Wade Boyles's Blog

What to do now?

Wade Boyles — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:12:51 EST

With election day passed and a couple of days worth of rest, what do I do now? For more than a year I have volunteered for the Obama Campaign and served as the state organizer for Obama Pride North Carolina. Where do I go from here?

The greatest experience of my entire life, being a part of history, helping deliver North Carolina for Barack Obama. We hosted voter registration drives in gay clubs across the state, hosted house parties, block parties and took part in the states gay pride parades and festivals.

We worked with our local campaign offices in canvassing, phone banking and raising money. Of all the excitement of this campaign my most memorable moment was when I stood next to an older African-American female as she sobbed uncontrollably as they announced Barack had won.

My own emotions were very overwhelming as I stood there with her and held her in my arms, she told me of a story which I will never forget.

When she was a young woman back in the early 1960's, while on a freedom march in Charlotte, NC, a white woman spit in her face. She stood and took it because that was what Dr. King had taught, not to fight back.

As tears poured down her face she thanked me and all the other young people in the room, which was filled with a diverse group of people under 40. I could not imagine the feeling she had and will never know how it must feel to finally see a man of color, an African-American in the truest meaning, become the 44th President of the United States.

We have been a part of history and it is over whelming. But young white people, like myself, cannot know what it is like for those who suffered through the civil rights movement.

I know how overwhelming it is for me to know, we in the LGBT community, will have a true friend in the White House. I believe Barack Obama is the real hope we have been needing. He will help bridge the gap in relations between not only race, but sexual orientation.

Next week I will begin to find something else to keep me busy. I just wanted to share these thoughts with you.

THANK YOU LGBT COMMUNITY

Wade Boyles — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:54:57 EST

Dear Friends,

Last night and all day today I have been emotionally overwhelmed. There are moments when I cannot stop crying as I hear and see our next President, Barack Obama, speak or hear others share their moments and emotions over this very historic moment for the United States of America.

You have all worked long and hard for this campaign and I am personally very grateful to each and everyone of you. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!

The LGBT community now has an ally heading to the White House to serve ALL the people!

On a personal note: It was an awesome experience having been on the ballot with Obama/Biden. Even though I lost my election to the North Carolina State House, I do not see it as a defeat. Having been an openly gay man running in the conservative leaning district and still managed to garner 41% of the vote is really amazing, especially since I was only the in the race for 8 weeks.

We also rejoice over the election of Kay Hagan and our very first female Governor, Bev Perdue.

Thank you once again for helping Obama Pride North Carolina and when the "official" results are in, I am confident Obama will win the 15 electoral votes from our great state!

Yes We Can and We Did!

Wade Boyles

State Coordinator for
Obama Pride North Carolina

NC Has Much to be Thankful for!

Wade Boyles — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:52:59 EST

Dear Friends,

Words cannot express the sincere thanks and gratitude I have for all who supported my campaign. All the volunteers who helped at the polls on Tuesday was such a great help!

We did well for a candidate who was unknown just 8 weeks ago and ran a civil and clean campaign. We garnished 41% of the vote and carried the precincts of Ardmore, Brunson, Miller Park, Mt. Tabor, Reynolds High and Southfork.

You will forever be in my hearts and this is just one step forward for the LGBT community.

We have so much to be thankful for this election year. We have elected Barack Obama as President, Kay Hagan as Senator and Bev Perdue, the first female Governor of our great state!

Congratulations to all the candidates in the Democratic Party who won their elections.

It was an awesome experience!

Always,

Wade

Obama Pride Labor Day Weekend Events

Wade Boyles — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:47:10 EDT

Hope everyone has been enjoying the last big weekend of the summer. Obama Pride Winston-Salem joined with other Democrats at the 411 Club in downtown Winston-Salem on Thursday night for a successful Watch Party! Obama Pride Winston-Salem was well represented with several in the LGBT community coming out to the event. The local television crew was present and a couple of us made it on the news!

On Friday night we had a successful Voter Registration Drive at Club Odyssey with positive response from most everyone at the club. The Club owner was really happy to have us there and has agreed for us to come back on Friday nights as often as possible. We had a number of volunteers, passed out Obama Pride buttons, stickers and literature.

Again, hope everyone is enjoying your Labor Day weekend and would love to hear a report from other Obama Pride Events in North Carolina!

Yes We Can!

Wade Boyles

OBAMA PRIDE at the NCGLFF

Wade Boyles — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:30:31 EDT

The 13th Annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival was a huge success this year and I would like to thank the Obama Pride Durham team for setting up the Obama Pride booth and volunteering at the event. We were able to register voters and sign up new volunteers for Obama Pride!

On Saturday I was able to meet up with Thao Vo and Mandy Carter from Obama Pride Durham and plan our strategy for Obama Pride during the NC State Pride Festival and March on Sept. 27.

We have photos from this past weekend posted on our Obama Pride North Carolina Facebook group!

CHECK IT OUT!

