The LGBTQ+ Democratic Voice of WNYStatement on the Election11-06-2024
This is a dark day for our nation. Today and all days, Stonewall Democrats of WNY remains committed to the equality and justice of our LGBTQ+ community, and we stand against the open bigotry and hate of Donald Trump and the Republican Party. The election of Donald Trump is an affront to basic human decency everywhere. Words alone cannot make this right, but to every person who is afraid of what is coming: know we are here for you. We see you, we will lift you up— and we will always fight for you, and alongside you, for the rights and equality of all peoples. There will be rallies, protests, marches and other elections. But for now: take care of yourself, and each other, as we process this national tragedy. Check in on each other, and be there for each other. And when you are ready, come join us. Comments 
SDWNY 2024 General Election Voter's Guide SDWNY has endorsed the following candidates for elected office on the ballot for the 2024 General Election.
United States President and Vice-President: Vice-President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz United States Senator (NY): Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand United States House of Representatives, District 26: Rep. Tim Kennedy NYS Senate: 61st District: Sen. Sean Ryan 63rd District: April Baskin NYS Assembly: District 141: Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes District 143: Monica Wallace District 142: Pat Burke District 149: Jon Rivera District 146: Karen McMahon District 140: Bill Conrad Erie County District Attorney: Mike Keane Erie County Family Court (Vote for 2 available positions) Judge Kara Buscaglia Jeff Harrington Erie County Legislator District 1: Lawrence Dupre Buffalo City Court (Vote for 3 available positions): Rashied McDuffie Erin Elizabeth Hart Judge Barbara Johnson-Lee Buffalo Board of Education- Member at Large: Larry Scott NYS Ballot Proposition 1: Vote Yes! STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF WNY, CITY OF BUFFALO, WNY ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS RAISE PROGRESS LGBTQ+ PRIDE FLAG TO BEGIN START OF PRIDE MONTH AND BUFFALO PRIDE WEEK IN WNYFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Today, May 28, 2024, the City of Buffalo joined Stonewall Democrats of WNY, local elected officials and community leaders to raise the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride Flag, to officially kick off Buffalo Pride Week and LGBTQ+ Pride Month in WNY. Buffalo Pride features a week’s worth of events and programming, sponsored by Evergreen Health and M&T Bank, culminating in the Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 2. City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown stated, “I'm proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for full equality because no one should face discrimination for who they are or whom they love. As we raise the Pride Flag in Niagara Square, let us remember that our differences are what make us strong, and our unity is what moves us forward to a more just future for all. Let us continue to support, uplift, and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring they feel valued, heard, and celebrated in our city and beyond." City of Buffalo Fillmore District Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski said, "As we kickoff Pride Month with the raising of the Progress Pride Flags, I want to emphasize that Pride is about more than sexual orientation; it embodies the progress towards a more inclusive and welcoming city. Pride means celebrating the progress we have made, honoring those who paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community in Buffalo, and being proud of who we are and the city we live in. This year is especially significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Pride March to City Hall. I want us all to reflect and remember the courage of those who marched and continue to fight for a future where everyone can live openly and authentically." Ari Moore, Vice-President of SDWNY, said, “We were never second class citizens. And we were here all the time. We’ve never been on some kind of other planet or world, we have been here since the beginning of time, and are going to stay here.” Carol Speser, community activist and founder of SDWNY said, “Photos from 30 years ago, from the first Buffalo Pride march to City Hall. Photos of Buffalo’s courageous LGBTQ+ pioneers, who marched down Delaware Avenue at a time when you could be fired .. evicted … even arrested… just for being gay. In 1994, discrimination against LGBTQ+ citizens was perfectly legal. If you wonder how and why things changed so radically in the last 30 years, those early trailblazers still here in Buffalo have been invited as honored guests to this year's flag by Councilperson Mitch Nowakowski.” Bryan Ball, President of SDWNY said, “This Sunday, thousands of people will march in and attend the Buffalo Pride Parade and Festival at Canalside. It will be an incredible, joyous, radical showing of Pride and allyship; a beautiful testament of how the LGBTQ+ community is lifted up here in WNY. In a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under attack in our country from forces of hate that continue to seek to infiltrate all levels of our government—we will show what a Proud community we are here in WNY. And have always been. Today, we are proud to commemorate and be joined by honored community trailblazers, who have made our world