LGBTQ+ Democrats Statement on the Overturning of Roe v. Wade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2022 DELRAY BEACH, FL – The US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and turn back the Constitutional guarantee of a right to privacy has galvanized the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. Several of our key leaders provided statements: Robin Witt, Vice President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus; […]

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Celebrates Passage of the Equality Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2021 DELRAY BEACH FL – Today, the US House of Representatives passed The Equality Act by a vote of 224 to 206. This landmark bipartisan legislation would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories in a number of civil rights laws and ensure equality for LGBTQ+ Americans. Stephen […]

LGBTQ+ Dems Celebrate Florida Commission on Human Relations Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2021 DELRAY BEACH FL – The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) has announced its intent to investigate claims of anti-LGBTQ discrimination in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County. Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement: “Discrimination on the […]

LGBTQ+ Democrats Celebrate Historic Supreme Court Decision on Employment Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2020 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The U.S. Supreme Court just ruled in Bostock v Clayton County that “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII.” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the ruling: “Our community just took […]

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Condemns President Trump’s Ban on Transgender Service Members

The Capital Equality Democratic Caucus condemns today’s announcement via Twitter by President Trump that “the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.” We applaud the strong, bipartisan condemnation from members of both sides of the aisle in Congress and from our Democratic gubernatorial […]

Commissioner Nikki Fried to Keynote Summer Leadership Dinner

June 30th, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Commissioner Nikki Fried to Keynote Summer Leadership Dinner
US Rep. Kathy Castor, State Rep. Jennifer Webb, Other Elected Officials and Democratic Leaders Slated Throughout the Conference Weekend
Defining and Defending Our LGBTQ Future 
July 19-21, Tampa
TAMPA – Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat, will deliver the Florida Keynote Address at the Leadership Dinner of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus’ Summer Conference. The conference, Defining and Defending Our LGBTQ Future, is July 19-21 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
“Our Summer Conference program takes a look at where Florida’s LGBTQ community stands now, to review what’s working and determine where we need to focus our efforts to continue to secure our civil rights,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus. “The timing is more important than ever, in this 50th anniversary year of the Stonewall riot that is seen as the start of the modern gay rights movement, and with an administration in Washington hostile to the LGBTQ community.”
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.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
On-site registration begins 5:30pm.
WELCOME RECEPTION
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Special Guest: US Rep. Kathy Castor
SATURDAY, JULY 20**
**Program in development and will be updated frequently
8:00am Continental Breakfast
9am to Noon 
MORNING SESSION
Welcome Session featuring Tampa officials including Stephen Gaskill, Caucus President; Dave Cutler, President, Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus; Les Miller, Chair, Hillsborough County Commission; Luis Viera, Chair, Tampa City Council; and Ione Townsend, Chair, Hillsborough Democratic Party
Why and How LGBTQ Candidates Should Run
State Rep. Jennifer Webb
Pamela Goodman, President and CEO, Ruth’s List
Sean Meloy, Political Director, Victory Fund
LGBTQ Delegate Selection for 2020
Parliamentarian Rick Boylan and Past President Terry Fleming
What’s Your Privilege
Vice President Nik Harris
Noon to 1pm
LUNCH PANEL: Organizing the Tampa Bay LGBTQ Region featuring Dave Cutler, President, Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus; Susan McGrath, President, Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County; Jack Crocetto, President, Pasco LGBTA Democratic Caucus; Joe Agostine, President, Stonewall Democrats of Sarasota County; and Dave Jones, Region 3 Director, for Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Polk County
1pm to 3pm
AFTERNOON SESSION
Panel: Hate Crimes in the LGBTQ Community
Moderator: Kevin Beckner, former Hillsborough County Commissioner
Speakers: Protecting Our Vote
Brandon Peters, Director, FDP Voter Protection Project

Daniel Tilley, Legal Director, ACLU on Amendment 4 Implementation

3:15pm 
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Caucus Business and Updates
Director Reports
Vote on Bylaws Updates
5pm 
ADJOURN
6:30pm 
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
7:30pm 
LEADERSHIP DINNER
Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Florida Keynote: Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried
SUNDAY, JULY 21
FAREWELL BRUNCH
10am to Noon
Location Pending

Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party This Week

June 24th, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party This Week

The first Democratic presidential debates of the 2020 election will be held this Wednesday and Thursday, June 26 and 27, in Miami, Florida! You can join fellow Democrats for a DEBATE WATCH PARTY in Tallahassee at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 1208 Capital Circle SE, beginning at 8:30pm on each debate night.

The first group of 10 appearing on Wednesday, June 26:

  • Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey
  • Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
  • Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas
  • Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
  • Former Rep. John Delaney of Maryland
  • Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii
  • Former Housing Secretary Julián Castro
  • Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio
  • New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
  • Washington Gov. Jay Inslee

The second group of 10 appearing on Thursday, June 27:

  • Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont
  • Sen. Kamala Harris of California
  • Former Vice President Joe Biden
  • Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana
  • Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado
  • Author Marianne Williamson
  • Rep. Eric Swalwell of California
  • Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York
  • Entrepreneur Andrew Yang
  • Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado

This event is hosted by the Leon County Democratic Party and the Democratic Club of North Florida. There is no cost to attend. Register Online >

It’s Election Day in House District 7!

June 18th, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on It’s Election Day in House District 7!

If you’re a voter in Florida’s House District 7, today is Election Day! Democrat Ryan Terrell needs your vote to win! Ryan has been endorsed by Capital Equality and the Equality Florida Action PAC. Polls are open until 7pm this evening. For more information, including polling locations, visit LeonVotes.org.

