January 2012 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
As I look back at 2011, I can't help but smile at all of the tremendous accomplishments the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has enjoyed.
Under our new leadership, we have expanded with the addition of our Manatee County chapter, the Manatee County GLBTA Democratic Caucus, grown our membership by 35%, improved our image with a new website, increased communication with our monthly e-newsletter, had a successful summer conference in Key West, and put the wheels in motion for a “67-county strategy” by working to develop chapters in every County of our state. While doing this, we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful victories around the state. Just to give a few examples...
• In Tampa, the Hillsborough County GLBTA Democratic Caucus celebrated the election of Bob Buckhorn as Mayor and all 7 Tampa City Council Members, all who are friends of the GLBTA Caucus and 3 who are members of the Caucus.
• In St. Pete, the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County celebrated the landslide re-election of openly gay St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell.
• In Largo, the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County also celebrated the election of Largo’s first openly-gay elected official, Commissioner Michael Smith, who beat out anti-equality incumbent Mary Gray Black.
• In Orlando, the Rainbow Democratic Club celebrated the Domestic Partner Registry in December 2011. Orlando has passed a Human Rights Ordinance, passed Domestic Partner Benefits for County and City employees all in the last year. We're really moving Central Florida forward.
• In Broward County, The Dolphin Democrats celebrated the passage of one of the strongest equal Benefits Ordinances in the country.
• Broward and Hillsborough County School Boards expanded protections against the discrimination of LGBT individuals.
I am very proud that the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus’ members have been intimately involved in all these efforts and others around our state. In our January 2012 e-newsletter, you’ll find more updates from each of our Regions outlining many of their accomplishments throughout 2011.
As we are now in the midst of this 2011 holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank the Leadership Team of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus for their continued hard-work and dedication throughout this transitional year and thank the membership for making this year such a success. I also want to thank all of you who are in this fight with us! When one group is not Equal — no one is Equal!
As we head into 2012, even with the successes that have been enjoyed, we have an uphill battle ahead of us. We must ensure that we elect pro-equality Democrats from the “top of the ticket to the bottom.” We need your help to ensure that all of our pro-equality Democrats are re-elected. Remember — ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!
With the end of 2011 just around the corner, all current Caucus memberships will expire. That means it’s now time to renew by going to www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org! And if you are not currently a member, please join our Caucus!
And finally — the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus’ Winter Conference hosted by the Hillsborough County GLBTA Democratic Caucus, is just around the corner. This conference — BRICK BY BRICK: PAVING THE PATH TO EQUALITY — Ybor — Tampa — will be held Feb. 10-12, 2012. The host hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites-Ybor, on 7th Avenue in the heart of Historic Ybor City. The conference on Saturday, Feb. 11 will be at the Metro Center-Ybor. We are planning a welcome reception on Friday, Feb. 10, a brunch on Sunday, Feb. 12 and many exciting events in between to show off the wonderfully historic Ybor City in Tampa. Make plans now to join us and attend the conference as this will be the 2012 kickoff event for the Democratic Progressive movement in Hillsborough County. Registration and hotel booking information will be on the website — www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org — within the next few days.
With Peace and Pride,
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus premieres new website
The much anticipated and newly designed Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus website is now up and running at www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org. Read about this and more in the November Florida GLBT Newsletter...read more.
December 2011 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
Since our last Newsletter, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has been busy — as you will read below! I think that you will see that our Chapters are busy with Holiday activities and anticipating 2012 in very productive and pro-active ways.
I want to take this opportunity, as the year comes to a close, to say how very proud I am of all members and leaders of each Chapter throughout our beautiful state. The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus invites each of you to get involved with the GLBT Democratic Caucus Chapter in your area. If you need further information on Chapter locations, please refer to our website — http://www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org/ — for details.
It is now time to renew membership with the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus or, if you haven’t already, become a new member. Join us as we strategize and lay the groundwork to elect equality minded Democrats throughout our state and beyond. We need each of you! Our website — http://www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org/ — makes it easy to become a member.
