2018 Summer Conference and Leadership Dinner

The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Democrats in Florida, presents its 2018 Summer Conference, July 27 through 29, at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel. Caucus conferences bring together a wide range of politically active Democrats to hear from state, local and national elected officials and candidates, party officials, allied […]

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 […]

2018 Endorsed Candidates

August 14th, 2018 Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on 2018 Endorsed Candidates

The Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus is proud to endorse the following candidates in the primary and general election this year. These candidates, many of who are members of the Caucus, have shown a commitment to fight for full equality for LGBT residents of Hillsborough County as well as the State of Florida.  We look forward to electing these candidates in the upcoming elections!

Primary Election: August 28th

Governor: No recommendation

Attorney General: Sean Shaw*

Commissioner of Agriculture: No recommendation

Congress District 12: Chris Hunter

Congress District 15: Andrew Learned*

Congress District 16: David Shapiro

State House 61: Dianne Hart* or Karen Skyers*

State House 62: Mike Alvarez*

County Commission District 5: Mariella Smith*

County Commission District 7: Mark Nash* or Kimberly Overman*

School Board District 1: Bill Person*

School Board District 4: LaShonda Davison

School Board District 6: No recommendation

General Election: November 6th

U.S. Senate: Bill Nelson

Chief Financial Officer: Jeremy Ring

State Senate 18: Janet Cruz

State House 57: Debbie Katt*

State House 58: Phil Hornback*

State House 59: Adam Hattersley*

State House 60: Debra Bellanti*

State House 63: Fentrice Driskell*

County Commission District 2: Angela Birdsong

County Commission District 4: Andrew Davis*

Remember to vote in the primary on or before August 28th.  

 

It’s time to set the Blue Wave in motion!

* indicates HCLGBTA Democratic Caucus member

City Commission and Mayoral Candidates LGBTQ+ Meet and Greet

August 3rd, 2018 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on City Commission and Mayoral Candidates LGBTQ+ Meet and Greet

Capital Equality is proud to present a very special Tallahassee City Commission and Mayoral Candidate Meet and Greet event on Friday, August 10, 2018! We are inviting these important Democratic candidates into our local “safe space” to learn more about the needs of our community. Join us at 926 Bar & Grill, 926 W. Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, for a meet and greet beginning at 6:30pm followed by our usual monthly business meeting.

The mission of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus is to foster good will between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally members of the Democratic Party and the community at large. We seek individual freedom in the framework of a just society and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens.

Grab a friend and join us for casual conversation and an opportunity to learn more about these candidates.

FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCES PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

August 2nd, 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCES PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

Support for Statewide Candidates, Federal and State Legislative Candidates

Membership Threshold Not Met on Gubernatorial Race

GAINESVILLE — The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to the Florida Democratic Party, announces its full list of endorsements for the August 28th primary election. Caucus membership voted on these endorsements at our Summer Conference in West Palm Beach on Saturday, July 28, and includes candidates and Constitutional amendments. The announcement was held to notify candidates.

In the state’s most watched election — for governor — no candidate received the required two-thirds vote of eligible voting members participating to receive the endorsement. Utilizing a successive voting process whereby the candidate with the least amount of votes was eliminated each round, the final two candidates were Andrew Gillum and Gwen Graham. Neither secured the two-thirds threshold to win endorsement.

Following is the full list of endorsed candidates this cycle:

Endorsed July 28, 2018:

Federal

CD-6: Nancy Soderberg

CD-7: Rep. Stephanie Murphy

CD-10: Rep. Val Demings

CD-12: Chris Hunter

CD-16: David Shapiro

CD-19: David Holden

CD-20: Rep. Alcee Hastings

Gubernatorial & Cabinet

Governor: No Endorsement

Attorney General: Sean Shaw

CFO: State Senator Jeremy Ring

Commissioner of Agriculture: No Endorsement

Legislative

House District 55: Audrey Asciutto

House District 89: James Bonfiglio

House District 115: Dr Jeffrey Solomon

House District 106: Sara McFadden

Previously endorsed and already announced:

