I don’t have to tell you how important this year is. In addition to electing a Democrat to the Presidency and increasing our majorities in both houses, we are going to actively participate in taking the New York Senate for the Democrats. We have a lot of exciting meetings planned as we talk about participating in the elections, as well as gear up for yet another important year, when we will elect a new Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate and a majority of the City Council. Stonewall will doubtlessly be courted by many contenders in those elections, which should make for some spirited meetings. We also planning to hear from some of the greatest political consultants in the business.
There are also a lot of other things to do. The same-sex civil marriage bill finally passed the Assembly this, year, but we still have work to do to get it passed. A huge priority is to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) as well as the Dignity for All Students Bill, which would protect LGBT Youth in our schools; we are also working on a bill which would ban the so-called "Gay Panic Defense" used by gay bashers to excuse their horrible acts. We will be working to get all these bills passed and others of importance to our community.

We will also be having fun. The Club sponsors "Drinking Liberally Steps Out" a monthly social gathering at XES Longue on the third Tuesday of the Month and we will be sponsoring Forums on various issues throughout the year. We will march in the City's various LGBT Pride Parades, as well and host or co-sponsor other social events. In addition, I pledged last year and kept my word at all but one meeting that our monthly meetings will end early enough for social time.

I hope you will continue to participate in our Club or join us this year.

—Matthew Carlin, President SDNYC