DELAWARE -As Pride Month begins, Governor Matt Meyer (D) has announced the creation of the first-ever Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission, appointing nine individuals from across the state to advise on policies impacting the LGBTQ+ community. It was established in January through an executive order signed by then-Governor Bethany Hall-Long (D).
The new Commission marks a big step in Meyer's stated effort to promote equity, inclusion, and civil rights. It will serve as an advisory body to the Governor, General Assembly, and state agencies, focusing on issues such as mental health, education, housing, and LGBTQ+ civil rights.
Governor Meyer has directed the Commission’s immediate attention toward developing policies to protect the safety, sanctity, and accessibility of health care for LGBTQ+ Delawareans.
“I’m proud to announce the complete Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission, which will be critical as we work to protect and reinforce the rights of all Delawareans,” said Meyer. “I thank each of them for their community leadership and service.”
Cora Castle, a transgender business leader from New Castle County, will serve as Chair. Castle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead: “His recognition of the LGBTQ+ community, and his call for leadership and coordination in state policy, is both meaningful and urgent.”
Castle added that the Commission will prioritize work on “access to healthcare, equal rights, housing, education, and public safety,” emphasizing, “No Delawarean should be left to ask whether the First State is a place where the LGBTQ+ community can thrive.”
The full Commission includes:
Cora Castle (Chair) – she/her, New Castle County
Vienna Cavazos (Vice Chair) – they/them, Sussex County
Dwayne Bensing – he/him, New Castle County
Noah Duckett – he/him, New Castle County
Larissa Eriksen – they/them, New Castle County
John Kane – he/him, Sussex County
Leslie Ledogar – she/her, Sussex County
Daniel Lopez – he/him, Kent County
Mark Purpura – he/him, New Castle County
The Commission is expected to meet regularly and offer policy recommendations across several areas, including public safety and education, with a long-term goal of improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people across Delaware.