On Dec. 6, 2011, the Advocate billed this speech as ‘The Speech You’ve Been Waiting For’ — and it’s been posted all over Facebook. Let us not forget that this is the United States Secretary of State, who speaks for the President of the United States.
I say — Thank You Secretary Clinton and President Obama for your leadership – you are keeping your promises and making us proud! Click here to read The Advocate story.
SAVE THE DATE! The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus Winter Conference — Brick By Brick — Paving The Road To Full Equality — hosted by the Hillsborough County GLBTA Democratic Caucus, Feb. 10-12, 2012!
With Peace and Pride,
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
November 2011 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
Since our last Newsletter, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has been busy, as you
will read below!
Most of our Chapters are involved in the 2011 elections, so don’t forget that election day,
2011 is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Let me also remind you that one (1) year from now — Nov. 6, 2012 — we will re-
elect President Barack Obama and Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, along with other pro-
equality candidates in each local area that we support. In order to do this, however, it will
take all hands on deck! All the campaigns are gearing up now, most in full swing already.
I strongly encourage all of you to get involved with the candidate and campaign of your
choice to make sure that waking up on the morning of Nov. 7, 2012 will be joyful
for all!
Remember — elections have consequences!
Obama Administration Continues to Make Progress on LGBT Health
On Tuesday, November 1st the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released Women’s Health USA
2011, the tenth edition of an annual data book identifying priorities, trends and disparities in women’s health. For the first time, this report features data on the health of lesbian and bisexual women. Remember — elections have consequences!
Among other things, the report found that pronounced health disparities exist by sexual
orientation. Both lesbian and bisexual women reported rates of smoking and binge
drinking approximately twice as high as heterosexual women. In 2006-2008, nearly half
of lesbian and bisexual women reported smoking, compared to less than one-quarter of
heterosexual women. Bisexual women were also less likely than heterosexual women to
report having health insurance. Read the press release and check out the report.
Senate Committee to Begin Debate on DOMA Repeal
On Thursday, Nov. 4 the Senate Judiciary Committee began debate on the Respect
for Marriage Act (ROMA), which is the bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act
(DOMA). DOMA bars federal recognition of same-gender marriages.
Also on Thursday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and 130 fellow Democrats filed
a friend-of-the-court brief challenging DOMA, arguing that Republicans defending the
law do not represent the full House. Among other arguments, this brief states that the law
overtly discriminates against a class of citizens, and that it will not withstand scrutiny
under the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection for all under the law.
California Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senate sponsor of ROMA, speaking on MSNBC
stated that passage in this Congress wasn’t possible, but said that the politics are quickly
changing paving the way for eventual repeal.
Remember — elections have consequences!
Now I have an ***Action Item*** As we all imagine, those who are against the repeat
of DOMA are flooding the Senate and House chambers with requests to vote against this
repeal. We must counter this onslaught with our own requests. Please contact the offices of Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio and tell them that they need to support and vote for
the Respect for Marriage Act! Please also contact your Congressperson and tell them they
need to support and vote for the Respect for Marriage Act!
Happy National Adoption Month!
President Obama issued a proclamation recognizing November as National Adoption
Month and included gay and lesbian parents!
The decision to adopt a child has brought profound joy and meaning into the lives of
Americans across our country. Parents are moved to adopt for reasons as unique and
varied as the children they embrace, but they are unified by the remarkable grace of
their acts. Adoptive families come in all forms.
With so many children waiting for loving homes, it is important to ensure that
all qualified caregivers are given the opportunity to serve as adoptive parents,
regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. -Presidential Proclamation, National Adoption Month, 2011 | The White House
President Obama is keeping his promises!
Remember — Elections Have Consequences!
LATE BREAKING & VERY EXITING NEWS!
The much anticipated and newly designed Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
website is now up and running. Many thanks to our Communications Director Bobby Poth and his team David Capece, Ian Whitney and Andy Janacek for making
this happen. Visit us on www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org.