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18173287311

Join the OBAMA PRIDE TEAM

Wade Boyles — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:01:41 EDT

Volunteer opportunities include: Voter Registration Drives, Canvassing, Phone Banking, Working the Obama Pride Booth during NC State Pride Festival and Parade and other pride events across North Carolina.

Email glbt@ncobama.com (will soon change to glbt@ncforchange.com)

Obama Pride North Carolina

Wade Boyles — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:02:05 EDT

Thanks for taking a moment to check out my blog. I just wanted to update everyone on the Obama Pride outreach in North Carolina. So far we have a great network building on MYBO and FACEBOOK!

We are all set to have a great turnout at the NC ANNUAL PRIDE FESTIVAL AND PARADE on Sept. 27th. If you haven't signed up to attend this awesome event, please do so!

Our listserv for the Obama Pride North Carolina is growing everyday as is our friends on FACEBOOK.

We will need volunteers to help with Obama Pride at the Festival, so please let me know asap if you can help.

Thanks again for everyone who is helping Obama Pride in North Carolina!

My Interview on TV 12 (WXII) and 14 (News Carolina)

Wade Boyles — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:34:25 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fLMijZD5R0

WS-GLBT for Obama Organizational Meeting

Wade Boyles — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:24:34 EDT

Our organizational meeting went well on Thursday night. We enjoyed good drinks at Speakeasy Jazz Club and had 17 folks turn out. We signed up some volunteers and some folks registered to help with canvassing. I felt great about the evening. We have a Barack Your Block party planned for April 26th.

This has been an exciting election season and my first time involved in the political scene. I am learning as I go and also meeting some wonderful people along the way! Thanks to everyone who has stepped up to help us with our group!

YES WE CAN!

Winston-Salem Obama Student March

Wade Boyles — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:23:28 EDT

Today's event in Winston-Salem was great! There were hundreds of Students from the colleges, lots of Obama Supporters and various Obama groups participating in the event. Though it was hot and I am sun burnt, it was an awesome experience.

In addition to having a great time with the march and being on TV (3 different channels)... I proudly cast my vote today for Senator Barack Obama!

I encourage everyone to go and vote early! This way you don't run the risk of having any issues with your voter registration and having to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day!

YES WE CAN!

Wade Boyles

I am A Bitter American

Wade Boyles — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:36:41 EDT

Obama actually spoke to me as I'm sure he did millions of other Americans. I am a bitter American, though I may not cling to guns or religion, I'm bitter over not having health care and not being able afford it. I'm bitter that I have to pay $3.29 a gallon for gas and George W. Bush got us into a war that we should have never been in. I personally know Americans who are bitter and who do cling to their religion and their right to bear arms, for those are values in which they cherish.

But, just like myself, those folks feel like we have been left stranded with no assistance from our government. Washington is out of touch with most of America and our only hope is found in Barack Obama.

Barack Obama has built his campaign from grassroots efforts. Raising money from over 1,300,000 people all across America. Barack has a way of uniting the majority of people and is definitely not an elitist.

Hillary Clinton and John McCain each represent old Washington politics and if Americans want a real change in our government and want our integrity restored in this world, then the majority will elect Barack Obama and he will be our next President!

Obama Talks All Things GLBT with The Advocate

Wade Boyles — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:28:27 EDT

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_id53285.asp

Senator Obama is awesome! The article which appeared in the Advocate today is well worth the read and explains so much.

Barack Obama is the best choice for the GLBT community and the best choice for America.

YES WE CAN!

Gay Press Frustrated by Obama Approach

Wade Boyles — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:10:39 EDT

href=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9503.html

Obama's response that he takes the cause to the mainstream should be applauded. He speaks to the entire nation concerning the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. He has denounced homophobia and spoke out against it to leaders of the Christian faith, even those who support him.

Barack Obama is the only candidate who will fight for the equal rights of all America's citizens!

Michelle Obama Rally @ WSSU

Wade Boyles — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:06:57 EDT

Todays rally at WSSU for Michelle Obama was an truly awesome experience! Mrs. Obama spoke with such compassion and you could feel in your soul how much she believes in her husbands ability to be our next President. At the close of the event she shook my hand and we hugged. I shared with her how much my partner and I love her as do many in the GLBT community for taking a stand in support of equality for us all!

Winston-Salem GLBT for OBAMA

Wade Boyles — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:11:31 EDT

Please help spread the word to your GLBT friends! Barack Obama is in favor of repealing all of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) while Hillary Clinton only favors repeal of section 3. Barack Obama is the clear candidate for the GLBT community and a GLBT for OBAMA group is now organizing in Winston-Salem. Please e-mail ws-glbt@ncobama.com for more information and to join the group.

Obama Vs. Clinton

Wade Boyles — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:46:06 EDT

On Wednesday the Obama Campaign was very organized and professional. As my partner and I arrived to Volunteer, we were greeted with smiling faces and a very well prepared group of campaign workers. We were instructed on what to do and were treated extremely well. Senator Obama gave an excellent speech and answered all the questions with confidence. As I have stated before, he exceeded my expectations.

