Florida Agenda

MIAMI GARDENS – Equality Florida and other LGBT rights groups are opposed to the candidacy of Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson, who is a candidate for the Miami-Dade County Commission, District 1 seat. Gibson says that if she is elected, she will review the county’s human rights ordinance, which protects LGBT residents from discrimination in work and housing,and granting other rights.

According to Equality Florida, Gibson’s “commitment to do a ‘cost review’ isn’t simply a vague threat. Miami-Dade County has a long history of enduring attacks on LGBT equality led by extremist far-right groups like the Christian Family Coalition. When Gibson committed to place gay and lesbian rights up for review, she signaled to all anti-equality voters that she was standing with them.”

MIAMI – Equality Florida, the state’s leading gay rights group, raised over $100,000 at their 2011 Miami Gala on Sunday in Miami Beach honoring George Sheldon, former head of the Florida Department of Children Family Services (who ended enforcement of the state’s former gay adoption ban); Ellen Freidin, who led the successful Florida Fair Districts campaign; and LGBT family attorney Elizabeth Schwartz.

Political, community and faith leaders, including many straight allies, gathered to celebrate this past year’s victories in South Florida and across the state and recommit to the work ahead. Over 250 people attended the benefit.

TAMPA, FL – Just 24 hours after Equality Florida called for the replacement of notoriously anti-gay activist Terry Kemple from a board tasked with supporting equality, more than 700 people have contacted the Hillsborough County Commission demanding action.

By a 5-2 vote, Kemple was appointed to the Human Relations Board whose purpose is to, “encourage equality among all people.”

“People are speaking up because they are outraged by the appointment of someone who opposes equality, the very thing this board is supposed to represent,” said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida.

Kemple articulates an absolutist view — that homosexuals are stealing children from Christians by indoctrinating the young to gay lifestyles. He calls it the “homosexual agenda.” Gay marriages pose the biggest threat of all.

Terry Kemple is a leader in the Florida Coalition to Protect Marriage. He is responsible for bringing in the Hillsborough County vote in November for Amendment 2. It would cast in state constitutional stone marriage between men and women only.

No gay marriages. No legal unions. No exceptions.

“People are speaking up because they are outraged by the appointment of someone who opposes equality, the very thing this board is supposed to represent,” said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida.

Fort Lauderdale

PRIDEFEST ANNOUNCES ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP

The 34th annual PrideFest is set for March 12th and 13th from noon to 6 p.m. at Jaco Pastorius Park in Oakland Park at N.E. 38 Street and N. Dixie Highways. Entertainment this year includes Chely Wright, Georgie Porgie, Linda Clifford, Chantal Carrere, Debby Holiday, Shelina, Teri Catlin, Heather Craig, Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, Marc Hansen, Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Chorus, South Florida Pride Jazz Ensemble, KP Productions, Church of the Holy Spirit Song, Mark Angelo Cummings, Rising Action Theatre and Bishop SF Makalani-MaHee. Spinning in the dance tent this year will be D.J. MIIK, D.J. Bugie, D.J. Sol and D.J. Gina. Masters of Ceremonies this year will be Craig Stevens, Donna & Denise and Derek Hartley.

“WEST SIDE STORY” LAST PERFORMANCE

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, “West Side Story” soars as the greatest love story of all time. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming”, “Tonight”, “America”, “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere”. Tickets: $29 – $79 in the Au-Rene Theater.

THE HOUSE BOY

Massimo Stinco & The blue seagull International Production / NoirDesir.it present THE HOUSEBOY – Sex. Love. Despair. A scandalous new play. A stage adaptation by Massimo Stinco inspired to the movie “The Houseboy” by Spencer Schilly. Warning: Contains Full Frontal Nudity. Empire Stage, 1140 N FLAGLER DRIVE FT LAUDERDALE 33304, Runs, February 18th – March 12th. Tickets: $30 group rates available. Call 954-678-1496 or visit www.empirestage.com

Miami

“THE HOTTEST WINTER IN THE WORLD”

It may be called the Winter Party Festival, but that doesn’t mean you’re in for a chilly time. Dance your heart out at five full days of jam packed parties. From club nights to mixers to beach parties, Winter Party is a veritable thrill ride of sight and sound. A multitude of eye candy is a safe assumption, as are thousands of groggy travelers once the music stops. Winter Party runs from March 2 through March 7 on Miami Beach. A fundraiser for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. For more information, go to http://www.winterparty. com.