I am also pleased to announce that Ian Whitney has accepted the position of
Online Creative Specialist. The OCS will be responsible for the concept, design and implementation of the online presence of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus. This position will also assist Chapters with online creativity implementation and strategy.
And don’t forget — we will be opening the 2012 Political Campaign season in Tampa and
Hillsborough County the weekend of Feb. 10-12, 2012! SAVE THE DATE!
With Peace and Pride,
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
October 2011 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
Since our last Newsletter, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has been busy! As you’ll read below — there is a Democratic group in Sarasota County that is organizing. If anyone out there is in Sarasota County, please contact Brian Worthington or Rita Ferrandino.
If you’re in Manatee County, check out the Manatee County GLBTA Democratic Caucus. For more information, contact Tom Danehy, president, or Randy Coleman, vice president.
And for those of you up in Jacksonville and/or Duval County — the Jacksonville GLBTA Democratic Caucus will be holding their first organizing meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 pm at Three Layers A Coffeehouse, 1602 Walnut St. (corner of 6th and Walnut in historic Springfield). Check them out on Facebook.
NOW SOME EXCITING NEWS AND A CHANCE TO MAKE HISTORY!
On Nov. 8, 2011, there is an election for Largo (Pinellas County) City Commission. Michael Smith (www.smithforlargo.com), a lifelong Largo resident, who is an openly gay librarian, is running against Mary Gray Black, the Rhonda Storms of Pinellas County.
City Commissioner Black took a leadership role in the dismissal of transgender City Manager, Steve (now Susan) Stanton, who now is the city manager of Lake Worth. During a very heated public hearing, over 60 members of Black’s conservative church said awful things about Stanton. This was the same hearing in which Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith was arrested. Yes, Largo is the town and Mary Black is the person who lead the witch-hunt that resulted in the firing of Susan Stanton simply for being transgender.
So, not only would it be history making by electing the first openly LGBT person in the history of Largo (and the second in Pinellas County), but also we have a chance to right a terrible black mark in Florida’s history of LGBT equality. Michael has a strong, progressive and positive vision for Largo! He has earned the endorsements of Equality Florida, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County (the Caucus’ Pinellas County Chapter). I'm asking that all members and friends of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and those who believe in equality, contribute in some way to make sure that Michael Smith wins his election for Largo City Commission against Mary Grey Black! Together, with a strong voice, we can win this race! If you can contribute money — large or small — please do so. Absentee ballots drop on Oct. 4, and it is critical that we get all our votes in and counted. If you have an hour (or more) to spare, please sign up on his virtual phone bank. You can call from home and it really will help! Sign up to help! From everyone working for equality in Largo — a huge thank you for anything you can do! Here’s to equality, compassion and progressive ideas in Largo, and beyond!
Happy LGBT History Month! Debbie Wasserman Shultz, DNC Chair recognizes LGBT History Month — Statement Recognizing October as LGBT History Month, proving that the Democrats are proud to stand beside and behind the LGBT community.
Over this past weekend, President Obama addressed the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay right’s organization. In case, you missed it, watch the entire address here.
Upcoming events — We will be opening the 2012 Political Campaign season in Tampa and Hillsborough County the weekend of Feb. 10-12, 2012! SAVE THE DATE — and watch for much more exciting information coming about this Conference!
I invite each of you to get involved in your local area and with our Caucus as we strategize and lay the groundwork to elect equality minded Democrats throughout our state and Nation.
With Peace and Pride,
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus President Sally Phillips issues statement on repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
"On this day, Sept. 20, 2011, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus stands proud in support of President Obama, as he keeps his promise and officially repeals the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy.
For over a decade, gay and lesbian American Heroes have been forced to deny who they are and who they love, to serve the country they love. DADT has excluded so many proud Americans from authentically serving our country.
The Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue policy was enacted in 1993. At that time, extreme harassment and violence had been reported against gay and lesbian military personnel. DADT officially prohibited such behavior, but American Heroes have continued to be discriminated against. As of today, that discrimination is over!
