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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – In its typical Friday night news dump of heartless policy decisions, the Trump Administration announced a finalized HHS rule that is eliminating protections for Transgender Americans under the Affordable Care Act.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the rule change:

“During Pride Month and on Pulse Remembrance Day, while in the middle of a global pandemic, this is cruel and despicable even by the Trump Administration’s standards. They are deliberately weakening protections and attacking Transgender Americans in a disgusting attempt to shore up conservative Christian support for Trump’s faltering reelection campaign. The LGBTQ+ community will be working tirelessly to turn out equality voters and defeat hate in November.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer reacted to the rule change:

“This administration’s attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, especially Transgender Americans, seems to have no end. Discrimination in healthcare is never acceptable. Congress must act. Our voices must be heard. Healthcare providers and insurance companies can do the right thing. And if not, they can be held accountable. We must all call out discrimination and hatred wherever we see it. And we must vote. So many lives are depending on it.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2020

ORLANDO, FL — Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding remembrance of Pulse:

“The massacre of our LGBTQ+ family four years ago brought worldwide attention to the pervasiveness of guns in America and the hatred that fuels violence against communities of color. We still mourn for the 49 individuals who lost their lives at Pulse. Time hasn’t healed those wounds, nor let us forget them. The inescapable fact is that bigotry and racism are the underlying causes of those murders and countless others on our streets and across our country. We must commit to real change and action to end systemic racism, homophobia, and transphobia to achieve full equality. Voting is one way to make real change. That’s how we’ll honor those lost at Pulse, and those lost everyday in lesser known tragedies.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Today the Jacksonville City Council passed an ordinance that reinstates protections for LGBTQ residents in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The legislation passed on a 15-4 vote.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the ordinance passing:

“The Jacksonville City Council reaffirmed the principle that every resident should be treated equally and with respect, regardless of who they are or who they love. Without state or federal protections in place, local laws like the one passed today are critical. Jacksonville’s vibrant LGBTQ community can now go about their daily lives without fear of discrimination. We thank the Council for supporting equality.”

Jacksonville resident and Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Communications Director Phil Perry reacted to the news:

“No one should ever be fired from their job or denied housing because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. I’m grateful the City Council said yes to equality and no to discrimination. As we observe Pride Month, let’s also celebrate that Jacksonville is a welcoming community.”

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