Events

WITHOUT YOU WE LOSE HIGHLIGHTS THE STAKES IN THE 2022 ELECTION

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Summer Conference, Without You We Lose, highlights what’s at stake for the LGBTQ+ community in the 2022 election and takes aim at the destructive Republican agenda. With nearly all statewide candidates participating, plus state and local candidates and elected officials, Without You We Lose will outline a clear vision that lifts up and supports the diverse community of Floridians, unlike the hurtful and shortsighted approach of Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis, and their colleagues.

Among the topics on the agenda are reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dodd, the outlook for legislation impacting the trans community, the long list of economic issues not addressed by the Florida Legislature, an assessment of what’s ahead from House and Senate Democratic leaders, and how to build the Democratic bench. In addition, a panel of young LGBTQ+ leaders who led the Don’t Say Gay bill walkouts will discuss youth participation and focus in the upcoming election.

The weekend’s premier event, the Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception, features the next US Senator from Florida, Rep. Val Demings; Florida’s newest Member of Congress, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick; Rep. Stephanie Murphy receiving the Congressional Leadership Award for her work on the House January 6 Committee investigating the Republican insurrection and coup attempt by Donald Trump; and Rep. Michele Rayner receiving the Legislative Leadership Award from Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith for her work fighting for and representing the LGBTQ+ community in Tallahassee. This program will be updated.

In addition, the conference will host a Membership Meeting, which will conduct endorsements for US Senate, Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Congressional District 23 and Congressional District 27.

The conference will close on Sunday morning with Drag the Vote, our Farewell Drag Brunch featuring DJ Joey Brown.

The Westin Fort Lauderdale (400 Corporate Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334) is a spacious venue to allow for ample social distancing with COVID-19 protocols in place during all portions of the programming. The conference is open to all registered Democrats.

All funds raised at our Summer Conference support our GOTV campaign fund to elect pro-equality candidates and promote pro-equality policies.

Program (still in development)

Friday, July 22
630-830pm

Welcome Reception
Guests include Commissioner Nikki Fried, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner of Agriculture candidate Ryan Morales, CD-23 candidate Ben Sorenson, CD-23 candidate Hava Holzhauer

Music provided by Ryan Morales

Saturday, July 23

Conference begins with a continental breakfast at 8am. The Conference program will begin at 8:30 am and run until approximately 3:30pm

PANEL The Politics of Distraction: LGBTQ+ Issues Vs. Florida’s Economy
Rep. Christine Hunschofsky
Sen. Annette Taddeo
House District 101 candidate Hillary Cassel

SPEAKER
CD-23 candidate Jared Moskowitz

SPEAKER
ActBlue State and Local Associate Jose Gamboa

SPEAKER
Is Your Marriage Safe from SCOTUS? LGBTQ+ Issues After Dodd
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg

SPEAKER
TRANS IN AMERICA
Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer

PANEL What’s Next for Abortion in Florida?
Emma Collum, Chair of Ruth’s List Florida
House District 109 candidate Ashley Gantt

LUNCH PRESENTATION Storming the Legislature: How Democrats Can Take Back Tallahassee

Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book
House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell
Senate District 38 candidate Janelle Perez
Senate District 24 candidate Eunic Ortiz

SPEAKER
Rep. Charlie Crist

SPEAKER
Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith

PANEL Building the Blue Bench
Rep. Marie Woodson
Rep. Michele Rayner
Hallendale Beach Commissioner Sabrina Javellana
CD-10 candidate Maxwell Alejandro Frost

PANEL Diversity and Inclusion Committee Presents: Young Voters Will Save Us This Year
Don’t Say Gay student walkout organizers:
Javier Gomez
Maxx Fenning
Will Larkins
Nathalie Saladrigas

Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception
7:00pm

Guests include Rep. Val Demings, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Rep. Stephanie Murphy receiving the Congressional Leadership Award for her work on the House January 6 Committee, and Rep. Michele Rayner receiving the Legislative Leadership Award from Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith for her work representing the LGBTQ+ community in Tallahassee.

*Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres & Open Bar

Sunday, July 24
10:30am
Drag the Vote: Our Farewell Drag Brunch
Music by DJ Joey Brown

*All events and meetings are open press, except the Saturday afternoon caucus membership meeting and Sunday drag brunch are closed press.

Registration and Tickets

• Conference: Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is $35 until July 15 and $45 beginning July 16. You must be a registered Democrat to attend.
• Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception: Tickets for our premiere event for in-person and virtual attendance are $125 until July 15 and $150 beginning July 16.
• Sunday Farewell Drag Brunch: Tickets are $50 until July 15 and $60 beginning July 16.

For Conference Registration, Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception, Sunday Farewell Drag Brunch Tickets and Membership Meeting Registration, click here to register and purchase tickets.

**There is no charge to register for the Membership Meeting, but you MUST register to attend. It is an additional registration than for the conference.

** Conference registration includes the Friday Welcome Reception, and Continental Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday.

Our membership meeting is open to all registered Democrats, although only active Caucus members may vote. Endorsement voting will only occur in-person. Renew your Caucus membership for 2022 and make your voice heard!

*All registration fees and tickets are non-refundable.

Sponsorships

Click here to support us as a sponsor! All funds go toward our 2022 GOTV effort.

We look forward to seeing you there!