Federal

US Senator Bill Nelson

CD-3: Yvonne Hayes Hinson

CD-5: Rep. Al Lawson

CD-8: Sanjay Patel

CD-9: Rep. Darren Soto

CD-13: Rep. Charlie Crist

CD-15: Andrew Learned

CD-17: April Freeman

CD-18: Lauren Baer

CD-22: Rep. Ted Deutch

CD-23: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

CD-27: State Representative David Richardson

State

House District 28: Lee Mangold

House District 37: Tammy Garcia

House District 49: Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith

In addition, the state Caucus endorsed candidates recommended by local chapters. These include:

Stonewall Democrats of Alachua County

Senate District 8: Kayser Enneking

House District 21: Amol Jethwani

School Board: Rob Hyatt

School Board: Tina Certain

Dolphin Democrats (Broward County)

Senate District 34: Gary Farmer

House District 92: Paulette Armstead

House District 93: Emma Collum

House District 96: Saima Farooqui

House District 97: Jared Moscowitz

House District 98: Andrew Dolberg

House District 105: Javier Estevez

Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus

House District 59: Adam Hattersley

House District 60: Debra Bellanti

House District 63: Fentrice Driskell

Commissioner District 4: Andrew Davis Hillsborough

Lee County LGBTQA Democratic Caucus

House District 76: David Bogner

House District 78: Parisima Taeb

School District Seat 4: Debbie Jordan

Fort Myers City Council Seat 4: Christopher Pierce

Pasco LGBTA Democratic Caucus

County Commission District 2: Kelly Smith

County Commission District 4: Brandi Geoit

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

Senate District 16: Amanda Murphy

House District 66: Alex Heeren

House District 69: Jennifer Webb

County Commission District 6: Amy Kedron

School Board District 6: Matt Stewart

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Polk County

Senate District 22: Bob Doyel

Senate District 26: Catherine Price

House District 42: Barbara Cady

County Commission District 4: Karen Cooper Welzel

School Board District 3: Sarah Fortney

Constitutional amendment positions approved by membership on July 28, 2018 are listed below. The Caucus had voted earlier to support Amendment 4, the Voter Restoration for Felons Initiative.

The Caucus SUPPORTS:

Amendment 3: Requires voter approval of casino gambling

Amendment 9: Bans offshore oil and gas drilling and vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces

Amendment 13: Prohibits betting on dog races

The Caucus OPPOSES:

Amendment 1: Grants an additional $25,000 homestead exemption for homes worth $125,000 or more.

Amendment 2: Makes permanent what currently is a temporary cap of 10 percent on annual property value increases for vacation homes, apartments and commercial property, effectively limiting increases on tax bills. (2nd homes and commercial) property assessment increases permanent

Amendment 5: Requires 2/3 vote of legislature to impose or increase tax or fee instead of a simple majority.

Amendment 6: Adds a Marsy’s Law (victims’ rights) to state constitution, increases judicial retirement age; prohibits judges from deferring to administrative agencies to interpret law

Amendment 7: Requires death benefits for first responders and military members, a supermajority vote for college fees, and adds state college system structure to constitution

Amendment 8: Establishes school board term limits; allows state to operate non-board established schools; requires civic literacy

Amendment 11: Repeals some obsolete language; repeals a provision saying that changes to a criminal statute are not retroactive

The Caucus took NO POSITION on:

Amendment 10: Prohibits counties from abolishing certain local offices, changes start date of legislative sessions, and adds an executive office and executive department to constitution

Amendment 12: Prohibits public officials from lobbying for compensation while in office and 6 years thereafter.