HONOREES ANNOUNCED

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce have proudly announced their honorees for their 2011 Awards Presentation: Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association (MetLife Business of the Year), Ms..Naomi Wilzig — W E A M (Hilton Miami Downtown Business Person of the Year), Switchboard of Miami, Inc. (Wachovia Non-Profit Organization of the Year), Grey Goose Vodka (AT&T 10th Anniversary Special Recognition Award). The MDGLCC awards will take place on Saturday, March 26. If you’d like to attend, for more information or tickets, visit www.gogaymiami.com.

WESSON & BLUE RIBBON

Move over, Mimosas! Beat it, Bellinis! Where there’s smoked salmon, bagels and eggs, there’s a bottle of wine guaranteed to make the whole schmear taste that much more delicious. Join Joshua Wesson, IHOP’s top syrup steward (and A&P’s Director of Breakfast Beverages) and Bruce Bromberg (Blue Ribbon’s co-Founder and Executive Chef) on this jamstained, crumbs-in-bed tour across a brunchscape where Challah French Toast makes sweet love to Sherry and Smoked Salmon Toast gets down with Champagne. Crazy-good Brunch Wines featuring Josh Wesson and Blue Ribbon on Sat., Feb 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the W South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Special MDGLCC member ticket price $60.00 – www.sobefest.com – use discount code BRUNCH11 or call: 877-762-3933

“TOGETHER IN SONG.”

Miami Gay’s Men’s Chorus to host our 2nd Annual Choral Festival February 26th, 7PM, Tickets $25 Trinity Episcopal Church (464 NE 16th Street) Tickets available at: www.miamigaychorus.org or at the Event.

Bay Area

LAUNCH OF GAY SAFE HAVEN’S RAINBOW411.COM

Saturday, Feb. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Streetcar Charlie’s, 1811 N. 15th St. in Ybor City. You’re invited to the launch of Gay Safe Haven’s Rainbow411.com and fundraiser for Metro Charities. Dress to impress for this red carpet affair. Appetizers, drink specials, 50/50, raffles, silent auction and will be a great opportunity for networking. Drag extravaganza at 9p.m. and bring your dancing shoes because this is going to be some party.

4TH ANNUAL PINK WEKEND

The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 4th Annual Pink Weekend is upon us, February 25 through 27. Beginning Friday, Feb. 25, Sister Merry Widow will be hosting a Multimedia Art Show at PLAY (1701 E. 8th Ave Ybor City, Tampa). This event will feature artists, fashion, performances by Rachael Sage and much, much more. Proceeds will be going to benefit the Hillsborough Arts Council’s Arts Education Youth Program. 8 to 11 p.m. $8 cover. Saturday, Feb. 26 will bring an evening of fun at the fabulous Flamingo Resort in St Petersburg. Special performances by Alexis De La Mer, Iman, Bobbie York and the Tampa Bay Sisters. 9 to 11 p.m. No cover but donations accepted. Sunday, Feb. 27 it’s time to enjoy Sister Aggy’s yummy barbeque lunch and special entertainment by Melanie Minyon at Club City Side in Tampa. The event will benefit the Francis House of Tampa Bay starting at 3 p.m. No cover but donations accepted. Drink specials, Jello shots and raffles as well as antics by your favorite Tampa Sisters will keep the day going. Don’t forget to wear your pink. Check into www.flsisters.org for more details.

2011 EQUALITY FLORIDA TAMPA GALA

Join Equality Florida for an evening of fabulous food, drinks, and equality at the Tampa Garden Club, the “venue with a view”, 2629 Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa. Tickets are $100 and sponsorship opportunities begin at $500. To be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. Over the last 4 years, the Equality Florida Tampa Gala has blossomed into a “must attend” event that brings together over 300 of Tampa’s political, business, and civic leaders. With your help, this year’s event promises to be the best ever. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://eqfl.org/tampagala

Central Florida

“WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”

Presented by Mad Cow Theatre now through February 27. On the campus of a small New England college, George and Martha invite a new professor and his wife home for a nightcap. As the cocktails flow, the young couple find themselves caught in the crossfire of a savage marital war where the combatants attack the self deceptions they forged for their own survival. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.madcowtheatre. com

“UNCUT CABARET”

On February 24, 2011 at 8 p.m., the Orlando Gay Chorus is proud to present “Uncut Cabaret” featuring OGC’s best, performing songs they’d never do anywhere else and hosted by the Lovely and Talented Chantel Reshael. Come join us for a night full of surprises at The Footlight Theatre at Parliament House Resort. Tickets are $15 and may either be reserved in advance by emailing OGCUNCUT@yahoo.com or purchased at the door.

MARDI GROWL …

An Orlando Bear Bash Kickoff Party on Saturday Feb. 26 in Orlando from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Mr. Sister’s, 5310 E Colonial Dr. in Orlando. This is where there is really something for everyone and with no cover charge. Come see what all the excitement is about with Mr. Sisters Orlando. If you have not experienced this amazing venue, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to party there with the bears. Join them early for dinner. The party starts at 7 pm when friends of Orlando Bear Bash will receive 25% off appetizers and tapas.

This is your chance to come taste the great food at Mr. Sisters with this bear discount. After you fill up, dine, dance and be hairy!

BACK DOOR BUMBY

Revolution Nightclub (375 S. Bumby Ave (408) in Downtown Orlando) along with GRINDR and MyFlexRadio presents: “Back Door Bumby: Enter Through the Back” every 3rd Thursday starting February 17th. This is Orlando’s premier college night as you’ve never seen it before. No cover when you show your GRINDR or MyFlexRadio App. No cover ‘til 11pm for those 21+ (18+ welcome) and no cover ‘til 12 midnight with college or theme park ID. Free drinks 11 to 11:30 p.m. Drinks specials throughout the night. Performances by: Shantell D’Marco and Macaviti. D.J. Joanie on the decks in the disco area and V.J. J.B.H

MIAMI BEACH – Equality Florida will host its first-ever Equality Friends, Family and Allies Dinner from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Asia de Cuba at The Mondrian, 1100 W. Ave., Miami Beach. The event, which benefits Equality Florida, includes a three-course meal paired with cocktails and wines.

The cost is $95, and tickets can be purchased at www.eqfl.org.

By STRATTON POLLITZER,

DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR EQUALITY FLORIDA

What a year! 2010 has been the most historically significant year yet in the fight for full equality for Florida’s LGBT community. And while a disappointing election season means we face some new challenges, as long as our community keeps fighting, we will continue to carve out victories in 2011.

Topping the list this year was the overturning of Florida’s notorious ban on gay and lesbian adoption. On Sept. 22 the Third District Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that there is “no rational basis to prohibit gay parents from adopting” and that the anti-gay adoption ban was unconstitutional.

While the ACLU fought an outstanding legal battle in the courtroom, Equality Florida has worked in the legislature and the court of public opinion for the past seven years to shift hearts and minds in favor of ending the ban. At our urging, Gov. Crist and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) quit enforcing the ban immediately following the court ruling and did not appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, which would have delayed a final decision for years and where the outcome was uncertain.

The day after the ruling came down, DCF sent an agency-wide memo instructing staff that, “You are no longer to ask prospective adoptive parents whether they are heterosexual, gay or lesbian, nor are you to use this as a factor in determining the suitability of applicants to adopt. Focus your attention on the quality of parenting that prospective adoptive parents would provide, and their commitment to and love for our children.”

This year we continued to win local victories, including adding sexual orientation and gender identity/ expression protections to Orange County’s (Orlando) and Leon County’s (Tallahassee) human rights ordinances. With 5.5 million people protected, Florida ranks fifth in the country. And we expanded protections for LGBT students with a new anti-bullying policy in Hillsborough County (Tampa). With 1.1 million students protected, Florida ranks sixth in the nation.

We also continued to gain recognition for our families with domestic partnership victories in St. Petersburg and Kissimmee. One in three Floridians now has access to DP benefits. And Florida leads the south with 25 openly LGBT elected officials, including Craig Lowe, who we helped elect as the first openlygay mayor in north Florida last April.

And although the November elections were disappointing, we won the most important contest on this year’s ballot – fair districts. Record majorities of Floridians now stand with us on nearly every issue we fight for. But the reason this support has not always translated into victories at the ballot box is that Florida’s voting districts are drawn to dramatically favor the party in power, which leads to extremism. Amendments 5 & 6 will forever change how districts are drawn in Florida and will create a more balanced government that actually reflects where our state stands on LGBT issues.

TOP GOALS IN 2011 – “Keep Winning and Never Go Back”

Our top priority for 2011 is to protect the adoption victory.

The same anti-gay extremists who pushed for Florida’s anti-marriage amendment in 2008 have already announced their intention to seek a ballot measure putting this discriminatory adoption ban into our state constitution in 2012. This is not only a threat for children and families in Florida, but a victory here would embolden further measures in other states across the country.

Our years of experience in fighting the adoption ban have taught us that when people understand that this ban literally tore families apart and prevented children from achieving their dream of being adopted, they are ready to fight to keep this injustice from returning.

Victory will require a statewide grassroots effort, a strong media campaign and a volunteer army ready to engage Florida voters.

As a new and uncertain legislative session begins, our staff and volunteer teams are focused on the following priorities for 2011:

• Build bipartisan and business support for the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, a bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s civil rights law.

• Build support for stronger recognition of domestic partnerships through a statewide bill, local DP policies, and public and private employer benefits.

• Continue our 13-year record of defeating every anti-LGBT bill in Tallahassee We are at a turning point in our civil rights struggle, and full legal equality for the LGBT community is closer than it has ever been.

Our job is to hasten its arrival.

Visit www.EQFL.org and become a member today.

Equality Florida, based in St. Petersburg, has made their recommendations for the upcoming General Election to be held on November 2, 2010. Equality Florida was founded in 1997 and is one of the the state’s largest civil rights organizations dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBT community. Equality Florida has stated that additional recommendations may be made as election day approaches.

In addition to Equality Florida (EF), several other voter’ s group

s have made recommendations. The additional groups include: Palm Beach County Nonpartisan Voters Coalition (VC), SAVE Dade Action Pac (SD) and Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PB).

Below is a list of the recommendations. Please note that not all organizations have made recommendations in all races and just because a recommendation isn’t noted, this doesn’t mean that the represented organizations are opposed to the particular candidates or won’t make an additional future recommendations.