While we celebrate this tremendous milestone in our journey toward full equality, we must be mindful that we still have a long way to go. Repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a huge step in this direction, but it still does not include protections for our transgender brothers and sisters. We ask that our members and friends take a moment to realize that full equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community is only achieved when the same rights, protections, and benefits are extended to all Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."
September 2011 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
Since our last Newsletter, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has been busy preparing
for the upcoming 2012 election season. In July we held our Summer Conference — Sea to
Sea Victory — in Key West. The success of this Conference was, in most part, due to the
extraordinary group of Democrats lead by Ian Whitney, the Monroe County Democratic
State Committeeman and the Caucus’ Host & Hospitality Director, Phil Schaeffer, the
Monroe County Democratic Executive Committee Chair. The Conch Republic truly
rolled out the rainbow carpet for us and, as you’ll read in articles below - a great time was had by all in attendance!
With our Summer 2011 Conference a wonderful memory, we are now planning the
Winter 2012 Conference. We will be opening the 2012 Political Campaign season in
Tampa and Hillsborough County the weekend of Feb. 10–12, 2012! SAVE THE
DATE — and watch for much more exciting information coming about this Conference!
In case you missed it — Florida state government is totally controlled by conservative
Republicans, and they are ignoring the needs of our community — no surprise there! Are
you feeling the affects of their policies? Most of us are and it doesn’t feel very good!
We do, however, have some reason to celebrate, with Representative Debbie Wasserman
Shultz appointed as the Chair of the Democratic Nation Committee. Representative
Wasserman Shultz has been one of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus’ most
supportive elected officials. Please read our Legislative Update below for areas and
elected officials that we can be very proud of!
With school in full swing now, and considering the recent controversy surrounding anti-
gay statements posted online by a Lake County teacher, we felt it necessary to support the effort of our friends with Equality Florida in fighting the weak anti-bulling policy in the Lake County School System. We encourage our members, friends and allies to contact
Lake County school officials with a request that they strengthen their anti-bulling policy to include LGBT students. You can email all Lake County School Board Members directly by clicking here. On Sept. 1, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus issued a press release to that affect. Below is my official statement:
“It’s frightening that a school system in Florida would support a tax-payer funded
educator who is abusing their position by preaching dangerous and hateful messages in
what appears to be an orchestrated effort to bully students rather than being a positive
example and role model for our youth. Actions like this are exactly why all school
systems should have anti-bullying policies that are inclusive of LGBT students — fully
inclusive anti-bullying policies which hold school employees and educators accountable
to a high standard of behavior. Students certainly should not be bullied by other students
or their teachers. Our youth should not have to endure bullying behavior by the educators
that should be educating, guiding, and protecting them, both during and outside school.
The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus applauds school systems that have taken the step
to protect all students and encourages schools systems that have not chosen to protect all students to immediately implement a fully inclusive anti-bullying policy.”
In case you missed it — it seems Republicans are obsessed with signing pledges,
waging war against civil rights and invading our personal lives to satisfy conservative
right wing extremists. Just a couple weeks after Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney,
and Rick Santorum signed a pledge to investigate the LGBT community, Rick Perry
has now signed a pledge to back a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage,
which Bachmann, Romney and Santorum have previously signed. This is a National
Organization for Marriage pledge and it states that, if elected, these Republican
presidential candidates will send a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the
union of one man and one woman to the states for ratification and appoint U.S. Supreme
Court and federal judges who will “reject the idea our Founding Fathers inserted a right
to gay marriage into our Constitution.” This is an example of hypocrisy from Perry, as
he had previously stated his belief that the right of homosexuals to marry is a state issue.
Apparently, the right wing organization (OFM) has persuaded him to change his mind.
As we look forward to the 2012 election year, we need to understand how very
important it is to re-elect President Obama. He has been a champion for equality with
a simple message — “I'm here with you in the fight. For even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot — and we will not — put
aside issues of basic equality” —Barack Obama
Please go to the first ever White House website lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
constituency page — http://whitehouse.gov/lgbt — for a long list of victories the Obama
administration has achieved for the LGBT community.
