the Basics of Precinct Analysis
Panel Discussion: Voter outreach and meeting your voters
Saturday, July 31, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Keynote + Q&A: Justice Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme Court
Session 3: Messaging
Panel Discussion: Media, Social Media, and Messaging
Session 4: Fundraising
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The CCDP physical office is closed until further notice for safety. Our office staff are, however, working for you from home and available by telephone at 972-578-1483 or contact us on the web at collindemocrats.org.
Check our Online Events!
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Political advertising paid for by the Democratic Party of Collin County.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Political donations are not tax-exempt.
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