Newsletter for week of October 20, 2024

We are all actively involved in the last 16 days before the election, trying to get the word out about great candidates and ballot measures. We don’t have any new news to share, just a few options for action, some reminders, and lots of queer joy to share, because we all need a lot of that to help get us through the next few weeks. 

Surviving the Next Few Weeks

First, just breathe. We are all a little stressed out, weary of election emails and texts and advertising and donation requests, and worried about the outcome of races that impact us and our queer kids the most. Take care of yourselves. Don’t stay up late doom scrolling on social media. Do things that feed your soul–cook, have coffee with a friend, make art, play a game with your kids, watch a movie with your sweetie, whatever it is that fills you up that is not related to politics. This is one piece of advice that those who attended the Stonewall Democrats Bone Ball were fortunate to hear from Montana Representative Zooey Zephyr. More on her later. 

Second, channel your stress into action. Mobilize lists many candidates’ volunteer needs, as do the candidates’ social media pages and websites. If you aren’t sure who to pick, you can take another look at our spotlight candidates. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the needs and the ones you can’t do, just pick one or two and do those.

Important Reminders 

Friday, October 25th. The deadline to register to vote online has passed, but you can still register in person at a county election office until 6pm on Friday, October 25th. If you or anyone you know still needs to register to vote (or change a current registration), please go to your county election office this week

Friday, October 25th is the last day to request a mail in ballot

Monday, November 4th is the last day to vote early in person at your county election office

Tuesday, November 5th is election day! It is also the last day to drop your early vote by mail ballot in a secure county drop box. Vote in person 8am-8pm Central (7-7 Mountain) at your polling place, volunteer to drive folks to the polls, get involved in candidates’ get out the vote efforts, etc. 

SO MUCH Queer Joy

Our own Maureen Hornacek was 1 of 10 women featured by the Omaha Women’s Fund as a woman leading the change toward greater gender equity in our community. Read the article here! 

The Stonewall Bone Ball was a success with guest speaker, Rep. Zooey Zephyr.  She gave an inspirational speech with many good points to fuel our energy to go forward and get ready for the next Legislative session. She spoke of her strategies to connect and find common ground with people who don’t agree with her, which can be so very hard to do. A paraphrase of her remarks: 

I believed three things about people I was in conversation with, in order to give grace:

1. People came to their beliefs genuinely

2. People’s opinions are nuanced

3. People will change their beliefs under the right circumstances

Lastly, she emphasized, “You want people to see your humanity through gentle conversations.” 

Sunday was HUMAN BLUE DOT day in Memorial Park in Omaha. Blue Dot Energy (BDE): A Grassroots Movement organized folks to show up today (Sunday, October 22), wearing blue, and pose for an overhead picture. We also sang Happy Birthday to Kamala Harris. It was a day full of joy for queer and straight alike.

Thanks to the organizers for making this happen!