On Thursday, Senator Clinton was in Winston-Salem, my hometown, and an opportunity came up which allowed me to go see the former First Lady and our opponent. I'm glad I did! The Clinton campaign was much less organized and we had to wait over an hour and 1/2 for her arrival.

Now, of course I was excited to see a former First Lady and all that, but the message was the same which I had heard before. My feelings of inspiration, hope and real change are not found in Senator Clinton. I still believe, without a doubt, that Senator Barack Obama will be our next President.

What really ticked me off about the unorganized event and the fact that there was only one way in and out the venue. It was hot as hell and I had to wait for well over an hour to hear her, which made me late to the Triad West Organizational Meeting where more than 400 people turned out for Senator Obama, and he wasn't even there. You do the comparison! There is none!

Senator Obama's campaign is well organized, much more so than Clintons and he doesn't use that same old Washington politics style. All I can say is YES WE CAN!!

Sincerely,

Wade Boyles

Greensboro Town Hall

Wade Boyles — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:20:21 EDT

My partner and I had the honor of volunteering today for the Town Hall at War Memorial Auditorium. Senator Obama exceeded my expectations! He is truly what our nation needs as its next President. Senator Obama addressed the real issues in regards to healthcare, job loss, college tuition, taxes, faith and so much more! It is Senator Obama who has inspired me to do more for my community. When I decided to become active with the Forsyth County Democratic party, it was due to the inspiration and motivation of Senator Obama. Our nation does not need another four years of failed policies and we desperately need real change. Senator Barack Obama is just the candidate to bring the hope and progress the United States needs and to restore its integrity to the world.

Attention Small Business Owners

Wade Boyles — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:28:15 EDT

A small business owner today who employes around 25 - 30 people has an idea on Get Out The Vote. He is looking for other small business owners across North Carolina who would be interested in joining forces on GOTV. He has some great ideas and has asked me to post his information. Please e-mail Mr. Charles Hardy at hardywheaton@aol.com for more information.

Attention Small Business Owners

Wade Boyles — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:26:30 EDT

Forsyth County Democrats

Wade Boyles — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:05:12 EDT

Members of the FCDP met Tuesday night at the headquarters building, 1128 Burke Street, Winston-Salem, NC to hear from our North Carolina State Party Chair, Jerry Meek. The meeting was enthusiastic and dozens of people attended the event. He shared with us the excitement of this years race and how Democrats plan to win and win big in North Carolina!

I would urge any of you who have not signed up for e-mail alerts from the Forsyth County Democratic Party to do so! www.forsythdemocrats.org

Also, for all you 18 - 40 year olds, the Young Democrats will be meeting this week on Thursday night at 7pm at the FCDP headquarters, 1128 Burke Street. We will hear from Dr. David Coates, professor at Wake Forest University and Author of "A Liberal Tool Kit: Progressive Responses to Conservative Arguments." We will also discuss the upcoming Young Democrats State Convention. Sign up for e-mail alerts at www.ydfc.org

I encourage all Obama supporters to get active with the local party, help Get Out The Vote and sign up to volunteer!

Thanks,

Wade Boyles (Vice Chair of Precinct 706/South Fork & Member of Young Democrats of Forsyth County)

Obama Fundraiser

Wade Boyles — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:32:33 EDT

The Triad for Obama fundraiser at Nitty Gritty Soul Cafe' was outstanding! The music and food was fantastic! We hope there are more events like this planned in the Winston-Salem area. Please let us know what we can do to help in the future.

Young Democrats of Forsyth County

Wade Boyles — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:46:59 EDT

My partner and I attended a meeting on Thursday night of The Young Democrats of Forsyth County. We had a great time and I joined the group. I am looking forward to the upcoming elections and conventions across the state and the YDNC Convention on March 29. The highlight of last nights meeting, for me, was meeting Roy Carter (running for 5th District against Republican Incumbent, Virginia Foxx) who stopped by to meet the group and speak to us. We also had the opportunity to speak with John Gladman, who is running for Forsyth County Commissioner District B. Mr. Gladman also spoke to the group about his vision for the county. Mr. Dan Bennett spoke to the group as well. He is running for NC General Assembly in State House District 75.

If you are between 18 - 40 years old and are interested in participating in the Young Democrats of Forsyth County, I would encourage you to visit www.ydfc.org. We have another meeting scheduled for March 20 at the Forsyth County Democratic Headquarters on Burke Street at 7PM.

My first Experience

Wade Boyles — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:47:37 EDT

Last evening my local precinct held its annual meeting. I have been so inspired for the first time in my life over politics, due to Senator Barack Obama, that I attended the meeting. Being well received by the other members, I was nominated and elected Vice Chair of the precinct. In addition, I have applied to become a North Carolina Delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

This entire process is very new for me. I have signed up to volunteer within my local county Democratic party. I am also looking for other Democrats in Forsyth County, NC and the Fifth District who are running for district and state delegate positions. I would appreciate contact information of prospective supporters and delegates in the other counties in the Fifth District.

I'm very excited and anyone who has been down this path before, your words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Wade