as we know it possible. Thirty years ago this month, LGBTQ+ and allied western New Yorkers banded together, and in an unfathomable demonstration of strength, took part in the first Pride March to Buffalo City Hall. In a time when there were no legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, these brave heroes—civil servants, teachers, and people from all walks of life—stood up to the hostile forces of hate. Thank you to Carol Speser and to all our trailblazers—those who are with us today and those who are not-- for all you have done for us and allowed us to be.” NYS Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I am happy to support my friends in the LGBTQ+ community to help celebrate the kickoff of Pride Month. It's imperative that we respect and recognize the history, the trailblazers and those today who are helping shape Buffalo's LGBTQ+ community and culture.” United States Congressmember Tim Kennedy said, “Pride is about not only celebrating our successes and our diversity, it's about continuing the battles led by heroes like Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and Edith Windsor. The fight they led isn't complete, and getting there must include passage of the Equality Act, which will enshrine anti-discrimination policies into federal law. As we commemorate Pride Month, I wish nothing but joy and peace for all who are celebrating.`` Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera said, “By raising the Pride Flag we are reaffirming that Erie County is inclusive, welcoming and supportive to all members of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa M. Chimera. “Not just this week, or this month, but throughout the year the Pride Flag represents the diversity that makes us stronger, as well as symbolizing the need to protect the rights of all. LGBTQ+ individuals are our family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors and as we raise this flag we recognize, celebrate and stand with them.” City of Buffalo Common Council President Christopher P. Scanlon said, “As Council President, it is important to recognize the diversity of what makes our city special. June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the LGBTQ+ community here in the City of Buffalo. It is equally important to acknowledge and appreciate all those who have paved the way throughout LGBTQ+ history in our city. The raising of the Progress Pride Flags symbolizes our commitment to ensuring Buffalo is a safe and inclusive city for all who live here, raise a family here, and visit here." City of Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope said, “As we mark the beginning of Pride Month in the City of Buffalo, it's important to acknowledge the diverse tapestry of our city and the history of the LGBTQ+ community within it. Let's recognize the pioneers who have shaped history of the LGBTQ+ community within our city and continue to advocate for equality in Buffalo where we celebrate inclusion and strive to cultivate a welcoming environment for everyone." City of Buffalo Masten District Council Woman Zeneta B. Everhart said, "As we proudly raise the Progress Pride Flags to mark the beginning of Pride Month in the City of Buffalo, this is a reminder of our commitment to celebrating the vibrant diversity of our city and the LGBTQ+ community in Buffalo. It's essential that we honor the LGBTQ+ community and the trailblazers who've shaped Buffalo's LGBTQ+ history while also ensuring that every individual feels valued, safe, and loved in our city." NYS Senator Sean Ryan said, "This year, we come together to celebrate Pride Week once again during a troubling time for the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender individuals in particular continue to be under attack by those who want to erase their existence. Here in New York, we continue to champion freedom and equality for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Pride Week in Buffalo and Western New York is a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, and a demonstration of our commitment to standing up against those who seek to turn the clock back on LGBTQ+ rights. We will not back down, and we will keep marching because here in Western New York, we must do everything we can to show how proud we are to be a diverse and inclusive community." Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Now more than ever, it remains crucial that elected officials stand up and fight for the kind of human rights that are under attack at statehouses across the nation. We must not seek to compromise on equality. I’m proud to represent a district that places emphasis on the security and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, and am proud to be an ally in the struggle for equity regardless of race or gender. The Pride Flag Raising ceremony has become a staple of our city’s summer events calendar, and each year it is a reminder of how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, as well as the work that remains. I want to wish the City of Buffalo a happy Pride Week as we celebrate how our diversity strengthens us as a community.” NYS Assemblymember Monica Wallace said, “Pride Month is a time to show love and support for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Historically, Pride observances and symbols helped galvanize the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, paving the way for landmark civil rights advances like the right to marriage equality. At a time when