To advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, support pro-equality Democratic candidates, strengthen coordination among Stonewall organizations nationwide, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community within the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Party.
Elect pro-LGBT Democrats in federal, state, and local elections, serve as a bullhorn for LGBT governmental issues, and supply LGBT voters to ballot boxes
Stonewall Democrats, also known in some states as LGBT Democrats, is a caucus within the Democratic Party that advocates for issues that are relevant to LGBT Americans.[1] The caucus primarily operates through individual chapters or political clubs supporting LGBTQ rights and affiliated with the Democratic Party.
In 1975, the Stonewall Democratic Club was established in Los Angeles, California, the first 'Stonewall Democratic Club' in the country established for LGBT individuals and straight allies committed to achieving equality for all and to advancing progressive and feminist values through the Democratic Party.[3]
The National Stonewall Democratic Federation was a national organization of LGBT Democratic clubs and individuals. It was founded on May 8–10, 1998, in Kansas City, Missouri. On January 1, 2013, National Stonewall Democratic Federation suspended operations due to a financial deficit of $30,000.[4][5]
National Federation of Stonewall Democrats
The National Federation of Stonewall Democrats is a nationwide network of LGBTQ+ Democratic organizations dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and representation within the Democratic Party. The organization works to support LGBTQ+ candidates, influence party policy, and mobilize LGBTQ+ voters in support of Democratic candidates at all levels of government.
History
The original Stonewall Democrats was founded in 1999 as a national LGBTQ+ political advocacy group affiliated with the Democratic Party. It served as a coalition of local and state-based LGBTQ+ Democratic organizations, working to advance LGBTQ+ rights through Democratic Party structures.
Following a period of inactivity, efforts to revitalize the organization culminated in the formation of the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats in 2025. Unlike its predecessor, the organization was structured as a federation of independent state and local Stonewall Democratic organizations, ensuring regional representation while maintaining national coordination.
On January 17, 2025, the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats was organized by leaders of Stonewall Democratic clubs and caucuses in 21 states in response to the second presidency of Donald Trump.[6][7]
The federation's formation has been widely reported, with media outlets highlighting its role in the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights within the Democratic Party. Politico and LGBTQ Nation covered the organization's renewed efforts in early 2025, emphasizing its focus on addressing transgender issues and advocating for LGBTQ+ representation within Democratic politics.
