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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 […]
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 […]
Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Celebrates Passage of the Equality Act
February 25th, 2021 
Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus 
Comments Off on 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 Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement:
“The Equality Act ensures the LGBTQ+ community enjoys basic civil rights protections throughout the US, and bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These protections are long past overdue. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus thanks those in the Florida congressional delegation who voted in support of our community and for their recognition that civil rights should not be up for debate. We hope that when the US Senate takes up the bill that Marco Rubio and Rick Scott will recognize the large number of LGBTQ+ Floridians who are watching. They may have a vote on our rights, but we have a vote on their jobs.”
LGBTQ+ Dems Welcome Reintroduction of the Equality Act
February 18th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Welcome Reintroduction of the Equality Act FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2021
DELRAY BEACH FL – The Equality Act was reintroduced in the US House of Representatives this afternoon. The landmark bipartisan legislation would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories in a number of civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, among others. Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement:
“LGBTQ Americans face discrimination everyday solely for who we are. The Equality Act is a simple but giant step that ends the patchwork system of equality measures our community faces across the country — and even across Florida. By amending key civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity, the Equality Act strengthens protections for everyone. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus thanks our Florida congressional delegation for their support and advocacy on behalf of equality for all Americans.”
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Save the Date: 2021 Winter Conference
February 11th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Save the Date: 2021 Winter Conference
March 6, 2021 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM ET | Virtual Event
Our 2021 Winter Conference is right around the corner and it will be a fully virtual event. Be on the lookout for more info on our lineup of exciting speakers and panels that will get us ready to support President Biden’s pro-equality agenda and kick off the important organizing work to gear up for the 2022 election in Florida.
Virtual Meeting with Commissioner Brian Welch
February 4th, 2021 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Virtual Meeting with Commissioner Brian Welch Join the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus for a Virtual Meeting featuring one of Leon County’s newest Commissioners, Brian Welch!
Log on to Zoom and join us to hear more about Brian’s perspectives on issues important to residents of Leon County.
The event will stream live on Zoom on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, beginning at 6:30pm, and is open to all Democrats.
Registration in advance is required. Please follow this link to register.
LGBTQ+ Dems Celebrate Florida Commission on Human Relations Victory
February 3rd, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on 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 basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal in Florida. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock was clear and unequivocal that the civil rights of the LGBTQ community are protected. Housing, employment and public accommodations are basic rights, and Floridians can no longer be denied due to discrimination and bigotry. This is a big step for ensuring everyone is included in Florida.”
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Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Directors!
January 26th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Directors! On January 23-24, our members in nine regions across the state met virtually to elect a Regional Director, a Deputy Director, and an Alternate Director. Congratulations to our newly elected directors!
Region 1:
Regional Director: Jeff Nall, Escambia
Deputy Director: Mark Gillman, Escambia
Region 2:
Regional Director: Joshua Hicks, Duval
Deputy Director: Clifton Roby, Volusia
Alternate Director: Suzanne Raines, Volusia
Region 3:
Regional Director: Nathan Sharpe, Citrus
Deputy Director: Jocelyn Dickman, Pasco
Alternate Director: Jay Chetney, Pinellas
Region 4:
Regional Director: Brandon Nelson, Orange
Deputy Director: Eleanor McDonough, Osceola
Alternate Director: Robin Witt, Orange
Region 5:
Regional Director: Ercilia Albitsu, Hillsborogh
Deputy Directer: Jack Raines, Polk
Alternate Director: Peter Horstman, Hillsborough
Region 6:
Regional Director: Joe Agostine, Sarasota
Deputy Director: Peter Ryan Imhoff, Sarasota
Alternate Director: Willie Middleton, Lee
Region 7:
Regional Director: Kevin Muth, Palm Beach
Deputy Director: Raphael Gutierrez, Palm Beach
Alternate Director: Rolando Barrero, Palm Beach
Region 8:
Regional Director: Michael Albetta, Broward
Deputy Director: Carvelle Estriplet, Broward
Alternate Director: John Lazar, Broward
Region 9:
Regional Director: Javier Estevez, Miami-Dade
Deputy Director: Miriam Lopez, Miami-Dade
Alternate Director: Joe Falk, Miami-Dade
LGBTQ+ Dems Celebrate Transgender Military Ban Reversal
January 25th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Celebrate Transgender Military Ban Reversal FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2021
DELRAY BEACH FL – The Biden administration announced today that it has reversed Donald Trump’s transgender military ban. This action comes after Biden’s day one executive order implementing the historic Bostock v. Clayton County ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Justice Department revoking a last-minute, anti-LGBTQ Trump administration memo.
Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement in response to the transgender military ban reversal.
“President Biden is proving from the very beginning that his will be the most pro-LGBTQ administration in American history. His executive order today reversing the shameful ban on transgender service members imposed by the Trump administration underscores that he values individuals for who they are and how they can best use their skills and talents. Discrimination has no place in America, and especially in our military.”
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LGBTQ+ Democrats Celebrate Inauguration of President Joe Biden
January 20th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Democrats Celebrate Inauguration of President Joe Biden FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2021
DELRAY BEACH FL – Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement in response to the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
“Today is the day we’ve been waiting for. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris take office as the next President and Vice President of the United States. With pro-equality leaders in charge of the White House, House of Representatives and Senate, we can now take big steps towards equality for all.
“Now is the time to be bold and aggressive in enacting an agenda to help all Americans. This means passing the Equality Act, ensuring DACA protections, ending systemic racism, letting science lead the way on climate and health care policy, and prioritizing the coronavirus pandemic response as it should have been all along.
“We have replaced the most corrupt and dangerous president in American history with a leader who has character, empathy, decency, and plans to turn our country around. The LGBTQ+ community stands ready to support President Biden and Vice President Harris — and work with them to build America back better than ever before.”
Virtual Meeting with Commissioner Jack Porter
January 13th, 2021 Andy Janecek Comments Off on Virtual Meeting with Commissioner Jack Porter The Capital Equality Democratic Caucus is kicking off the new year with a Virtual Meeting featuring Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter! Jack was one of the first candidates we spoke to at an early candidate forum during the 2020 election cycle.
Log on to Zoom and join us to hear more about Jack’s experience in office so far and ideas for Tallahassee’s future.
The event will stream live on Zoom on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, beginning at 6:30pm, and is open to all Democrats.
LGBTQ+ Dems Call for Impeachment and Removal of President Trump
January 11th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Call for Impeachment and Removal of President Trump FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2021
DELRAY BEACH FL – Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement calling for President Trump and his enablers to face consequences for their actions that have greatly damaged our democracy.
“President Trump deliberately incited a mob of extremists to attack the U.S. Capitol. Six people have lost their life since the tragedy, including two Capitol Police officers. Trump spent months spreading conspiracy theories that inspired insurrection and he threw the final match onto a powder keg of domestic terrorism. There must be consequences for his actions and further violence must be prevented.
“It’s clear that President Trump’s Cabinet won’t perform their constitutional duty and invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus calls on Congress to take matters into its own hands and immediately launch impeachment proceedings. Impeachment, conviction, and removal are the only appropriate remedies for Trump’s leading role in a violent attack on our democracy.
“The members of Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 election results must also be held accountable. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus renews its call for Congress to expel these members, and we additionally call on all businesses to end political contributions to these politicians and any organizations affiliated with them. Elected representatives who don’t abide by the rule of law must be held to account.”
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