FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2021

DELRAY BEACH, FL – On trial for killing George Floyd, Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on two murder counts and one manslaughter count.

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus issued the following statement in response:

“While we applaud the guilty verdict in the George Floyd case, we must recognize that this is just one small step in an ongoing journey towards true justice. One conviction does not make up for prior injustices. Accountability and justice are not the same thing.

The world watched Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd. And every day we see more crimes and atrocities committed against Black and Brown communities, often by those charged with protecting them. This verdict reminds us that we all have more work to do to ensure that our differences do not make people targets.

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus understands and appreciates diversity and works to foster inclusion. We believe that Black Lives Matter and we stand with all those fighting for equality, equity and the disabling of systemic racism.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, FL – On a vote of 77-40, the Florida House of Representatives just passed HB 1475, a blanket ban on transgender girls in sports. Earlier today, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer participated in a press conference with Representatives Carlos Guillermo Smith and Michele Rayner-Goolsby and transgender youth speaking out against the bill.

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

“The Republican-controlled Florida House continues to embarrass our state, insult our citizens, and attack marginalized Floridians for political gain. Our community thanks the Democrats who fought for the dignity of our transgender students. We will take this fight to the Senate.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer gave an educator’s reaction to the bill’s passage:

“As a former coach and teacher, I know how important it is for youth to be part of the team and how sports can build character, confidence, and leadership skills. Transgender youth will lose out on those experiences if this cruel, mean-spirited legislation becomes law. We should let kids play.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2021

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Earlier this morning, U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings passed after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus issued the following statement on the news of Representative Hastings’ death:

“Alcee Hastings was a champion for civil rights, and one of the most vocal leaders calling for equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus sends our condolences to his family and his constituents. We have lost a fighter for justice, and his voice will be missed.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, FL – On March 29-30, the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus held its annual Lobby Days event. More than 50 caucus members from across the state met virtually with 20 State Senators and Representatives to lobby them on the Caucus’ priority legislation:

• Support HB 1465 / SB 1618: HIV Modernization
• Support HB 1471 / SB 718: Eliminating the Gay and Transgender Panic Defense
• Opposing the Transgender Sports Ban (HB 1475 / SB 2012)

As March 31 brings Transgender Day of Visibility, the Caucus is honoring the strength and achievements of transgender Floridians. We celebrate the progress that’s been made for LGBTQ+ civil rights, while also recognizing we have much more work to do.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding the Caucus’ 2021 Lobby Days:

“Our strength lies not only in the size and breadth of our organization, but also in our members’ stories. Lobby Days gave us an opportunity to share those stories and engage directly with our elected officials. We will keep making this impact until full equality is achieved.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer noted the long-term work that must continue:

“Our members have communicated our values and our concerns to the Florida Legislature. Now, on Transgender Day of Visibility, we’re reminded that we must keep up the fight by opposing discrimination and supporting equality legislation that protects transgender and gender non-binary Floridians.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Deputy Legislative Director Robin Witt thanked Lobby Days participants:

“We thank our incredible members for advocating on behalf of transgender kids, LGBTQ+ people of color, and Floridians living with HIV. Our LGBTQ+ community is stronger and closer to equal treatment under the law because of this dedication and commitment.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2021

Virtual Conference to be held on March 6 from 10:30am ET – 1pm ET

DELRAY BEACH, FL – The 2021 Winter Conference brings together LGBTQ+ activists and allies from around Florida; federal, state and local elected officials; Democratic Party officials; and subject matter experts to bring together the LGBTQ+ community and lay the groundwork for 2022.

Feature speakers (in order of appearance) include:

• Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz
• Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried
• Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Marcus Dixon
• U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy
• Duval County Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry

PANEL: The role of black women in Florida politics

• Jasmen Rogers, Folding Chair Consulting
• Kezia Gilyard, Kezia M. Gilyard, LLC
• Alex Audate, QueerMigration Law
• Jamecia Gray, Peak Power Strategies
• State Representative Michele Rayner

PFLAG Executive Director Brian Bond

The virtual conference will be streamed live on the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Facebook page starting at 10:30am ET on Saturday, March 6, 2021. This event is open press, but media are requested to register here.

Following the conference, the caucus will hold its membership meeting and elect new officers. The membership meeting and election is closed to press.

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