Subj:  GLUD news...                          94-05-01 13:28:14 EDT
From:  DavidN1327

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Sunday, May 1, 1994

Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats
Post Office Box 11311
Salt Lake City, Utah 84147-0311
(801)461-5058 metropolitan Salt Lake City telephone number
(800)864-0310 national toll-free telephone number

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GLUD expects largest-ever gathering at Democratic state convention

SALT LAKE CITY - After concluding an 11-week statewide recruitment effort,
Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats leaders announced today that at least 112 GLUD
supporters became county- and state-convention delegates which makes the
expected attendance at the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats Caucus of the Utah
Democratic Primary Convention on May 14 the largest ever.

The group also noted that at least 53 supporters became voting-precinct
officers and that 45 of them became county-party central-committee members.
At least eight of those committee members also became members of the powerful
state-party central committee. At least four GLUD supporters were appointed
last year to serve as members or leaders of state-party committees.

"We're pleased that our supporters were appointed and elected as more than
222 delegates, party officers and leaders," GLUD Founder David Nelson said.
"Our influence with the party is a direct result of the enthusiasm and
successful work of bisexual, gay and lesbian people like our supporters."

This year, the group conducted its most extensive ever survey of the opinions
of Utah Democratic candidates about bisexual, gay and lesbian issues. The
questionnaire asked at least 158 candidates if they agree with and support
issues including equal-rights protection and sodomy decriminalization. The
survey results will help the caucus attendees to decide which candidates to
endorse.

To help reduce attendance conflicts with the ACLU-sponsored "Turning the
Century" conference which is planned for the same day, GLUD leaders lobbied
party leaders for a better convention location and plan to offer shuttle
buses between the conference and convention free of charge for attendees.

"The party leaders are working with us to ensure the most accessible
convention possible for our supporters," GLUD Chair Michael Aaron said. "It's
unfortunate that both events are planned for the same day, but with our
efforts, and those of the party leaders and ACLU sponsors, we hope to give
bisexual, gay and lesbian people in Utah a convenient way to be part of two
great events."