FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2021

DELRAY BEACH, FL – On a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block a new Texas law that bans abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the ruling:

“Floridians have a right to be concerned. Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Texas abortion ban to take effect, it’s only a matter of time before Florida follows suit with similar legislation. In his effort to pander to the farthest-right contingent in the Trump universe, Governor DeSantis has already pledged his support to overturn Roe v. Wade and anti-choice legislation is a sure bet for his 2022 legislative session wish list.

“Legislation that enables his authoritarian tendencies, disregard for sound policies on COVID-19, and lack of compassion for anyone not like him have been hallmarks of DeSantis’ tenure. Women and minorities, already experienced with DeSantis’ lack of empathy, should take note: Prepare for this battle, and the fight for the Governor’s Mansion. The only way to end DeSantis’ so-called leadership and preserve the right to control your own body is to defeat him next November.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2021

TALLAHSSSEE, FL – Leon County’s 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge John Cooper ruled against Governor DeSantis’ ban on mask mandates today. The judge said, “I have heard significant evidence concerning the medical and scientific basis for face mask policies and I conclude this evidence demonstrates that face mask policies that follow CDC guidance at this point in time are reasonable.”

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

“Judge Cooper’s ruling is a win for common sense, science, public health and safety. Local school boards must be able to keep educators and students safe as Florida faces the worst of the pandemic. It didn’t have to be this way. Governor DeSantis’ gross incompetence and willful negligence has laid bare his Trumpian political ideology: unconstitutional and authoritarian rule that hurts people for his own political gain. Our community will make sure voters remember at the ballot box in 2022.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2021

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – After St. Petersburg’s August 24 Primary Election, three of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus’ endorsed candidates have advanced to the November 2 General Election:

• Mayor – Ken Welch
• City Council District 1 – Copley Gerdes
• City Council District 8 – Richie Floyd

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on Ken Welch’s victory:

“The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus proudly endorsed Ken Welch for Mayor of St. Petersburg because he represents inclusive progress for the city’s LGBTQ+ residents and community at large. It’s clear from tonight’s election results that St. Petersburg voters support that vision, and we believe they will make the same decision on November 2.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 12, 2021

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Today the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is announcing its endorsed candidates for the 2021 municipal elections in St. Petersburg. After a careful review of the candidates, our local chapter, Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, made the following endorsements that the Caucus is echoing:

August 24 Primary
Mayor – Ken Welch
City Council District 1 – Copley Gerdes
City Council District 4 – Clifford Hobbs III
City Council District 8 – Richie Floyd

November 2 General
City Council District 6 – Mhariel Summers

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the Caucus’ endorsements:

“Our chapters have rigorous endorsement processes to identify the best candidates to represent the LGBTQ+ community. We are thrilled to echo Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County and endorse these candidates for St. Petersburg municipal elections because of their vision and support for LGBTQ+ residents. We believe they will unify St. Petersburg and move the city forward.”

Susan McGrath, Campaign Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, and a Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County member, highlighted the diverse endorsements:

“We are proud to endorse this diverse slate of pro-equality Democrats, which includes leaders who would become the first openly LGBTQ Black man and first openly LGBTQ Black woman on the St. Petersburg City Council. We look forward to working with them to bring our city together and ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 4, 2021

CHARLIE CRIST, NIKKI FRIED, DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA, ANNETTE TADDEO, JASON PIZZO, DEAN TRANTALIS, AND MANNY DIAZ ARE FEATURED SPEAKERS AT LET’S GET LOUD: THE SUMMER CONFERENCE OF THE FLORIDA LGBTQ+ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

August 6-8 in Miami, featuring local and statewide candidates and elected officials

— Stringent Covid Protocols in Place Throughout the Weekend —

Miami, FL – Let’s Get Loud: The Summer Conference of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is August 6 through 8 at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The Caucus selected Miami as its conference site to jumpstart organizing in Miami-Dade County, a critical voting block to win statewide elections in Florida. The Surfside tragedy, Cuban people rising up against a tyrannical government, and turmoil in Haiti have further elevated its importance.

The Summer Conference draws more than 100 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 underscore the importance of Hispanic voter outreach and winning in 2022. Click here to register and purchase tickets for the conference.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, and North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin will participate in the Saturday morning “How South Florida’s LGBTQ Cities Work Together” panel. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who has been internationally recognized for her strong, steady leadership during this difficult time in Miami, will be the Lunch Keynote Speaker and will be introduced by FDP Chair Manny Diaz.

In the Saturday afternoon session, State Senator Annette Taddeo will join the “Trans Community Under Fire” panel and State Senator Jason Pizzo will give an update on the Florida Senate. The Saturday evening cocktail reception will feature gubernatorial candidates Representative Charlie Crist and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried. At the reception, the Caucus will also honor State Senator Shevrin Jones with a 2021 Legislative Leadership Award and Mayor Dean Trantalis with a Lifetime Leadership Award.

All events are OPEN PRESS unless otherwise noted. This year’s Summer Conference at the Hilton Miami Downtown is a spacious venue to allow for ample social distancing with COVID-19 protocols in place during all portions of the programming.

