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 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.
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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.
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
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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:
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.”
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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!