the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are under attack across the nation and around the world, it's especially important that we proudly stand with our LGBTQ+ community in New York and beyond.” NYS Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "Raising the Pride Flag in Niagara Square has become a special tradition to kick off Pride Month. Pride Month brings an opportunity to celebrate the advancements and accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ community, but it also reminds us of the struggles that have been endured along the way. As the flag flies above Buffalo and Western New York throughout June, let's both celebrate and reflect on everyone's right to love who they wish and be who they are." NYS Assemblymember Pat Burke said, “As we continue to strive towards a society that values acceptance and inclusivity, it's important to stop and recognize how far we have come. There have been so many champions in the LGBTQ+ community but I would like to recognize my colleague, Danny O'Donnell who is retiring after twenty two years of service. Danny was the first openly gay man in the New York State Assembly and the author of the Marriage Equality Act." NYS Assemblymember Bill Conrad said, "WNY Pride Week offers us precious time as a community to celebrate the revolutionary figures of the gay rights movement, and to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ neighbors. I share in the allyship that helps inspire Pride celebrations the world over, and I admire anyone who walks in their truth, and who honors that of others. Happy Pride, all!" Erie County Legislator Chair April Baskin said, “In a time where our LGBTQIA+ family and friends are still working hard to be seen and to live their lives, it is imperative that we not only stand by them, but celebrate their contributions to our community. Pride Month reminds us that love is love and as a community, we find strength in our diversity. We still have work to do, but I am proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in support.” Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson said, “Pride Month is a celebration of love and diversity in Buffalo and Western New York, but it is also a testimony of the tenacity of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am always proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors as we celebrate them and the contributions they have made.” Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Timothy Meyers said, “Pride is an important time in our community where we are able to celebrate the diversity that makes this city and region great. Our LGBTQIA+ community is one that is vibrant, and it’s important that we celebrate them and their perseverance to continue to be themselves.” Jack Kavanaugh, Executive Director of GLYS: Growing LGBTQ+ Youth Support said, “Pride marks one of the most important weekends of the year for our LGBTQ+ young people. It is critical to show young people that that there is not only a large local LGBTQ+ community, in all its shades and diversity, but there are allies and community leaders willing to fight for you. In 2024, the battles rage on as our transgender and gender nonconforming young people face violence, discrimination and hate, but at least for one weekend the entirety of Western New York can stand up and say: you are seen, valued and loved." Alexandre Burgos, Founder of Upstate NY Black & Latino Pride, said: "Pride Month is a culmination of history, celebration and community. It's our way of looking back at our history, and honoring those we've lost. It's our way of celebrating the progress we've made, and celebrating one another. It's also a way of looking towards the future of our community, and what still needs to be done to achieve LGBTQ+ equity. Happy Pride Month to everyone in the City Of Buffalo and around the world!” City of North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec said, “Pride Month is a time to embrace diversity, foster inclusivity, and appreciate the richness of everyone’s individuality. We stand together to create a world that values every person for who they are.” Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick said, "I’m proud to join my friends and colleagues at the Pride flag raising in Niagara Square to show that Erie County is a place where all belong and are celebrated for being exactly who they are. I thank the Stonewall Democrats for their commitment to fighting for equality and for providing this opportunity to come together as a community in support of the entire LGBTQ+ community.” Town of Hamburg Supervisor Randy Hoak said, “The Town of Hamburg will join the City of Buffalo for the third year in a row by raising the Pride flag to show LGBTQ+ residents and friends that they are welcomed and celebrated in the Town that friendship built. As Pride month commences we encourage more municipalities throughout WNY to join us in this act of inclusion.” Town of Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak said, “The Pride flag raising and Pride month are about liberty and justice for all people. Our country has made real progress extending legal rights and societal acceptance to those in the LGBTQ+ community. The flag raising is a reminder of accomplishments to celebrate and goals not yet accomplished. ### 
Buffalo Pride Week Flag Raising- this Tuesday May, 28 2024!Show your LGBTQ+ Pride and join SDWNY and the City of Buffalo as we officially kick off Buffalo Pride Week in WNY by raising the Unity Pride Flag in Niagara Square!
