Desert Stonewall Democrats remember George Zander
Members of a local LGBTQ organization are trying to move forward without their leader who passed away after an assault and alleged hate crime in November.
George Zander was a corner stone of the Desert Stonewall Democratsandchaired the political organization for more than ten years.
Now his supporters and people he mentored are ready to pick up the reigns and continue fighting for LGBTQ rights here in the desert.
At Tuesday night’s meeting the group started with a moment of silence for Zander.
“George was a man who fought against inequality and injustice where he saw it and he used the club as his base for doing that,” said James Williamson, vice-chair of the Desert Stonewall Democrats.
The organization promotes and supports LGBTQ candidates for elected office as well as candidates who support LGBTQ issues. Tuesday’s meeting was focused on transgender people.
“The meeting tonight is something George would have loved because it’s about diversity it’s about understanding all aspects of humanity,” said Elle K who is on the board of directors for the Desert Stonewall Democrats.
“The greatest thing about George is he left behind a strong impression with everybody that he mentored, he worked with, he collaborated with, and I believe the community is going to rally together and try to continue his work in his name,” said Paulina Angel, a transgender activist who Zander mentored.
The two suspects arrested for the alleged hate crime against Zander and his husband Chris, Christopher Carr and Keith Terranova, have plead not guilty to the charges against them.
The Desert Stonewall Democrats are determined to continue the work Zander started by fighting hate and injustice against LGBTQ people.
“I think all you can do is continue to open your arms and be welcoming and try to have a dialog, and try to say let’s just at least talk with each other without the yelling the name calling without the hate, the anger is so palatable and so sad,” said Elle K.
The city of Palm Springs is planning a “Celebration of Life” for George Zander on March 21st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Palm Springs Pavilion. Organizers are asking for any donations and volunteers to help with the gathering.
