FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – After qualifying ended, 11 Democratic state house candidates were elected without opposition:

• Rep. Ramon Alexander, District 8
• Rep. Kamia Brown, District 45
• Travaris McCurdy, District 46
• Rep. Dianne Hart, District 61
• Rep. Fentrice Driskell, District 63
• Rep. Dan Daley, District 97
• Rep. Michael Gottlieb, District 98
• Rep. Evan Jenne, District 99
• Rep. Joe Geller, District 100
• Rep. James Bush III, District 109
• Rep. Michael Grieco, District 113

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement congratulating the candidates:

“The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus congratulates the Democratic state house candidates elected without opposition. We have worked closely with many of these leaders who are proven equality champions and allies of our community. We look forward to working with all of them to pass the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, protect LGBTQ Floridians from discrimination, and advance the cause of equality.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding Juneteenth:

“On this day 155 years ago, enslaved people in Texas finally learned the news that they were free. Since then, America’s Black community has been on the path to freedom, and even though much progress has been made, the struggle for equality continues today. We stand in solidarity as members and allies of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities in celebrating this historic day. We also commit to redouble our efforts in fighting for the value that every person is created equal.

“As a movement, we must break the systems of oppression that we are part of, and which are further marginalizing people of color, queer and transgender individuals. It means demanding justice for victims of police brutality and investigations into the unsolved murders of black trans women. It means investing in communities of color to close education gaps and healthcare disparities. It’s knowing that we haven’t achieved equality until every person, regardless of what they look like, who they are or who they love, can live their life truly liberated and free.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – In its typical Friday night news dump of heartless policy decisions, the Trump Administration announced a finalized HHS rule that is eliminating protections for Transgender Americans under the Affordable Care Act.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the rule change:

“During Pride Month and on Pulse Remembrance Day, while in the middle of a global pandemic, this is cruel and despicable even by the Trump Administration’s standards. They are deliberately weakening protections and attacking Transgender Americans in a disgusting attempt to shore up conservative Christian support for Trump’s faltering reelection campaign. The LGBTQ+ community will be working tirelessly to turn out equality voters and defeat hate in November.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer reacted to the rule change:

“This administration’s attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, especially Transgender Americans, seems to have no end. Discrimination in healthcare is never acceptable. Congress must act. Our voices must be heard. Healthcare providers and insurance companies can do the right thing. And if not, they can be held accountable. We must all call out discrimination and hatred wherever we see it. And we must vote. So many lives are depending on it.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2020

ORLANDO, FL — Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding remembrance of Pulse:

“The massacre of our LGBTQ+ family four years ago brought worldwide attention to the pervasiveness of guns in America and the hatred that fuels violence against communities of color. We still mourn for the 49 individuals who lost their lives at Pulse. Time hasn’t healed those wounds, nor let us forget them. The inescapable fact is that bigotry and racism are the underlying causes of those murders and countless others on our streets and across our country. We must commit to real change and action to end systemic racism, homophobia, and transphobia to achieve full equality. Voting is one way to make real change. That’s how we’ll honor those lost at Pulse, and those lost everyday in lesser known tragedies.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Today the Jacksonville City Council passed an ordinance that reinstates protections for LGBTQ residents in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The legislation passed on a 15-4 vote.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the ordinance passing:

“The Jacksonville City Council reaffirmed the principle that every resident should be treated equally and with respect, regardless of who they are or who they love. Without state or federal protections in place, local laws like the one passed today are critical. Jacksonville’s vibrant LGBTQ community can now go about their daily lives without fear of discrimination. We thank the Council for supporting equality.”

Jacksonville resident and Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Communications Director Phil Perry reacted to the news:

“No one should ever be fired from their job or denied housing because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. I’m grateful the City Council said yes to equality and no to discrimination. As we observe Pride Month, let’s also celebrate that Jacksonville is a welcoming community.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Today the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is announcing its next endorsement for the 2020 election. In March, a survey of LGBTQ+ Democratic activists at the Caucus’ 2020 Winter Conference found 84% support for Joe Biden. And after a comprehensive review process, the Caucus membership voted to endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the Caucus’ endorsement:

“Joe Biden will be the most pro-LGBTQ+ President in history. In the middle of a global pandemic, with historic levels of unemployment, and as our country tries to repair centuries of institutional and systemic racism, Joe Biden is the compassionate and experienced leader we need to heal and pull through these crises.

“President Trump and his Administration have repeatedly attacked the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. Our community can’t afford four more years of taking steps backward in our fight for full equality. Our Caucus is excited to endorse Joe Biden because he knows that equality for every American is a fundamental principle of our country.”

Susan McGrath, Campaign Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, noted the impact on legislative goals:

“With so much at stake for our most vulnerable, including the LGBTQ+ community, we must work tirelessly to elect Joe Biden. To pass the Equality Act and ensure the right to employment, housing, and public accommodations regardless of who you are or who you love, we need Joe Biden in the White House. To restore the soul of our country and ensure equality for every American, we need Joe Biden in the White House. LGBTQ+ Democrats in Florida are ready to do all we can to elect him.”

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