# # #

FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR HERE’S WHERE WE WIN: THE SUMMER CONFERENCE

July 21st, 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR HERE’S WHERE WE WIN: THE SUMMER CONFERENCE
Event in West Palm Beach Features Gubernatorial and Statewide Candidates, Elected Officials, Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS Students
GAINESVILLE — The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to the Florida Democratic Party, announces the agenda for Here’s Where We Win: The Summer Conference, taking place July 27 through 29 in West Palm Beach. The conference brings together Democratic LGBTA activists from around the state for candidate meetings, election training, and presentations on major issues facing Florida voters.
All conference events will be held at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach, except as otherwise noted. The conference features a Welcome Reception on Friday, July 27; a full day of conference meetings and presentations and a Leadership Dinner on Saturday, July 28; and a Farewell Brunch on Sunday, July 29. The Caucus will also host a Membership Meeting to consider endorsements for statewide candidates and amendments. Conference registration is $25 and includes the Welcome Reception on Friday; and continental breakfast, lunch and snacks on Saturday. The Leadership Dinner is a separately-ticketed event for $75. In addition, rooms are still available in the Caucus’ hotel block at the rate of $109 per night.
Registration, ticket purchases and hotel reservations can be made here: http://www.floridalgbtademocrats.org/2018-summer-conference-and-leadership-dinner/
Sessions are still being added to the program and this advisory will be updated.
FRIDAY, JULY 27
6:30pm to 8:30pm
WELCOME RECEPTION hosted by the Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach
Sponsored by Philip Levine for Governor; Chris King for Governor; and Nicholas Coppola and David Crespo
Coconut Date Room, Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel
Special Guests: Gubernatorial candidate PHILIP LEVINE; Gubernatorial candidate CHRIS KING; Palm Beach County Mayor MELISSA MCKINLAY
SATURDAY, JULY 28
CONFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING
7:45 am
REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Salon A&B, Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel
8:15am
WELCOME
TERRY FLEMING, president, Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus
WAYNE WHITSON, president, Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach
8:30am
BREAKFAST SPEAKER: Caucus-endorsed LAUREN BAER, candidate for FL-18
Sponsored by Lauren Baer for Congress
9:15am
TRAINING SESSION: Getting Your Neighbors Out to Vote, SALLY BOYNTON BROWN
10:10am to Noon
SPEAKERS, CANDIDATES, PRESENTATIONS
10:30am
GWEN GRAHAM, gubernatorial candidate
11:00am
KEN EVANS, Democratic National Committee
DEIDRE NEWTON, Palm Beach County DEC State Committeewoman
11:15am
PRESENTATION of LGBT Proclamation from Senator Bill Nelson’s office
Noon
LUNCH
Sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
1:15pm
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING STUDENTS FROM MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HS / 
PARKLAND / MARCH FOR OUR LIVES
2:15pm to 3:45pm
SPEAKERS, CANDIDATES, PRESENTATIONS
2:30pm
RAND HOCH, president and founder
Palm Beach Human Rights Council
3:00pm
JUAN PENALOSA, Florida Democratic Party executive director
3:20pm
ROY DAVID WALKER, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services
3:30pm
NIKKI FRIED, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services
4:00pm
MEMBERSHIP MEETING to consider endorsements
6:30pm
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Majestic Ballroom
Special Guest: REP. ALCEE HASTINGS
Sponsored by Rep. Alcee Hastings
7:30pm
LEADERSHIP DINNER
Majestic Ballroom
Sponsored by Jeff Greene for Governor
Program:
Welcome TERRY FLEMING, president, Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus
Invocation REV. DR. LEA BROWN, Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches
Remarks JEFF GREENE, gubernatorial candidate
Remarks TERRIE RIZZO, chair, Florida Democratic Party
Florida Keynote STATE REP. DAVID RICHARDSON, Caucus-endorsed candidate for Congress
SUNDAY, JULY 29
FAREWELL BRUNCH
Howley’s Restaurant
4700 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach
# # #

School Board Candidates Night

July 3rd, 2018 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on School Board Candidates Night

Capital Equality is hosting a School Board Candidates Night featuring all Democratic candidates for Leon County School Board. The event will be held at Leon County Library Downtown, Program Room B, Tallahassee, at 6:30pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Grab a friend and join us for casual conversation and an opportunity to learn more about these candidates.

SUMMER CONFERENCE HOTEL BLOCK NOW AVAILABLE!!

