Did you miss our Pride Month kick off? Watch a replay of our discussion on finding and engaging Equality Voters, and supporting equality candidates across Florida with Ryan Wilson, Associate Regional Field Director of the Human Rights Campaign.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL — Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding Pride Month:

“It is unfortunate that all Americans have not achieved equality. The LGBTQ community has been on the path to equality since the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. We’ve made great progress but still have much more work to do. During that same time, Black Americans have also been fighting for their equality, and the events of the past week are a painful reminder that people of color face discrimination that can have deadly consequences. We can’t forget that we are in this together, and that the Stonewall uprising was sparked by Marsha P. Johnson, a black trans woman.

“As we grapple with the losses of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others, we must redouble our efforts to end racial injustice once and for all. We won’t achieve equality until everyone is treated equally. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus stands with those in the fight for equality – a fundamental principle of our country.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL — Over the past few days and into the weekend, communities across the country are expressing their outrage over the tragic murder of George Floyd. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus released the following statement:

“The fires of violence taking place right now is a direct result of centuries of injustice against people of color in the United States. This time the spark was the murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. This tragic incident was broadcast live to a global audience who was stunned at what they were seeing. George Floyd’s death is, sadly, just the latest in a seemingly never-ending series of instances in which Black people are denied their right to live freely. This isn’t new, it’s just being filmed. As we struggle with our grief, it is compounded by the loss of Tony McDade. We call for a full investigation into his shooting death at the hands of police in Tallahassee, Florida. Equality for all Americans is a fundamental principle of our country, and yet we are continually fighting that battle. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus stands in solidarity with those seeking justice, equality, and the right to exist peacefully in America.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL — Legendary author and LGBTQ activist Larry Kramer died this morning of pneumonia at the age of 84. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus released the following statement on his passing:

“The LGBTQ Community lost one of our fiercest activists and advocates, Larry Kramer. Larry will always be remembered for his battle to end HIV and AIDS, a fight he fought till his death.

“Larry Kramer founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) which was the first HIV/AIDS service organization. After leaving GMHC, he started Act Up (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), which can be credited with saving the lives of tens of thousands with an in-your-face strategy of activism. He was a man who loved and cared for his community like no other and his memory will live on forever.”

Nicholas Coppola, Regional Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and Vice President of the Rusty Gordon LGBTQ Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach, is a former board member of Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Today the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is announcing its next round of endorsements for the 2020 election. After a comprehensive review process, the Caucus membership voted to endorse the following candidates for Congress:

• Phil Ehr (FL-01)
• Donna Deegan (FL-04)
• Margaret Good (FL-16)

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

“We are excited to endorse Phil Ehr, Donna Deegan, and Margaret Good for Congress, because we know we can count on them to further the cause of LGBTQ+ equality. We are grateful for their support of our community, and for the vision they are bringing to their districts. We urge voters in Florida’s 1st, 4th, and 16th Districts to turn out and vote for candidates that support equality.”

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

“Phil Ehr, Donna Deegan, and Margaret Good are not only equality champions, they are also strong candidates taking on Republican incumbents. Winning these races will help protect and expand the Democratic majority – and ensure that we can continue passing legislation which provides full equality under the law.”

Phil Ehr, candidate for FL-01, reacted to the endorsement:

“It’s a great honor to be endorsed by an organization devoted to equality for all people, and I’m grateful for the confidence shown by the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. I look forward to serving in Congress to uphold the Constitution’s provision of ‘equal protection of the laws.’”

Donna Deegan, candidate for FL-04, reacted to the endorsement:

“It’s an honor to have the endorsement of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. I look forward to working hand in hand to ensure that all people are treated equally with dignity and respect.”

Margaret Good, candidate for FL-16, reacted to the endorsement:

“I’m proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community as we advocate for a country free from discrimination and pass laws to make that vision a reality. I thank the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus for their endorsement and I look forward to working together to bring real positive change to Florida.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Today the Florida Democratic Party announced Florida’s Congressional District-Level Delegates to the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Fifteen percent of the Delegates identify as LGBTQ.