Phone bankers are needed all day today to help ensure voters are informed and get out to vote! To sign up for a phone banking shift, visit this link.

Statement of LGBTA Democrats on Trump Reelection Kickoff

June 18th, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Statement of LGBTA Democrats on Trump Reelection Kickoff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2019
Florida LGBTA Democrats Call Out President Trump’s Horrific Anti-LGBTQ Record

Orlando, FL – Coming off the heels of a homophobic “Make America Straight Again” conference where an anti-LGBTQ pastor wished “every homo would die” and where event organizers prayed for violence, President Trump is kicking off his reelection campaign campaign tonight. Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement in response to the rally:
“During Pride Month, President Trump has attempted to rainbow-wash his record but LGBTQ+ Americans and their allies see right through his divisive rhetoric and discriminatory policies. Whether it’s banning patriotic transgender Americans from serving in the military, making it harder for LGBTQ families to adopt, or allowing healthcare providers to withhold treatment from LGBTQ patients, he has repeatedly attacked our community.

“We cannot afford another term of a hate-filled presidency. Fortunately, Democrats are offering thoughtful, positive visions for cleaning up and moving us beyond this morass. We must remain focused on those plans, because they bolster and support all working families, provide real relief for overburdened Floridians, and underscore the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.”
# # #

CAUCUS STATEMENT ON PULSE ANNIVERSARY

June 12th, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on CAUCUS STATEMENT ON PULSE ANNIVERSARY
FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS 
STATEMENT ON PULSE ANNIVERSARY
 
Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the anniversary of the massacre at Pulse Nightclub:
“Three years ago a man filled with hate decimated our community. His rage tore through Orlando’s LGBTQ safe space at Pulse, and left a lasting scar that is still healing today. Since then, deaths due to senseless gun violence have risen, as have attacks on the LGBTQ community. It’s exhausting to have to fight every day, and yet that is the only way to honor the 49 lives lost at Pulse. So today, we remember, we reflect, and we recommit to continue our work for the 49 victims of Pulse, and for all LGBTQ people who feel vulnerable, left behind, or left out as we strive to achieve full equality.”

Capital Equality: LGBTQ Legislative Recap and Social

June 10th, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Capital Equality: LGBTQ Legislative Recap and Social

Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director, Jon Harris Maurer, returns to give Capital Equality members a recap of this year’s Legislative Session, including an update on the Florida Competitive Workforce Act and other initiatives important to our community.

This meeting of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 6:30pm, at GrassLands Brewing Company, Tallahassee, and is open to all Democrats.

Grab a friend and join us for an informative and entertaining session! We hope to see you there!

Florida LGBTA Democrats Statement on Pride Month

June 1st, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Florida LGBTA Democrats Statement on Pride Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2019
FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS 
STATEMENT ON PRIDE MONTH
 
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding Pride Month:
“Since Stonewall in June 1969, the LGBTQ community has remained steadfast in steering toward our goal of full equality. We have made tremendous progress here in Florida, throughout the United States, and around the world, yet we are still a long way from our goal. We support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer family during their struggles and their victories. While the Trump administration pursues a policy of division and exclusion, we pursue togetherness and inclusion. Pride Month is a time for us to celebrate who we are, and to show the world both our individuality and our community. We stand together, and together we grow stronger.”
# # #

Florida LGBTA Democrats Call on State Rep. Mike Hill to Resign

May 31st, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Florida LGBTA Democrats Call on State Rep. Mike Hill to Resign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2019
FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS 
CALLS ON STATE REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HILL TO IMMEDIATELY RESIGN
 
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Today we learned that State Representative Mike Hill (FL-01) laughed at a town hall when a constituent suggested he introduce legislation that calls for gay people to be executed.
Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement calling on State Representative Mike Hill to immediately resign:
“It’s appalling enough that Representative Hill believes LGBTQ people chose to be who we are. It’s disgraceful and beneath the office he holds to laugh and even encourage the execution of his own LGBTQ constituents. This is no laughing matter. With anti-LGBTQ violence on the rise, elected officials should be protecting, not attacking, their constituents. Representative Hill should resign today.”
###

Florida LGBTA Democrats Statement on House Impeachment Proceedings

May 29th, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Florida LGBTA Democrats Statement on House Impeachment Proceedings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2019
FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CALLS ON THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BEGIN IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP
DELRAY BEACH FL — Independent Counsel Robert Mueller today spoke about his investigation into President Trump and Russian involvement in the 2016 election, and made clear Justice Department rules prohibited him from charging the President with obstruction of justice. Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement calling on Florida’s Congressional Delegation to immediately push for impeachment proceedings:
“Today, Robert Mueller contradicted the ‘no collusion, no obstruction’ line pushed by President Trump and his protectors in the White House. The evidence has been painstakingly laid out in the Mueller Report, and it leads to one conclusion: Congress must begin impeachment proceedings against the President for obstruction of justice. Every member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation should join the call for impeachment proceedings to begin immediately. The American people deserve accountability, and it’s time for Congress to do its job.”
# # #

May Regional Reports

May 23rd, 2019 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on May Regional Reports

Wondering what’s happening with our chapters around the state? Read on:

View the Region 1-6 Reports

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
ads ads ads ads

  • Join Our Mailing List

    Stay up-to-date with the latest information from the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus, including meetings, events and social opportunities!
    * = required field
A Chartered Chapter of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus