Congratulations to our Officers on their election!
President – Dave Cutler
Vice President – Sally Phillips
Secretary – Lora Jane Riedas
Treasurer – Howard Grater
2019 Lobby Days
Caucus Lobby Days are coming — and we want you! Join the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus for our 2019 Lobby Days in Tallahassee. There is much on the agenda, and as always equality is at stake. With new leadership in Tallahassee it’s imperative that we make our voices heard. We have two intensive days of […]
LGBTA Democratic Caucus Announces Legislative Report Card
Today, the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus unveiled our priorities for the 2018 Legislative Session, and announced we would provide letter grades to lawmakers. It’s the first time the Caucus is tracking legislative activity and rating lawmakers on their support of bills in the legislative process. Too many elected officials in the Legislature spend time advancing […]
RELEASE: LGBTA Caucus on Florida Sponsors of LGBT Elder Americans Act
The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians, today commended Florida Members of Congress for cosponsoring HR 4222, The Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act of 2017. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-9) today signed on as a cosponsor, joining Florida Reps. Charlie Crist (FL-13), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Lois Frankel (FL-21) and […]
The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Responds to President Trump’s Ban on Transgender Troops
The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus issued the following statement from President Terry Fleming on President Trump’s just-announced ban on transgender troops: “Once again, President Trump has displayed callous disregard for the lives of LGBTQ service members. As a Navy veteran, I am appalled at this action. The President received a medical deferment to avoid service […]
Officers
March 13th, 2019 
Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus 
Comments Off on Officers Capital Equality: March Meeting with For Our Future
March 1st, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Capital Equality: March Meeting with For Our Future The March meeting of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus will include a presentation by David Akintonde, Field Organizer for For Our Future. For Our Future is a group that advocates progressive politics in Florida and works with grassroots organizing to energize voters.
This meeting of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at 6:30pm, in Program Room A of the Leon County Downtown Public Library, Tallahassee, and is open to all Democrats.
Grab a friend and join us for an informative and entertaining session! We hope to see you there!
Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Elects New Leaders
February 25th, 2019 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Elects New Leaders The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians to the Florida Democratic Party (FDP), elected new leadership at its Winter Conference in Jacksonville, Moving Forward Together, this past weekend.
Stephen Gaskill of Delray Beach is the new Caucus President. A veteran of Florida and national politics, Gaskill is an independent communications and political consultant counseling corporations, advocacy groups, nonprofits, and trade associations in Florida and across the country. A longtime resident of South Florida and Washington DC, he was one of the Caucus’ founding members when it was re-formed in 2004-5. Gaskill has served for many years as the organization’s Communications Director.
“Our goal is simple: to elect Democrats who support the LGBTQ community and who will enact policies that advance equality,” Gaskill said. “The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus has demonstrated that we’ll do the work, and we’ll keep preaching that inclusion, diversity and equality are what will grow Florida.”
Nik Harris of Fort Lauderdale was elected Vice President. Since 2009 she has been Assistant General Counsel with the State of Florida Department of Transportation. She has also worked for the State of Florida Department of Health and State of Florida Public Defender’s Office. Harris is also Vice President of the Dolphin Democrats, the Caucus’ Broward chapter.
Adam N. Sabin of Fort Lauderdale is the new Treasurer. Sabin is a certified public accountant who is currently a Tax Manager for Citrix Systems, Inc., where he is chiefly responsible for the company’s income tax compliance, audit management, and ad hoc special projects. Sabin is also Treasurer of the Dolphin Democrats, the Caucus’ Broward County chapter.
Dave Cutler of Tampa was reelected to a second term as Secretary. Cutler has worked in lab billing at Quest Diagnostics/Optum360 since 2015 after more than a decade in a similar role at LabCorp. Cutler is president of the Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus, the Hillsborough County chapter of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus.
In addition to the elected Officers, the Caucus has a robust structure of elected Regional Directors as well as several appointed At-Large Directors charged with specific responsibilities. Leadership of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus serves for two-year terms. The election was held February 23 at the Caucus’ Winter Conference, Moving Forward Together, in Jacksonville, which featured presentations by openly gay State Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Jennifer Webb, and Shevrin Jones; State Rep. Anna Eskamani; FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo; and FDP Executive Director Juan Penalosa, among others.
2019 Lobby Days
February 21st, 2019 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on 2019 Lobby Days Caucus Lobby Days are coming — and we want you!
Join the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus for our 2019 Lobby Days in Tallahassee. There is much on the agenda, and as always equality is at stake. With new leadership in Tallahassee it’s imperative that we make our voices heard.
We have two intensive days of meetings with elected officials and staff, including a training session on our issues and how to talk about them. We welcome everyone to participate!
Our draft schedule is below to help you plan. Please note there will be a $10 charge to cover printing and supplies, and lunch is sponsored for both days we’re in the Capitol.
