FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2020

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

• Joshua Hicks, District 11
• Angie Nixon, District 14
• Ben Marcus, District 16

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

“We are excited to endorse Joshua Hicks, Angie Nixon, and Ben Marcus for the Florida House of Representatives because they are strong candidates who are committed to full LGBTQ+ equality. We look forward to working with them to pass the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, protect LGBTQ Floridians from discrimination, and advance the cause of equality.”

Phillip Perry, Jacksonville resident and Communications Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, highlighted the choice for voters:

“With Jacksonville just having passed its Human Rights Ordinance, now is the time to elect more equality champions to finish the job in Tallahassee. We will elect the first openly gay legislator from Northeast Florida, and we will send two more equality champions to Tallahassee, while defeating anti-LGBTQ incumbents in the process.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2020

Grassroots Caravan Event Organized by Biden Supporters

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – In recognition of Pride Month, LGBTQ+ Leaders, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus members, and Joe Biden supporters have organized a Rainbow Caravan across Florida on Saturday, June 27 at 6 PM.

Mayor Dean Trantalis is participating in Fort Lauderdale and Mayor Teri Johnston is participating in Key West. The Caravans will meet at 6 PM tonight at the following locations:

KEYS
Smathers Beach
2601 S Roosevelt Blvd
Key West, FL 33040

MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach High
2231 Prairie Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

BROWARD
Fort Lauderdale City Hall
100 N Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

ORLANDO
Crossroads of Lake Buena Vista
12521 FL-535
Orlando, FL 32830

TAMPA
Southern Nights
1401 East 7th Ave
Tampa, FL 33605

The Caravans will officially begin rolling through the streets of Florida at 6:20 PM. Volunteers and Joe Biden supporters who organized the Caravans, have made everyone’s safety the top priority in the planning process. All participants are encouraged to adhere to CDC guidelines on social distancing, and will follow all state and local traffic laws.

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Thank you Rep. Lois Frankel for addressing our membership and for speaking out to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 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:

• Jim Kennedy (FL-08)
• Adam Hattersley (FL-15)

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

“Jim Kennedy and Adam Hattersley are strong candidates who are committed to full LGBTQ+ equality. We are excited to throw our support behind them, and are grateful for their support of our community. They are bringing a vision of equality to Florida’s 8th and 15th Districts, and they’ll take that with them to Congress.”

Susan McGrath, Campaign Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, highlighted the choice for voters:

“They are not only equality champions, they are also strong candidates who will take on Republican incumbents. We urge voters in Florida’s 8th District to choose Jim Kennedy in the November general election and voters in Florida’s 15th District to choose Adam Hattersley in the August primary election.”

Jim Kennedy, candidate for FL-08, reacted to the endorsement:

“I want to thank the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and community at large for your endorsement of my campaign. I will work to live up to your expectations and will make you proud of the Ally I will be for LGBTQ+ causes as your Representative.”

Adam Hattersley, candidate for FL-15, reacted to the endorsement:

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have the endorsement of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. LGBTQ rights are what first inspired me to get involved in politics, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the protection and expansion of equal rights for all.”

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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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