(Democratic Party of the NMI) — Democratic leaders and supporters came out to wave for PRIDE on Friday, June 3, 2022. CNMI Democrats waved PRIDE flags and signs that boasted that “NMI Democrats are Out and Proud,” NMI Democrats “Love Our LGBTQIA+ Islanders,” and that during PRIDE month, NMI Democrats “Educate, Commemorate, Appreciate.”
In his welcoming remarks, party Chair Jonathan Cabrera remarked that, “If you know the history of PRIDE, you know that it is a movement rooted in protest against systems of violence and corruption, so it is fitting that we have Democratic leaders who continue to sound the alarm, who continue to advocate openness and honesty and integrity in our government and from our elected leaders. When Democratic leaders are calling for truth, and when they demand that people in positions of power pay the consequences for deception and theft, this Queer person can say with confidence: that makes me proud!”
Democratic leaders at the event highlighted the work they have been doing to support the LGBTQIA+ community in recent months, most notably House Bill 22-87 also known as the CNMI Equality Act, and House Bill 22-86 which eases the process by which transgender individuals can change their gender designation on their birth certificates, both of which will be voted on in the next House session and the Hate Crimes Act and the PsyPact bill which are now in the Senate.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tina Sablan shared a story about a young person who lamented the fact that they did not see a place for them in government, and Sablan emphasized the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation in every level of government, including elective office, and affirmed that, yes, LGBTQIA+ individuals are valued and needed in every part of our community.
Surprise guest Nathaniel Ulysses, a social media entrepreneur better known as Nathan Glamz, closed out the evening’s speeches with a personal story about his struggle to find acceptance and belonging among his family and in the wider Micronesian community. He encouraged those gathered to continue to affirm the LGBTQIA+ community throughout Micronesia and to recognize their contributions to our cultures and communities.
Treasurer Shawna Indalecio, an out and proud trans woman, was overjoyed with the turnout and said, “This is what the Democratic Party of the NMI is about! We are going to keep the momentum going, and we’re going to continue showing our people why they should vote for Democrats who deliver!”
The Democratic Party of the Northern Marianas wishes the LGBTQIA+ community in the CNMI a PRIDE month that is, in the words of Samoan writer Sia Figiel, “like greedily biting into a mango or swallowing a double rainbow all at once.”
If you are interested in running for office under the Democratic Party, you can check out the Candidates Resource Packet on our website at www.nmidems.org
Candidate outreach is ongoing, and all interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to reach out to us.
For more information you can contact the office at (670) 234–5028, the hotline at (670) 484–3367 (DEMS), or send an email to info@nmidems.org
A supporter waves a PRIDE flag at the NMI Democratic Party’s headquarters on June 3.
Reps. Tina Sablan and Leila Staffler wave for PRIDE.
Rep. Leila Staffler, NMI Democratic Party Vice Chair Luella Marciano, Treasurer Shawna Indalecio, Secretary Melia Johnson, and Rep. Tina Sablan.
Reps. Leila Staffler and Tina Sablan with Nathan Glamz.