One other note — Tallahassee is busy during session, so be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as you can!
Sunday, March 24th
Travel to Tallahassee (on your own)
Monday, March 25th
Lobby Days Training/Lobbying 101
With Susan Smith, President, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida
Check-In: 9:00am
Location: Minority Office Conference Room, Florida Capitol
Tuesday, March 26th
Appointments
Check-In: 9:00am
Location: Minority Office Conference Room, Florida Capitol
Wednesday, March 27th
Working Breakfast/Debrief
Registration
Registration for Lobby Days is required and a payment of $10 per attendee covers the cost of lunch for both days and all training materials. Agendas and additional information will be provided to registered attendees a few days before Lobby Days. Click this link to register for Lobby Days!
Parking
There is metered street parking all around the Capitol complex. There are also several parking garages, including Kleman Plaza parking garage, one block from the Capitol.
Attire
Business-appropriate attire should be worn while in the Capitol. This includes suits, slacks, button-up shirts, knee-length skirts, dresses and close-toed shoes. No jeans, sleeveless shirts, or open-toed shoes. Please wear comfortable (but business appropriate) shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in Lobby Days.
Hotels
In lieu of a host hotel, we encourage attendees to book their favorite lodging that fits their budget, such as through Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, or Airbnb.
There are several hotels nearby and within walking distance to the Capitol. Please see the list below to begin making arrangements.
Red Roof Inn Tallahassee
2930 Hospitality Street
850-385-7884
DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee
101 S. Adams Street
850-224-5000
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown
200 N. Monroe Street
850-513-0313
Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown
316 W. Tennessee Street
850-422-0071
Residence Inn Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol
600 W. Gaines Street
850-329-9080
Wyndham Garden Tallahassee Capitol
1355 Apalachee Parkway
850-877-3171
2019 Tampa Municipal Election Endorsements
February 15th, 2019 Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on 2019 Tampa Municipal Election Endorsements Mayor – Jane Castor
City Council District 1 – Craig Newman
City Council District 2 – John Godwin
City Council District 3 – John Dingfelder & Nicholas Glover
City Council District 4 – Bill Carlson
City Council District 5 – Ella Coffee
City Council District 6 – Guido Maniscalco
City Council District 7 – Luis Viera
We’re joining the fight for MEDICAID EXPANSION in Florida!
January 29th, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on We’re joining the fight for MEDICAID EXPANSION in Florida! The Affordable Care Act gave states the opportunity to expand Medicaid to low-income adults and families — with the federal government footing most of the cost. Today, 34 states have opted to take this deal and have covered over 17 million Americans. Unfortunately, Florida has not.
We’re joining the campaign to take the question directly to Florida voters and ask them to vote on a ballot measure to expand Medicaid in 2020. Ballot measures have recently expanded Medicaid in states across the country: Maine, Nebraska, Utah, and Idaho – and it can work in Florida, too.
Click this link to learn more about the campaign or to sign up as a volunteer. Additionally, you may sign up to attend one of five upcoming volunteer training webinars.
Capital Equality: February Meeting with Commissioner Rick Minor
January 28th, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Capital Equality: February Meeting with Commissioner Rick Minor Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor will address the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus during its February meeting. Commissioner Minor will discuss his priorities for Leon County, including District 3, and share his insights and experiences since being sworn in to office in November.
This meeting of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 6:30pm, in Program Room A of the Leon County Downtown Public Library, Tallahassee, and is open to all Democrats.
Grab a friend and join us for an informative and entertaining session! We hope to see you there!
2019 Winter Conference and Leadership Dinner
January 19th, 2019 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on 2019 Winter Conference and Leadership Dinner ANDREW GILLUM, NATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER
REP. CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH, LEGISLATIVE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
REPS. JENNIFER WEBB & ANNA ESKAMANI, FEATURED SPEAKERS AT THE LEADERSHIP DINNER OF MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: THE WINTER CONFERENCE
FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CONFERENCE IS FEBRUARY 22-24 IN JACKSONVILLE
Moving Forward Together: The Winter Conference of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, is scheduled for February 22 through 24 in Jacksonville. This conference is all about the future — of our Caucus, our Party, and Florida. We’re featuring the next generation of leaders who are taking charge of our state to make it work for US.
Moving Forward Together has all the hallmarks of a Caucus conference: informative panels, provocative speakers, state and local elected officials, campaign training sessions, and terrific social events. We’ll also host a business meeting featuring elections for Caucus leadership for the next two years. The highlight of the weekend will be our Leadership Dinner with National Keynote Speaker Andrew Gillum and Legislative Keynote Speaker State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith. Stars of the freshman class in Tallahassee State Reps. Jennifer Webb and Anna Eskamani will also address our dinner.
