Help me Make History at the DNC

Gia Drew is organizing this fundraiser.

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I am so excited and honored to represent Maine as a National Delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. I’m a passionate and lifelong Democrat, who's been involved in democracy and elections since my childhood growing up in the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston, Massachusetts. I was first engaged with politics and elected officials when I met, then Governor Mike Dukakis (D), in 1977, before he became our candidate for President in 1988.

It’s been decades since I was that young political person, but my passion for justice and democracy, has never been more important to me. I worked as a teacher and coach for 20 years, and transitioned on the job, becoming one of the first transgender public school teachers in Maine. Unfortunately my career in education was taken from me after coming out, so I turned to social justice activism. I volunteered with EqualityMaine on the historic 2012 Marriage Equality Campaign and twelve years later, I now serve as their Executive Director, advocating on behalf of Maine’s beautiful and diverse LGBTQ+ community. My connection to everyday Mainers has been profound during my tenure at EQME, meeting and talking with people from every county in the state, traveling 25 thousand miles a year since 2014. During this time, I also ran for State Representative in 2020, becoming the first out transgender person ever to run for Maine’s legislature.

Unfortunately the cost of participation is very high and is one of the reasons people from marginalized communities like mine are left out of the process. The estimated cost to attend the convention (flight, lodging, transportation and food) is about $5,000. One way or anther, I will represent Maine, especially the 2nd Congressional District and the LGBTQ+ community, in Chicago and am grateful for your support and contribution!