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

“We congratulate all of Florida’s District-Level Delegates to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, and we thank these LGBTQ Democrats who will represent us. The number of LGBTQ Delegates elected, coupled with the interest shown by other LGBTQ candidates who ran, demonstrates that our community is organized and energized like never before. LGBTQ voters are a key constituency that will help deliver the White House for Joe Biden and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020.”

The District-Level Delegates identifying as LGBTQ, or those who are members of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus or its 21 local chapters, are as follows:

Biden Delegate Candidates

Congressional District 1
Joe Dulaney

Congressional District 5
Daniel Henry

Congressional District 8
Beth McMillen*

Congressional District 9
Vivian Rodriguez*

Congressional District 12
Jocelyn Dickman*

Congressional District 13
Susan McGrath*
Nathan Bruemmer*

Congressional District 14
Michael Womack

Congressional District 16
Mary Clupper
Louis Grossman

Congressional District 19
David Holden

Congressional District 20
Jasmin Lewis*
Percy Johnson

Congressional District 21
Tricia Ellen Hallison-Mischler
Rolando Barrero*
Robert “Rob” Long

Congressional District 22
Shenika “Nik” Harris*
Michael Rajner

Sanders Delegate Candidates

Congressional District 4
Monica DePaul

Congressional District 15
Adraine “Vanessa” Lester

Congressional District 22
Mitchell Stollberg

*Denotes a member of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Florida Times-Union has uncovered a Duval County public school teacher’s social media posts that mock the LGBTQ+ community in shocking and graphic terms, a new development that the Duval school system said it will investigate. Previously, this same teacher was investigated for refusing to use a transgender teenager’s pronouns, which sparked inclusion training.

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

“The teacher in question has a long and disturbing track record of anti-LGBTQ comments and abhorrent viewpoints. Duval County Public Schools should complete its investigation thoroughly and swiftly – and it should be the end of Mr. Caggiano’s public teaching career. A teacher’s personal views should never come at the expense of a student’s safety or well-being.”

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

“When I see what Mr. Caggiano wrote, I think about all the LGBTQ students who are just coming to terms with who they are. Seeing a teacher post such hateful language could drive them further into isolation or subject them to bullying. It’s never acceptable for a teacher to make public comments that lead to a toxic school environment.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Today the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is announcing its first round of endorsements for the 2020 election. After a careful review of statements, support and Congressional records, the Caucus membership voted to endorse Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation for reelection:

• Rep. Al Lawson (CD-5)
• Rep. Stephanie Murphy (CD-7)
• Rep. Darren Soto (CD-9)
• Rep. Val Demings (CD-10)
• Rep. Charlie Crist (CD-13)
• Rep. Kathy Castor (CD-14)
• Rep. Alcee Hastings (CD-20)
• Rep. Lois Frankel (CD-21)
• Rep. Ted Deutch (CD-22)
• Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (CD-23)
• Rep. Frederica Wilson (CD-24)
• Rep. Debbie Murcarsel-Powell (CD-26)
• Rep. Donna Shalala (CD-27)

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

“We are proud to endorse Florida’s Democratic members of Congress for reelection. All 13 Representatives have furthered the cause of equality for LGBTQ+ Floridians, and we thank them for their strong support of our community. Our work is not done in the struggle for equality. We need their voices in Congress fighting for us.”

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

“We’re making this endorsement because we know we can always count on them to support LGBTQ+ equality. From passing the Equality Act to allowing patriotic trans service members to serve openly to blocking the Trump Administration’s attempts to enshrine discrimination in federal regulations, Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation will do what’s right, fair, and just.”

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We were honored to hear from Rep. Kathy Castor on the critial issues facing Florida and America!

Thank you Congresswoman Donna Shalala for speaking with our membership! She covered a range of legislative topics, including the latest economic relief efforts related to the COVID-19 outbreak and climate change. Give it a watch!