June 16th, 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on SUMMER CONFERENCE HOTEL BLOCK NOW AVAILABLE!!
We have a few rooms left in our hotel room block for our exciting Summer Conference, Here’s Where We Win, being held July 27-29 at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel in West Palm Beach. We’ll release more info on the conference shortly, but if you plan on attending, please book your room as soon as you can so we can explore other arrangements if necessary. Please use this link:

Summer Conference Hotel Reservation

You can register for the Summer Conference using this link:

Conference Registration

Judicial Candidates Night

June 6th, 2018 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on Judicial Candidates Night

Capital Equality and the Leon County Young Democrats, in partnership with The Family Tree LGBT Community Center, will be hosting a non-partisan Judicial Candidates event featuring candidates for Leon County Judge and Circuit Judge.

The event will be held at Milano Pizzeria, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, at 6:30pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Grab a friend, a slice of pizza, and join us for casual conversation and an opportunity to learn more about these candidates and the role of a Leon County’s local judges.

* Due to strict campaign laws regarding judicial candidates, this event is considered non-partisan. All filed candidates have been invited to participate, regardless of party or political affiliation. *

FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS FOR 2018 FEDERAL RACES

May 31st, 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS FOR 2018 FEDERAL RACES

Gainesville FL — The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, an arm of the Florida Democratic Party representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Democrats, announced its first round of endorsements for federal elections during the primary season.

“Florida’s candidates and elected officials know that the LGBT community can be the margin of victory in their races, and that our members work hard to elect our endorsed candidates,” Caucus President Terry Fleming said. “In such a highly charged political year, our involvement has a definitive impact.”

Candidates receiving the Caucus endorsement in this round include:

US Senate – Senator Bill Nelson

District 3 – Yvonne Hayes Hinson

District 8 – Sanjay Patel

District 9 – Congressman Darren Soto

District 13 – Congressman Charlie Crist

District 15 – Andrew Learned

District 17 – April Freeman

District 18 – Lauren Baer

District 22 – Congressman Ted Deutch

District 23 – Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

District 27 – State Representative David Richardson

In addition, the Caucus voted to support Amendment 4, the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative.

Candidates seeking endorsement filled out an extensive questionnaire on a range of issues. Those questionnaires were reviewed by the Campaign Committee, which made its recommendations to the membership. The Caucus’ members then voted to accept or deny the recommendation.

“The Caucus also congratulates Congresswomen Kathy Castor and Lois Frankel for their uncontested victories,” Fleming said. “We look forward to working with them and all our endorsed candidates throughout the campaign season.”

# # #

2018 Summer Conference and Leadership Dinner

May 30th, 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Comments Off on 2018 Summer Conference and Leadership Dinner

The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Democrats in Florida, presents its 2018 Summer Conference, July 27 through 29, at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel. Caucus conferences bring together a wide range of politically active Democrats to hear from state, local and national elected officials and candidates, party officials, allied activists, and issue experts for an invigorating and productive weekend. Our conferences receive statewide media coverage that underscores the experience and commitment our members bring to Florida politics.

July 27-29, 2018
Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel
150 Australian Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Tentative Schedule
Friday, July 27, 2018
Welcome Reception Hosted by Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus

Saturday, July 28, 2018
Summer Conference with Continental Breakfast – 8:00am
Morning Session with Presentations and Trainings – 9:00am
Sponsored Lunch – 12:00pm
Afternoon Session with Presentations and Trainings – 1:00pm
Membership Meeting – 3:30pm
Adjourn – 5:00pm
Cocktail Reception – 6:30pm
Leadership Dinner – 7:30pm

Sunday, July 29, 2018
Farewell Brunch – 10:00am

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 Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, for $109 per night. Use this link to book your hotel room.

Sponsorship Options and Program Advertisements
Click this link to learn more about sponsorship and promotional opportunities during the conference.

Join us as we prepare for victory in 2018! Additional event details will be announced as they become available.

May Membership Meeting with Bob Rackleff

May 4th, 2018 Capital Equality Democratic Caucus Comments Off on May Membership Meeting with Bob Rackleff

The next meeting of the Capital Equality Democratic Caucus will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 6:30pm. Our special guest is Bob Rackleff, Candidate for Congress, District 2.

The membership meeting will be held at Milano Pizzeria, 514 W. Tharpe Street, 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!

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