Stonewall Democrats Census 2007-2008
May 5th, 2008
The Stonewall Census is the first comprehensive membership survey in organizational history. Members were encouraged to provide feedback on political issues, organizational strength and participation in Democratic politics. The survey, conducted electronically and through the mail, allowed for one response per participating member. The census received a response from 2,431 individuals. Responses were received from all fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The survey period was open from December 13, 2007 until January 31, 2008.
The census examined five key areas: a) opinions of critical LGBT and Democratic issues, b) level of participation in Stonewall Democrats, c) level of participation in Democratic politics, d) demographics and e) evaluation of the performance of Stonewall Democrats and the Democratic Party.
The most prominent political issue within the LGBT community in 2007 was the approach to passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). A decision to replace an inclusive ENDA with a substitute bill that withheld legal protections on the basis of gender identity drew sharp debate among LGBT advocates.
To inform their work, Stonewall Democrats used the Stonewall Census to survey member attitudes regarding their preferred approach to passing employment protections on the federal level. Members were asked to place a high, moderate or low priority to passage of key provisions of ENDA, including if gender identity protections should be part of the bill – especially if it would delay passage. To ensure the accuracy of opinions, Stonewall Democrats utilized questions identical to those consistently used by media outlets and advocacy organizations in recent years. 85% of respondents maintained a HIGH priority for the inclusion of gender identity protections in ENDA. The survey also found 70% support among respondents for passage of a fully inclusive bill – even if it delayed passage of the bill. These results among Stonewall Democrats mirror the results produced by similar surveys previously conducted by national advocacy groups. 70% of respondents maintained that Stonewall Democrats should work towards passage of the original, inclusive ENDA - even if that approach would delay final passage of the bill.

The Stonewall Census also examined the voting priorities of respondents on a wide range of Democratic issues. Of the 15 issues examined, protecting civil liberties and securing affordable
health care were the top two priorities of respondents. Advocating for LGBT issues was weighted as the third-highest priority out of the 15 issue areas examined.
Top Five Issues that Motivate LGBT Voters:
1. Civil Liberties: Respondents placed their highest priority on the ability to protect American civil liberties.
2. Affordable Health Care: Of great concern to the Stonewall membership was the ability of politicians to deliver affordable health care.
3. LGBT Equality: While not ranked the top priority, issues which specifically impact the LGBT community were highly considered while making voting decisions.
4. Ending the War in Iraq: Like many Americans, respondents to the Stonewall Census were concerned with concluding the war in Iraq in a timely manner.
5. Improving Education and the Environment: Of 15 issue areas, both improving education and improving the environment tied as the fifth-highest voting priority. Of members who indicate that they have children, improving education stood as their highest voting priority.
The Stonewall Census asked respondents to self-identify across a number of demographic areas including age, gender, gender identity, veteran status and ethnic background. While these results may not be indicative of the entire membership, they do help to inform Stonewall Democrats work as they construct programs that increase the participation of LGBT Democrats.
–49.6% of respondents are in a relationship
–62.5% of respondents in relationships have no legal recognition.
–24% of respondents have children
–13% of respondents are veterans who have served their country through military service. This is slightly greater than the national average.
–12% of respondents identify as transgender.
–15% of respondents self-identified as a member of an ethnic minority group (4.3% Latino, 3.3% African American, 2.9% Native American, 1.5% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 3.1% multiracial)
–10% of respondents identify as a straight ally.
–40% of Respondents were women.
–60% were men.







































