Monmouth County Dems LGBTQ Caucus

08/27/2026

Dolly always said it cost a lot of money to look that cheap — and she loved telling the story of quietly entering a drag queen look-alike contest as herself and losing.

She never treated the queens as imitators. She treated them as colleagues.

So there's something almost scripted about what happened Tuesday.

Hours after her death was announced, Judge David Hittner — appointed by Ronald Reagan — declared Texas Senate Bill 12 unconstitutional, writing that its definitions were so vague and sweeping they could reach Elvis's hips, cosplayers, or athletes.

And yes, anyone who ever shamed Dolly Parton for the hair, the clothes, the silhouette.

He even named her in the ruling right next to Miley Cyrus. Her actual goddaughter. In a federal opinion.

The case was brought by the ACLU of Texas on behalf of performers and venues, led by Brigitte Bandit — the Austin queen who testified against the bill at the Capitol in full Dolly regalia, and who owns a rhinestone guitar the woman herself sent her in 2023.

Her reaction to the ruling: "Drag is free speech, b----."

She's performing as Dolly in Austin on Saturday, in her honor.

The full picture, though? This is the second time this law has been struck down — Paxton already appealed once and can appeal again, and he's currently running for Senate on exactly this kind of grievance.

The fight isn't over.

But right now, tonight, the ban is unenforceable.

Somewhere a woman with big hair is smiling. Offended? Then you don’t HAVE to go to a fabulous drag show. But it’s your loss.

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton’s legacy was never just about music—it was about compassion, courage, and choosing people over prejudice.

At a time when HIV/AIDS was met with fear, stigma, and cruel silence, Dolly used her platform to support AIDS awareness and fundraising efforts. In an industry—and a country—where standing publicly with LGBTQ+ people could carry real professional risk, she chose empathy.

She understood something too many powerful people did not: no one should be abandoned, shamed, or treated as disposable because of who they are or because they are sick.

Dolly spent a lifetime putting that belief into action—through generosity, advocacy, and an unwavering insistence that people deserve dignity. She showed that faith, country roots, and love for your neighbor are not excuses for exclusion; they are calls to care for one another.

She was always on the right side of history because she was on the side of people society tried to discard.

May she rest in power. 💗🏳️‍🌈

08/16/2026

Rizzuto’s connection with the community became especially visible last year after someone stole a Pride flag outside his shop and directed threats toward the business. The incident brought a wave of support from residents and local leaders and from people outside the area as well.

07/28/2026

07/04/2026

No Kings since 1776 😎 Happy Fourth of July, New Jersey! 🇺🇸 🎆 ❤️🤍💙

07/01/2026

Great news for NJ last night!

BREAKING: The state Legislature just passed a bill shielding providers of transgender and reproductive healthcare in New Jersey.

The bill affirms our providers of medically necessary, best-practice, lifesaving care are only subject to New Jersey law, not those of other states that have chosen to target such care. It also establishes a right for New Jersey residents to access such healthcare that is restricted in other states.

This critical bill would not have become a reality without the years of hard work from providers, policy experts, lawmakers, advocates, and the thousands of New Jerseyans who made their voices heard in support.

We now encourage Gov. Sherrill to sign this bill into as swiftly as possible.

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***r

06/30/2026

NJDSC LGBTQ+ Caucus Stands with Transgender Youth
TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Democratic State Committee LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Lauren Albrecht issues the following statement:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision further signals the Trump-selected Court’s commitment to using our vulnerable youth as political pawns.

Instead of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive, this ruling allows states to exclude transgender students from school sports. Let’s call this decision what it is: government-sanctioned discrimination.

Egregiously, Cavanaugh notes ‘no student-athlete on either side of the issue ... deserves to be ostracized or vilified.’ However, the majority of the Court has made itself clear, as its decision has the quite opposite effect.

At a time when everyone’s focus, no matter the party, should be on supporting all students and not singling out vulnerable children for political purposes, this caucus remains laser-focused on protecting the rights, and safety of every person. Every young person deserves the opportunity to participate, build friendships, and experience the benefits of teamwork and competition without fear of discrimination. For many trans kids, sports participation bridges the gap between individual identity and community belonging.

Our work does not end with this decision. In New Jersey, we have set the standard by ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to participate in school sports, regardless of their gender identity. We will continue to fight for policies that protect inclusion and uphold equal opportunity.

In conclusion: LET. KIDS. PLAY. ”

🏳️‍⚧️

06/28/2026

Our committee is officially entering an exciting new chapter! We are proud to announce the election of our new leadership team with Jacquelyn Godbey as Chair and Tyree Morton as Vice-chair. The team is dedicated to uniting our incredible community, championing democratic values, and building momentum for upcoming elections. 🗳️

Stay tuned! Over the coming weeks, we will be revealing our full executive board and county committee members who will be driving our grassroots efforts forward.

Read the full leadership announcement in the photo below or at: https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/asbury-park-democrats-elect-new-leadership-launching-a-new-era-of-community-engagement-and-party-building

06/27/2026

Explore the essence of community and the lasting impact of individuals like Babs Siperstein and Matt Arco on New Jersey.