We are so proud this year to be commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the first Pride March to Buffalo City Hall in 1994. Immediately following the Flag Raising, "Snapshots in Time: 1994" an exhibit of photos from the event, by community activist and SDWNY founder Carol Speser, will be available for viewing in the lobby of Buffalo City Hall. Special thanks to Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski and the City of Buffalo and Mayor Byron Brown for making this happen. Comments Early Voting in the Special Election in Erie County has begun! Vote Tim Kennedy for US Congress!
Tim Kennedy for Congress, NY 26
April 2, 2024
It is with absolute pride that Stonewall Democrats of WNY announces our endorsement of Tim Kennedy for US Congress, NY 26. "We are proud beyond words to endorse Tim Kennedy for Congress," said Bryan Ball, president of SDWNY. "In politics, there are allies, there are advocates-- and then there are public servants like Tim Kennedy. For his entire career, Tim Kennedy has been there for the LGBTQ+ community. When he first ran for the NYS Senate well over a decade ago, Tim took on the establishment to fight for progress, and that progress included equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Tim promised we would support our issues, and made good on every promise and more once elected to the Senate. Tim organized to support-- in the Senate and our communities across NYS-- and took crucial votes on issues to pass the Marriage Equality Act, to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, and to pass the ban on anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy for minors. Tim has always been there for us; in the Senate, in our communities, fighting aways for us, and being one of our most pro-active and productive allies in government at any level. To vote for Tim Kennedy for US Congress is one of the easiest votes to take, and we are so proud to be able to vote to send Tim Kennedy to Congress, where he will stand up for us all." Comments Early Voting has begun in Erie County!
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Jon Rivera for NYS Assembly District 149
June 16, 2020
Stonewall Democrats of WNY is proud to announce our endorsement of Jon Rivera for the NYS Assembly District 149.
"Jon Rivera is a thoughtful, progressive leader who has organized for years in our diverse communities, and I can think of no one better to represent us in the Assembly," said Bryan Ball, president of Stonewall Democrats of WNY. Because of Jon's activism in our community and in the Democratic Party, we are already a better, more progressive place. Jon Rivera will be the only Latino in the New York State Assembly north of New York City. Representation matters, and that matters to WNY. We are proud to help make that happen. Jon Rivera has long been the best of allies to SDWNY and the WNY LGBTQ community, and we are so proud he will be our Assembly member in Albany. "
Stonewall Democrats of WNY is proud to announce our endorsement of Jon Rivera for the NYS Assembly District 149.
"Jon Rivera is a thoughtful, progressive leader who has organized for years in our diverse communities, and I can think of no one better to represent us in the Assembly," said Bryan Ball, president of Stonewall Democrats of WNY. Because of Jon's activism in our community and in the Democratic Party, we are already a better, more progressive place. Jon Rivera will be the only Latino in the New York State Assembly north of New York City. Representation matters, and that matters to WNY. We are proud to help make that happen. Jon Rivera has long been the best of allies to SDWNY and the WNY LGBTQ community, and we are so proud he will be our Assembly member in Albany. "
Nate McMurray for Congress, NY 27
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 16, 2020
Stonewall Democrats Endorse Nate McMurray for the New York’s Congressional 27th District
HAMBURG, N.Y. – Stonewall Democrats of Western New York announced their endorsement of Nate McMurray for Congress today. The group advocates for legislation that guarantees equality and fairness for the LGBT community, representing the political ideas, ideals, concerns, and priorities of the LGBT community Western New York and New York State.
“For too long, the constituents of NY 27 have had failed leadership,” said Bryan Ball, President of SDWNY. “Nate McMurray is the only choice in this election. Nate is ready to restore integrity to the office, and ready to start working for us— today— in Congress. Nate is a fierce progressive, and LGBTQ ally who will do all he can to serve all members of the community as our next representative from the 27th Congressional District. We fully support Nate, and look forward to doing all we can to help elect him to Congress.”
“I am so proud to have earned the support and endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats and pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure LGBTQ+ people have a voice in Congress to fight for them, against discriminatory policies and to advance pro-equality measures. As we recognize Pride month, I say it’s time to fight back, it’s time to restore the soul of our nation, and it’s time we make our country a global leader in human rights once again.” Nate McMurray said.
