[Pictured Left: LGBTI Supporters of Howard Dean include: Chad Allen, Robert Gant, & Melissa Etheridge.]

Lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) voters will find many allies among the 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidates. All nine candidates strongly support sexual orientation nondiscrimination laws and eight also support the extension of domestic partner benefits. Still, there are important differences between these candidates when it comes to issues that have less public support.

Among the candidates Governor Dean stands out, both for his his positions on all LGBTI issues, and for the tremendous support he already has from the LGBTI community.

The former Governor of Vermont is best known to LGBTI voters for signing Vermont's domestic partnership legislation into law. He has a strong record on LGBTI rights. In a recent study of the candidates released by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Dean ranked second highest in support of LGBTI issues. (Carol Moseley Braun was the only candidate ranking higher than Dean)

The Governor spent a lot of time early into his campaign reaching out to the LGBTI Community. He crossed the country speaking at Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinners, Stonewall Democrats Meetings, and other LGBTI Events. That work is clearly paying off.

LGBTI celebrity supporters of Howard Dean include Melissa Etheridge, Robert Gant, and Chad Allen. Recording artist Melissa Etheridge, is no stranger to Democratic Party politics. Etheridge was an early supporter of President Bill Clinton. Newer to party politics is Robert Gant. Gant, who stars as Ben Bruckner on Showtime's Queer As Folk, has participated in Dean events in New York City. Chad Allen is best remembered for the role of Matthew Cooper on the television show Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman. According to his website, Allen is "determined to do everything in his power to bring Dean's voice to America."

[Pictured Left: LGBTI Dean Supporters at Pride Events in Washington DC, Chicago, and Phoenix.]

LGBTI elected officials who have backed Dean include Scott Dibble and Tom Ammiano. Scott Dibble, a state senator from Minnesota, is an active volunteer with the Dean Campaign. Ammiano, a member and past president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, has also endorsed the Governor's campaign for president. Ammiano stated "Howard Dean's courageous leadership will serve him well in the White House. His support for civil unions shows that Howard Dean isn't afraid to take on tough issues."

LGBTI Supporters of Dean have also been visible at Pride Events across the country. Howard Dean had a stronger presence at June Pride festivals than any other candidate. Javier Morillo-Alicea helped organize the contingent at Twin Cities Pride: "We were the only presidential campaign represented in the parade, and everyone who marched was thrilled by the recognition and positive reaction encountered en route."

Organizing for Dean will extend far beyond Pride. Additional outreach and fundraising events in the LGBTI community are scheduled for a number of cities including Washington, DC and New York. LGBTI community members will continue to play key roles both as volunteers and staff members of the Campaign.

For more information: To learn more about LGBTI organizing in support of Howard Dean, visit www.outfordean.com, or go to www.deanforamerica.com and search for events in your area.