I invite each of you to get involved in your local area and with our Caucus as we
strategize and lay the groundwork to elect equality minded Democrats throughout our
state and beyond.
With Peace and Pride,
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus vehemently denounces Tea Party extremist Allen West
Released July 20, 2011, by Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Michael Rajner.
The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus vehemently denounces Tea Party extremist Allen West’s relentless bullying and chauvinistic attacks on a true leader in the United States House of Representatives.
This past Tuesday, Tea Party extremist Allen West cracked under pressure, lashed out, and attacked Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. This incredibly unprofessional behavior displayed by West exhibited to Americans how unstable and unfit he is for public office. In an irrational tirade, West emailed the Congresswoman and stated:
From: Allen West
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 04:48 PM
To: Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Subject: Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-Schultz
Look, Debbie...let me make myself perfectly clear...you are the most vile, unprofessional, and
despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being
a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. . . You have proven repeatedly that you
are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!"
“As a Floridian, I’m extremely proud of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s limitless courage and passion to stand up against delusional and unhinged bullies like West who take great pride in provoking fear in America’s disabled, elderly and most vulnerable of citizens” says Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Michael Rajner, “I have the misfortune to reside in the congressional district represented by West, yet he resides in Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz’s district. I can’t help but envy West for his elected member to the US House of Representatives – a true American leader and advocate for the disenfranchised.”
“Allen West’s attack on Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a prime example of the behavior so many American’s are tired of”, says Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus President Sally Phillips, “as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, we too often here this sort of demeaning and dismissive rhetoric from rightwing ideologs.” “West’s chosen adjectives for Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz clearly show his deep-seeded and unbalanced hatred toward anybody who challenges his extremist views.”
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Floridians are extremely proud of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s strong commitment and leadership in Congress to end discrimination and standing up against playground bullies. The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus stands firm in their support of Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and is honored to have her leading the only party that supports equality for everyone.
The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus is an arm of the Florida Democratic Party representing the GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied) community with 13 chapters across the state.
July 2011 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
It was truly the pleasure of Ercilia and I to attend the White House for the LGBT Pride Month Policy Briefing and Reception. The entire East Wing of the White House was opened to us during the reception. How exciting it was to sip champagne while mingling with other LGBT grassroots activist and leaders, as we listened to the White House military band play.
The briefing included information relating to what the Obama Administration is doing in areas such as White House Office of Public Engagement, Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, National Security Council, Housing and Urban Development and the Office of National AIDS Policy. We heard from openly LGBT Administration Appointees detailing the inner workings of issues like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and policies on aging LBGT Americans.
The overall take away from our visit is that President Obama has made LGBT issues and equality a priority in his administration in all departments. Stay tuned for further detail information relating to these issues — and visit www.whitehouse.gov/lgbt for more information.
I look forward to seeing each of you in Key West for our Sea to Sea Victory Summer Conference. If you have not yet registered, please visit www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org and register today!
With Peace and Pride,
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
For caucus updates, events and more info, visit FloridaGLBTdemocrats.org.
June 2011 GLBT Democratic Caucus update
Update from our Caucus President
Hello Caucus Members and Friends!
It is my distinct pleasure to wish you a Happy Pride Month! Just the word PRIDE signifies celebration in who we are. I also think we must reflect on where we have been.
Many of us celebrated Harvey Milk's 81st birthday May 22, and for a lot of us, Harvey was the first national face of being an out and proud gay person. He sure had an effect of me as a young woman, who was struggling with my place in the world.
Fast forward to today — for the third year in a row (since President Barack Obama was elected in 2008), June has been officially recognized with a Proclamation declaring it Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
(For the first time ever the White House unveiled the LGBT-related constituency page on the Website. These meaningful symbols are only two of a long list of LGBT related achievements our President and his Administration, which include:
1) ordering federal government to extend key benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees on June 17, 2009,
2) the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James "Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in law on Oct. 28, 2009,
3) ensured hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights for gay and lesbian patients on April 15, 2010,
4) released America's first comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness, which includes homeless LGBT youth on June 22, 2010,
5) signing the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on Dec. 22, 2010,
6) declaring the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and announcing the Administration will no longer defend it's constitutionality in court on Feb. 23, 2011.