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Date: June 16, 2020
Stonewall Democrats Endorse Nate McMurray for the New York’s Congressional 27th District
HAMBURG, N.Y. – Stonewall Democrats of Western New York announced their endorsement of Nate McMurray for Congress today. The group advocates for legislation that guarantees equality and fairness for the LGBT community, representing the political ideas, ideals, concerns, and priorities of the LGBT community Western New York and New York State.
“For too long, the constituents of NY 27 have had failed leadership,” said Bryan Ball, President of SDWNY. “Nate McMurray is the only choice in this election. Nate is ready to restore integrity to the office, and ready to start working for us— today— in Congress. Nate is a fierce progressive, and LGBTQ ally who will do all he can to serve all members of the community as our next representative from the 27th Congressional District. We fully support Nate, and look forward to doing all we can to help elect him to Congress.”
“I am so proud to have earned the support and endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats and pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure LGBTQ+ people have a voice in Congress to fight for them, against discriminatory policies and to advance pro-equality measures. As we recognize Pride month, I say it’s time to fight back, it’s time to restore the soul of our nation, and it’s time we make our country a global leader in human rights once again.” Nate McMurray said.
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Bill Conrad for NYS Assembly District 61
June 16, 2020
SDWNY is proud to announce our endorsement of Bill Conrad for NYS Assembly, District 61. "Bill Conrad has for years been an incredible ally to the WNY LGBTQ community," said Bryan Ball, president of SDWNY. "Bill Conrad is the only candidate in this primary who has the integrity, the knowledge and the experience to best represent all the people of the 61st Senate District. We are proud to support his election."
SDWNY is proud to announce our endorsement of Bill Conrad for NYS Assembly, District 61. "Bill Conrad has for years been an incredible ally to the WNY LGBTQ community," said Bryan Ball, president of SDWNY. "Bill Conrad is the only candidate in this primary who has the integrity, the knowledge and the experience to best represent all the people of the 61st Senate District. We are proud to support his election."
Stonewall Democrats of Western New York is the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer Democratic voice in western New York. Our mission is to advocate for the LGBTQ community within the WNY area government and the Democratic Party.
Stonewall Democrats of WNY is an affiliate of the National Stonewall Democrats.
Meeting Information
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently not meeting in person.
When we are able to meet in person, we will meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at:
Brent House
3105 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
at 7PM
Officers:
Bryan Ball, President
Kitty Lambert-Rudd, Vice President of Legislative Affairs
Ari Moore, Vice President of Community Affairs
Mitch Nowakowski, Vice President of Party Affairs
Erich Weyant, Treasurer
Tom Gleed, Secretary
National LGBTQ Organizations
Human Rights Campaign
Marriage Equality USA
Freedom to Marry
PFLAG National
WNY LGBT Organizations
Pride Center of Western New York
Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York
Spectrum Transgender Group of Western New York
Western New Yorkers Against Conversion Therapy
Outspoken for Equality
PFLAG, Buffalo/Niagara Chapter
Loop Magainze
Imperial Court of Buffalo
Outcome Buffalo
LGBT Archives of Western NY
Candidate Websites
Tim Kennedy for State Senate
Sean Ryan for Assembly
Government Links
Federal
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
Library of Congress: THOMAS
State
New York State Senate
New York State Assembly
Sen. Tim Kennedy
Assemblymember Sean Ryan
Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes
County
Erie County
Erie County Legislature
City/Town
City of Buffalo
City of Jamestown
Town of Amherst
Human Rights Campaign
Marriage Equality USA
Freedom to Marry
PFLAG National
WNY LGBT Organizations
Pride Center of Western New York
Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York
Spectrum Transgender Group of Western New York
Western New Yorkers Against Conversion Therapy
Outspoken for Equality
PFLAG, Buffalo/Niagara Chapter
Loop Magainze
Imperial Court of Buffalo
Outcome Buffalo
LGBT Archives of Western NY
Candidate Websites
Tim Kennedy for State Senate
Sean Ryan for Assembly
Government Links
Federal
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
Library of Congress: THOMAS
State
New York State Senate
New York State Assembly
Sen. Tim Kennedy
Assemblymember Sean Ryan
Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes
County
Erie County
Erie County Legislature
City/Town
City of Buffalo
City of Jamestown
Town of Amherst