United States Senate: Kendrick Meek (D) SD, PB

U.S. House District 16: Tom Rooney (R) VC,

U.S. House District 18: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) SD

U.S. House District 19: Ted Deutch (D) VC, PB

U.S. House District 20: Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) SD

U.S. House District 22: Ron Klein (D) VC, PB

U.S. House District 23: Alcee Hastings (D) VC, PB

U.S. House District 25: Joe Garcia (D) SD

Governor: Alex Sink (D) EF, VC, SD, PB

Attorney General: Dan Gelber (D) EF, VC, SD, PB

Chief Financial Officer: Loranne Ausley (D) EF, SD

Chief Financial Officer: Jeff Atwater (R) VC, PB

Agriculture Commissioner: Scott Maddox (D) EF, SD, PB

Agriculture Commissioner:  Adam Putnam(R) VC

Senate District 25: Kelly Skidmore (D) EF, VC, PB

Senate District 27: Kevin Rader (D) EF, VC, PB

Senate District 35: Gwen Margolis (D) EF, SD

Senate District 38: Les Gerson (D) SD

House District 7: David Pleat (D) EF

House District 9: Michelle Vasilinda (D) EF

House District 24: Michael Hageloh (D) EF

House District 30: Amy Tidd (D) EF

House District 31: Jodi James (D) EF

House District 33:  Leo Cruz (D) EF

House District 35: Amy Mercado (D) EF

House District 36:  Scott Randolph (D) EF

House District 40: Todd Christian (D) EF

House District 41: Lee Douglas (D) EF

House District 44: Diane Rowden (D) EF

House District 49: Soto (D) EF

House District 51: Janet Long (D) EF

House District 53:  Rick Kriseman (D) EF

House District 57: Stacy Frank (D) EF

House District 60: Russ Patterson (D) EF

House District 69: Keith Fitzgerald (D) EF

House District 83: Pat Rooney (R) VC

House District 83:  Mark Marciano(D) PB

House District 84:  Mackenson Bernard (D) EF, VC, PB

House District 85:  Joseph Abruzzo(D) EF, VC, PB

House District 87:  Bill Hager (R) VC

House District 87: Hava Holzhauer (D) PB

House District 88: Mark Pafford (D) VC, PB

House District 89: Jeff Clemens (D) EF, VC, PB

House District 90: Irv Slosberg (D) EF, VC, PB

House District 91:  Barabara Stern (D) EF, PB

House District 95: James Waldman (D) EF

House District 96:  Ari Porth (D) EF

House District 98: Franklin Sands (D) EF

House District 100:  Evan Jenne (D) EF

House District 107:  Luis Garcia (D) EF, SD

House District 112:  Sandra Ruiz (D) EF, SD

House District 114: Millie Herrera (D) EF, SD

House District 115: Jeffrey Soloman (D) EF

House District 118: Dwight Bullard (D) EF, SD

House District 120: Ron Saunders (D) EF

Alachua County School Board, District 1: Rick Nesbit EF,

Broward County Commission District 4:  Ken Keechl (D) EF,

Broward Co. Commission District 6:  Sue Gunzburger (D) EF,

Broward County School Board, District 4: Dave Thomas

Broward County School Board, District 6: Phyllis Hope

Hillsborough Co. Commission District 1:  John Dingfelder (D) EF,

Hillsborough Co. Comm. District 5: Linda Saul-Sena (D) EF,

Hillsborough County School Board, District 6: April Griffin

Leon County Commission, District 1: John ’Corri’ Byrne (D) EF,

Leon County Commission, At Large: Cliff  Thaell (D) EF,

Miami-Dade County Commission, District 8: Eugene Flinn SD

Palm Beach County Commission District 2:  Sherry Lee (R) VC

Palm Beach Co. Comm., District 2:  Paulette Burdick (D) PB

Palm Beach Co. Comm. District 6:  Jess Santamaria(D) VC, PB

Palm Beach Co. Comm. District 7:  Priscilla Taylor (D) VC, PB

Palm Beach School Board District 3: Bill Graham VC, PB

Palm Beach School Board Dist. 4: Jennifer Prior Brown VC, PB

Palm Beach School Board District 6:  Dean Eric Grossman VC

Palm Beach School Board District 6:  Marcia Andrews PB

Pinellas County Commission District 4: Susan Latvala (D) EF

Pinellas County School Board, District 7: James Jackson

Volusia County Commission, At Large:  Joyce Cusack (D) EF,

Amendment 1 (Public Campaign Financing): YES VC,

Amendment 2 (Homestead Tax Credit):  YES VC,

Amendment 4 (Comp. Land Use Plans):  NO VC,

Amend. 5 (Legislative Redistrict):  YES EF, VC, PB

Amend. 6 (Congressional Redistrict):  YES EF, VC, PB

Amendment 8: (Class Size Requirements): YES VC

Early voting is underway. Check with your county election board for early voting polling places and times. The general election will be held on November 2, 2010.

(Photo: Courtesy of Women for Equality Hosted by Equality Florida, photo by Vanessa Brito)

Obama issues Father’s Day Proclamation Acknowledging Gay fathers; DOJ Honors LGBT Employees

By Dmitry Rashnitsov

Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith and Deputy Director Stratton Pollitzer will be in attendance at Tuesday June 22^nd’s White House reception celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama invited LGBT leaders from across the nation with a focus on state organizers and youth activists.

Equality Florida leaders took part in a briefing on LGBT Equality and used the occasion to draw attention to Florida’s anti-gay adoption law- the only state with such a law in the country. An appeals court decision, expected any day, will determine whether Florida’s law is unconstitutional or whether plaintiff Martin Gill’s adopted sons will be taken away from him. The President included recognition of gay Dads in his Father’s Day proclamation.

“We intend to bring a picture of Martin Gill’s children standing in front of the White House during the Easter Egg Roll and ask President Obama to help us end the adoption ban that tears families apart and to do it before these bans become a state-by-state ballot measures,” said Smith.

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

President Obama has declared June “LGBT Pride Month,” issuing a proclamation urging Americans to “renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.”

“Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a stepfather, a grandfather, or caring guardian,” Obama said on father’s day.

A recent study published in the latest issue of the Journal of GLBT Family Studies, showed that gay fathers were more likely to leave their jobs in order to focus on parenting their children. The study examined 40 gay dad couples who received their child through surrogacy. Another difference was that gay fathers also saw their self-esteem and relationships with their extended families greatly improve when they had children. The average age of the men in the study was 41 years old with an annual household income of $270,000.

Religious and anti-gay groups were quick to react to President Obama’s proclamation.

“It is wrong to force children into a situation where they have two men modeling immoral behavior — condemned by God and all major religions — as the most important role models in their lives,” said Peter LaBarbera from Americans for Truth about Homosexuality.

Another one of the guests that was at the White House on Tuesday was Constance McMillan, the 18-year-old high school graduate from Mississippi who was not allowed to bring her girlfriend to her prom.

Even the Department of Justice is getting into the pride filled mood. Attorney General Eric Holder recently held an event honoring all LGBT employees.

“We have much to celebrate today. In the year since we last gathered, our nation – and the Justice Department – have taken steps to address some of the unique challenges faced by members of our country’s LGBT community,” said Holder in remarks at the annual DOJ LGBT Pride Month event.

DOJ Pride was founded in 1994, and flourished when Miami’s own favorite lesbian Janet Reno was Attorney General.

For more information about Equality Florida’s involvement in the White House event, visit: www.eqfl.org.