These and more give us many things to celebrate during this Pride Season! In fact, Ercilia and I are proud to have been invited to represent the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus at the third White House LGBT Pride Reception June 29. The first in history LGBT Pride Reception was held June 29, 2009.
I've heard it said that President Obama is now 'pandering' to the LGBT Community because he needs us to be re-elected. In one sense, they are right — he does need us to be re-elected, however, President Obama, from the day he was elected in November, 2008, and before, has been our champion, saying 'I'm here with a simple message: I'm here with you in the fight. For even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot — and we will not — put aside issues of basic equality'.
As we look forward to the second-half of 2011 and beyond, I, along with all the leaders of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, invite you to get involved with us as we strategize and lay the groundwork to elect equality-minded Democrats throughout our state. In this newsletter you will find updates from each of our seven regions, and you will see that there's a lot going on!
I personally want to invite each of you to attend our upcoming Summer Conference in Key West July 8-10. The weekend will be full of fun times, meeting and connecting with great people and feeling motivated and electrified as we go forward to achieve our goal of electing equality minded Democrats that we can be proud of.
Finally, I want to thank each of you for all you have done for so many!
Sally Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the GLBTA for officially becoming a new caucus in Manatee County June 11, 2011! President Tom Danely and VP Randy Coleman will work hard to make this new caucus a great asset to our county.
In the photograph: Randy Coleman attended and represented Manatee GLBTA Democratic Caucus at the Harvey Milk Festival. He is pictured with Sally Phillips, president of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus. The banner they hold is a gift from the state caucus.
GLBT Democratic Caucus
Dear Caucus Members and Friends,
It is great news that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) has been reintroduced by the U.S. House of Representatives, as it is desperately needed! Job discrimination remains a significant problem for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Though it is unlikely that ENDA could pass in the current House of Representatives, we see this Congress as an important opportunity to continue the education that is vital to the ultimate passage of this legislation. There are more than 100 new members of Congress, and educating them in LGBT lives and discrimination is what we should be focusing our time on. This kind of hard work now means the next time the bill can pass, it will.
With Pride and Peace,
Sally L. Phillips, president
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
Statement from the National Stonewall Democrats about the reintroduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
"Reintroduction of ENDA keeps the conversation about LGBT job discrimination ongoing."
With the reintroduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act this morning, the LGBT community has the opportunity to continue to educate our lawmakers — both nationally and locally — about how vitally important it is to have job protections in place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers. The vast majority of Americans chafe at the practice of sexual orientation or gender identity being used in hiring, firing or promotion decisions, yet much of Congress — especially the GOP-controlled House — is far behind where the American people are.
Workers should be judged solely on their ability to get the job done and their work ethic. ENDA is a jobs bill, plain and simple, and we strongly encourage Congress to treat it as such. Even with the current Republican majority in the House, Rep. Barney Frank is absolutely right in reintroducing ENDA because it keeps the conversation about LGBT job discrimination ongoing and because of the great organizing opportunity it provides. It's always the right time to do the right thing.
National Stonewall Democrats is the national association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Democratic political clubs whose mission is to elect pro-equality Democrats and hold them accountable.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Manatee LGBTA Democratic Caucus will host Joyce Hamilton Henry, Ph.D., Director Mid Florida Regional Office of Florida ACLU. She will speak about the issues & legislation that will affect our community in this election year. We are hoping to host a meet-and-question session in February with Keith Fitzgerald, the Democratic candidate for Congress from our district, so this is a wonderful opportunity to become educated about the issues.
Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church,
322 15th St. West, Bradenton.
Or check out our calendar
for more events!
Paid for by the Manatee County Democratic Executive Committee (5910 Cortez Road West, Suite 140, Bradenton, FL 34210-2707;
(941) 761-8385) and not authorized by any federal candidate or candidate's committee.