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; […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
November 15th, 2021 
Capital Equality Democratic Caucus 
Comments Off on Join us virtually on Wednesday and learn more about our postcard writing campaign to local voters! Join the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus for a Virtual Meeting on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, beginning at 6:30pm. We’ll be discussing plans for the upcoming year, Florida’s special and regular legislative sessions, and our effort to increase voter turnout with the help of a personal postcard writing campaign!
Click here to download the meeting agenda.
The meeting is open to all Democrats. Registration in advance is required.
November 3rd, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Congratulations to our 2021 Endorsed Candidates Congratulations to our endorsed candidates who won yesterday! We were proud to echo the endorsements of several of our local chapters: Miami-Dade LGBTA Democrats, Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, and Rainbow Democrats.
In Miami-Dade county, Dan Gelber was overwhelmingly reelected Mayor of Miami Beach. Raquel Pacheco is heading to the runoff for Miami Beach Commissioner, Group 1.
In Pinellas county, Ken Welch for Mayor was elected Mayor of St. Petersburg. Four of our endorsed candidates were also elected to the St. Petersburg City Council:
In Orange county, Regina Hill also won her race for Orlando City Commissioner, District 5.
October 29th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Slam Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks on Broward School Board FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2021
DELRAY BEACH, FL – The right-wing smear machine is in full swing against Broward School Board Member Sarah Leonardi for organizing a field trip to a Wilton Manors restaurant so school kids could learn how a restaurant operates. Energized by the Fox News right-wing echo chamber, this manufactured controversy is the next step in the Republicans’ demonization of Florida’s school boards, and a direct attack on their curriculum. Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement:
“Our schools and school boards are under enough pressure as it is without manufactured and bogus issues generated by perpetually aggrieved Republicans, Trumpers, and Q-Anon followers looking to spout off on social media. The intent of this so-called controversy is to undermine the authority and independence of Broward Schools, which teach about the role of the school and the student in the community. To assume there is something shameful about visiting a popular and successful LGBTQ-owned business in the heart of the neighborhood is a classic homophobic and transphobic ploy out of the right-wing playbook. We support Broward Schools, School Board Member Sarah Leonardi, and the decision to take these kids on a field trip approved by their parents.”
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October 19th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Endorse in Miami-Dade & Orange County Races FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2021
DELRAY BEACH, FL – Today the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is announcing its endorsed candidates for the 2021 municipal elections in Miami-Dade and Orange counties. After a careful review of the candidates, our local chapters, the Miami-Dade LGBTA Democratic Caucus and Rainbow Democrats, made the following endorsements that the state caucus is echoing:
Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the state caucus endorsements:
“Our county chapters are immersed in their communities and through these local ties, they are well positioned to identify the best candidates who will show up every day for LGBTQ+ residents. We are thrilled to echo the Miami-Dade LGBTA Democratic Caucus and Rainbow Democrats in endorsing these candidates for Miami-Dade and Orlando municipal elections. We believe they will move their communities closer to full equality.”
Susan McGrath, Campaign Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, highlighted the diverse endorsements:
“We are proud to endorse this diverse slate of pro-equality Democrats who will listen and always fight for the rights of marginalized people. We look forward to working with them to bring our communities together and ensure every Miami-Dade and Orange County resident can live their life free of discrimination.”
Javier Estevez, Region 9 Director of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, celebrated the Miami-Dade endorsements:
“All three candidates we endorsed impressed us with their thoughtful answers to our questionnaire and commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in the state of Florida. They understand that municipal positions are incredibly important as we push back against attacks on our community coming from Florida’s state legislature and governor.”
Matthew Inman, President of the Rainbow Democrats, celebrated the Orange County endorsements:
“Both of the candidates we endorsed are established allies who understand the issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals and who have bold ideas for how we protect people from discrimination. We look forward to working with them to build in even more mechanisms that will protect the LGBTQ+ community in the City of Orlando.”
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October 7th, 2021 Andy Janecek Comments Off on Virtual Meeting and Voter Turnout Project Join the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus for a Virtual Meeting focused on a community-driven Voter Turnout Project! Using postcards to reach voters in a local precinct, we will be encouraging vote-by-mail ballot requests to help boost Democratic turnout before Election Day.
Log on to Zoom and join us to learn more about this socially-distanced opportunity to make a difference from the comforts of home. A huge thanks to Barry and Darwin for sponsoring the first sets of postcards! Shout out to Robin and Linda for already volunteering to write 100 postcards!
The meeting will stream live on Zoom on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, beginning at 6:30pm, and is open to all Democrats.
September 2nd, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Is Florida next about Texas abortion ban proceeds? 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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September 1st, 2021 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Virtual Meeting with Equality Florida’s Jimmy Midyette Join the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus for a Virtual Meeting featuring Equality Florida’s newly appointed North Florida Development Officer, Jimmy Midyette. Jimmy serves as a North Florida point of contact for the statewide advocacy organization. He’ll be sharing information about upcoming events and ways that you can get more involved in the fight for equality.
Caucus members are asked to stay logged in for a brief business meeting following Jimmy’s presentation and remarks.
Log on to Zoom and join us to hear more about the important work Equality Florida is doing throughout the state.
The event will stream live on Zoom on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, beginning at 6:30pm, and is open to all Democrats.
Registration in advance is required. Click here to register.
August 27th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Applaud DeSantis Mask Mandate Ban Ruling 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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August 24th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Congratulate Ken Welch on Election Night 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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August 12th, 2021 Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ+ Dems Endorse St. Petersburg Municipal Candidates 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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