In July 2017, Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC (SDNYC) voted to endorse Ydanis Rodriguez, a candidate seeking reelection to represent Council District 10 in the 2017 Municipal Elections. However, after learning of Rodriguez's recent endorsement of Ruben Diaz, Sr.'s campaign for NYC Council, SDNYC scheduled a special meeting on 8/17/17 to review it's endorsement decision.

After hearing from Rodriguez at the special meeting, reviewing his 2017 SDNYC candidate questionnaire, and discussing his track record on supporting LGBT New Yorkers, the Club determined that Rodriguez had misrepresented his position on supporting candidates who work against LGBT equality in his questionnaire, and that his support for Diaz, Sr. was unacceptable. As a result, SDNYC withdrew its endorsement.

Although Rodriguez has historically been a friend of the Club, SDNYC was deeply troubled and disappointed in his decision to stand by his endorsement of Diaz, Sr., despite the strong rebuke from his constituents and the LGBT community at large. While SDNYC has rescinded its endorsement, the Club remains steadfast in urging Rodriguez to withdraw his support for Diaz, Sr. immediately and to apologize to the LGBT community.

The Club does not relish calling out its friends by name but we will not hesitate to continue hold all those who advance the political ambitions of bigoted candidates accountable for their actions. SDNYC has been clear that it is unconscionable for those who claim to be our allies to support candidates who actively work against the equality for the LGBT community and SDNYC's decision to withdraw its endorsement of Rodriguez is consistent with the Club's ongoing commitment to being vocal in calling out those who choose to stand by candidates like Diaz, Sr., instead of standing up for the rights of LGBT New Yorkers.