The UPDATED schedule follows, and will be updated as new speakers and sessions are added. Click the links below for conference registration, dinner tickets, and hotel reservations. Here’s what you need to know:
Conference registration is just $35 through February 15, and increases to $45 on February 16. Conference registration includes the Welcome Reception on Friday night; and Continental Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks throughout the conference day Saturday. (The Sunday Farewell Brunch is not included in the registration fee.)
Tickets for our Leadership Dinner are $60 through February 15, and increase to $75 on February 16.
We have a block of rooms available at our host hotel, the Lexington Hotel and Conference Center, located on the Jacksonville Riverwalk at 1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville 32207. Our room rate is just $119 per night, and includes parking. Our hotel room block closes Friday, February 15.
UPDATED SCHEDULE
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: THE WINTER CONFERENCE
FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
FEBRUARY 22-24, 2019
LEXINGTON HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
JACKSONVILLE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Welcome Reception
Lobby Bar
Lexington Hotel and Conference Center
6:30pm to 8:30pm
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Winter Conference
Lexington Hotel and Conference Center
8am to 9am
Continental Breakfast
Morning Session 9am to Noon
Welcome and Call to Order
- Terry Fleming, President, Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus
- Avery Blake Garner, President, Stonewall Democrats of Duval County
- Daniel Henry, Chair, Duval County Democratic Executive Committee
Panels/Speakers
- Curbing Violence for the Transgender Community: Opportunities and Challenges
- Training Session: Volunteer Recruitment and Mobilization, Lisa Peth, Florida Democratic Party
- State Rep. Shevrin Jones
- Georgia State Rep. Park Cannon: “Run As You Are”
- Scott Arceneaux, former Executive Director, Florida Democratic Party
12:15pm to 1:15pm
Lunch Speakers:
- Juan Penalosa, Executive Director, Florida Democratic Party
- Tommy Hazouri, Jacksonville Councilman, former Mayor and lead sponsor of the Jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance
Afternoon Session 1:30pm to 5pm
1:30pm to 3pm
Intergenerational Panel Discussion on LGBTA Concerns
- Dan Merkan, Chair, Jacksonville Coalition for Equality
- Andrea Spencer, VP for Communications, ElderSource
- Rev. Linda Giroux, Riverside UCC
- Daniel Henry, Chair, Duval DEC
Legislative Update
3:15pm to 5pm
Caucus Membership Meeting
- Presentations
- Elections
5pm
Adjourn
6:30pm to 7:30pm
Cocktail Reception
Ballroom
Lexington Hotel and Conference Center
7:30pm to 9pm
Leadership Dinner
Ballroom
Lexington Hotel and Conference Center
Speakers:
- Andrew Gillum, National Keynote Speaker
- Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Legislative Keynote Speaker
- Rep. Jennifer Webb
- Rep. Anna Eskamani
- Terrie Rizzo, Chair, Florida Democratic Party
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
10am to Noon
Farewell Brunch
Southern Grounds
Jacksonville
——
Conference Registration
Register for the conference by clicking this link.
Leadership Dinner Tickets
Purchase your individual or table tickets to the Leadership Dinner online.
Hotel Block
We have a block of rooms available at the host hotel, the Lexington Hotel, for $119 per night. Use this link to book your hotel room. The hotel is providing free parking.
We hope to see you! You won’t want to miss this energizing conference!
LGBTQ Legislative Outlook
January 3rd, 2019 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on LGBTQ Legislative Outlook We are gearing up for Florida’s Legislative Session that includes many new faces in the House and Senate and the first Democratic member of the Florida Cabinet in many years. Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer will share his insights on ways to get involved in Lobby Days, as well as providing updates on legislative goals, including advancing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act.
This meeting of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 6:30pm, in Program Room A of the Leon County Downtown Public Library, Tallahassee, and is open to all Democrats.
Grab a friend and join us for an informative and entertaining session! We hope to see you there!
SAVE THE DATE! Winter Conference & Membership Meeting in Jacksonville
December 18th, 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on SAVE THE DATE! Winter Conference & Membership Meeting in Jacksonville Details are coming together now but we wanted to be sure you Save the Date for our Winter Conference, which is scheduled for February 22-24, 2019 in Jacksonville.
We’ll have more information to announce shortly, including hotel information and how to register, but you won’t want to miss this exciting and informative weekend that brings together LGBT leaders from around the state. Our Winter Conference will feature appearances from elected officials, presentations on current and emerging issues, and social activities to meet Florida and national activists.
We will also host a Membership Meeting on Saturday, February 23 during the Conference to elect Caucus leadership for the next two years. Caucus members: please plan to attend this important meeting during the weekend!
And FYI — our bylaws state that you must be a member of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus at least 45 days prior to the election. While we encourage you to join your local chapter, you MUST be a registered member of the Caucus to vote in this election. Here’s a link to join or renew your membership — do it today!
Be sure to mark your calendar, and be on the lookout for more information!
