FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2019

UNCERTAINTY OF SUPREME COURT CASES SHOWS WHY LGBTQ FLORIDIANS AND ALLIES MUST KEEP FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY

DELRAY BEACH FL – Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hear three cases that will determine whether or not LGBTQ Americans are protected in the workplace. These cases are especially important for Florida, one of 26 states where there are no statewide protections for people who face discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. If the Florida Legislature passes the Competitive Workforce Act in the 2020 session, nearly 1 million residents who identify as LGBTQ will be protected.

Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the cases being heard:

“It’s completely unacceptable that nearly one million Floridians can lose their jobs simply because of who they are or who they love. While we can be hopeful that a conservative U.S. Supreme Court will do the right thing, we can’t count on it. LGBTQ Floridians and our allies must keep up the fight for equality by advocating for the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, electing equality-minded Democrats up and down the ballot, and informing voters about politicians who stand in the way of full equality.”

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MONETARY DONATIONS

American Red Cross

National Association of the Bahamas

Operation Helping Hands

Beware of scams and fake charities. To check a charity’s status, use the Check-a-Charity tool, or call 800-HELP-FLA.

DONATE SUPPLIES

There are drop off locations for supplies active across the state. Below we have listed locations in Orange, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Did we miss one? Shoot us a note with details at communications@floridalgbtademocrats.org.

Orlando/Orange County

Broward and Miami-Dade Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2019

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE CRIST, AG COMMISSIONER NIKKI FRIED & TAMPA MAYOR JANE CASTOR TO ADDRESS SUMMER CONFERENCE

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, State Rep. Jennifer Webb, FDP Executive Director Juan Penalosa, Other Elected Officials and Democratic Leaders Slated Throughout the Conference Weekend

Defining and Defending Our LGBTQ Future
July 19-21, Tampa

TAMPA – U.S. Representative Charlie Crist will deliver the Congressional Keynote Address at the Leadership Dinner of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus’ Summer Conference. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, the first openly-LGBTQ person to be elected to the office, will speak at the opening breakfast to kick off the Conference. Defining and Defending Our LGBTQ Future is July 19-21 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

“This is a pivotal moment for Florida’s LGBTQ community. Despite the progress that has been made, we are up against Republican elected officials who are actively working to take away our rights. Democratic elected officials and activists are coming together from across Florida to organize and plan for the next phase in the fight for full LGBTQ equality,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus.

The Summer Conference brings together more than 100 LGBTQ activists and allies from around Florida; federal, state and local elected officials; Democratic Party officials; and subject matter experts on a range of topics. A preliminary schedule follows and will be updated frequently.

Conference registration is $45 until July 19, when it rises to $50, and includes the Welcome Reception on Friday evening, and continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the conference day on Saturday. Register for the conference HERE. Tickets for the Leadership Dinner are $90 until July 19, when the price rises to $100. Purchase dinner tickets HERE.

Our conference hotel room rate is $149 and includes parking and wi-fi, and there are no resort fees. Reserve at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay HERE.

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