Hotel:

Hilton Miami Downtown
1601 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, Florida 33132

FRIDAY AUGUST 6

Welcome Reception
630-830pm

• Stephen Gaskill, Caucus President
• Orlando Gonzales, Executive Director, SAVE
• Adam Gentle, Congressional candidate

SATURDAY AUGUST 7

830am
Morning Session

Welcome

• Stephen Gaskill, Caucus President
• Christopher Richmond, MDLGBTA president
• Javier Estevez, Miami-Dade DEC Campaign Chair, Caucus Region 9 Director

850am
Panel: How South Florida’s LGBTQ Cities Work Together

• Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis
• Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora
• North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin

930am
Panel: HIV/AIDS at 40

• Howard Grossman, Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University
• Requel Lopes, Executive Director, World AIDS Museum (moderator)
• Jose Szapocznik PhD, Professor, University of Miami
• Shed Boren, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University

1030am
Cuba: What’s Next?

• Carmen Pelaez, Filmaker and Activist
• Introduced by Ricky Junquera

11am
Panel: Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Workshop on Unconscious Bias

• Mary Ann Shea, Director

Noon
Lunch Keynote Speaker

• Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
• Introduced by FDP Chair Manny Diaz

1pm
Afternoon Session
Introduced by Nik Harris, Caucus Vice President

Panel: Assault on School Boards

• Dade School Board Member Lucia Baez-Geller
• Broward School Board Member Sarah Leonardi
• Joe Saunders, Equality Florida (moderator)
• Bill McKay, Vice President, Space Coast LGBTA Democratic Caucus

150pm
Panel: The Trans Community Under Fire

• Moderator Nathan Bruemmer, LGBTQ Consumer Advocate, FDACS (moderator)
• Jason Starr, Litigation Director, HRC
• Carvelle Estriplet, Caucus Deputy Director, Region 8
• Annette Taddeo

250pm
FDP’s Plan For Winning Florida

• Marcus Dixon, FDP Executive Director

310pm
Senate Victory 2022

• Christian Ulvert, Senate Victory

330pm
Senate Overview

• Senator Jason Pizzo

4pm
Membership Meeting (CLOSED PRESS)

5pm
END

7pm to 9pm
Evening Cocktail Reception

• President Stephen Gaskill
• Mayor Dean Trantalis, receiving Lifetime Leadership Award
• State Senator Shevrin Jones, receiving 2021 Legislative Leadership Award
• Charlie Crist
• Commissioner Nikki Fried

The Caucus thanks our Presenting Sponsor
Happening Out Television Network

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CHARLIE CRIST, NIKKI FRIED, DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA, ANNETTE TADDEO, JASON PIZZO, DEAN TRANTALIS, AND MANNY DIAZ ARE FEATURED SPEAKERS AT LET’S GET LOUD: THE SUMMER CONFERENCE OF THE FLORIDA LGBTQ+ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

Join us in person or virtually August 6-8 in Miami

— Stringent Covid Protocols in Place Throughout the Weekend —

Let’s Get Loud: The Summer Conference of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is August 6 through 8 at the Hilton Miami Downtown. Our Summer Conference draws 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.

Gubernatorial candidates Rep. Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried highlight our Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception, which also features a Lifetime Leadership Award presented to Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and our 2021 Legislative Leadership Award presented to State Senator Shevrin Jones.

NOTE: This year’s Summer Conference at the Hilton Miami Downtown is a spacious venue to allow for ample social distancing with COVID-19 protocols in place during all portions of the programming, including masking and temperature checks.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who has been internationally recognized for her strong, steady leadership during this difficult time in Miami, will be the Lunch Keynote Speaker and will be introduced by FDP Chair Manny Diaz.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, and North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin will discuss “How South Florida’s LGBTQ Cities Work Together” on our kickoff panel. “HIV/AIDS at 40” features a panel of notable healthcare leaders and activists looking at where we go from here. State Senator Annette Taddeo joins the “Trans Community Under Fire” panel to talk about the trans youth sports ban, which also features HRC Litigation Director Jason Starr. School Board members and activists prepare for “The Coming Assault on Our School Boards,” focusing on LGBTQ issues, critical race theory, and more. Filmmaker and activist Carmen Pelaez will outline what’s next for Cuba. And we’ll review the upcoming election and legislative session with presentations by FDP Executive Director Marcus Dixon, Florida Senate Victory’s Christian Ulvert, and State Senator Jason Pizzo.

Click here for Ticketing and Registration, including Virtual Registration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2021

ORLANDO, FL – On this day five years ago, 49 people were killed and 53 were injured at Pulse Nightclub in one of the worst mass shootings and deadliest attacks on LGBTQ+ people in the United States.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement for Pulse Remembrance Day:

“The Pulse massacre, a heinous attack on Orlando’s LGBTQ community, will remain with us always. Today is a time to remember and honor those we lost, and also to recognize the survivors who overcame their physical injuries and trauma. Pride Month is always a bittersweet combination of celebrating how far our community has come, focusing our activism on completing the journey to full equality, and commemorating those no longer with us due to neglect, discrimination, or violence. Pulse is a core part of the Pride story, and we thank our Florida congressional delegation for helping to make the National Pulse Memorial a reality. Pulse is now a symbol of resilience and strength.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Region 4 Director and Rainbow Democrats President Brandon Nelson gave a reaction from the local community:

“One Pulse and Orlando Strong are more than just slogans. They are what has helped our community to heal. Five years ago, we were devastated by an act of cowardice and terror. As painful as that day was, it has made us stronger as individuals, as a city, and as a community. We can never bring back the 49 lives we lost, but we can and will continue to honor them with action. Their memories are the building blocks of our strength. Keep dancing Orlando, because hate will never win. We are Pulse. We are Orlando.”

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