Dolphin Democrats

Politics in the LGBTQ+ Community

Events

2023 Annual Gala on Saturday, May 20th

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The Dolphin Democrats proudly present our Annual Gala Dinner to be held Saturday May 20, 2023 at 7:00pm at The Westin Fort Lauderdale 400 Corporate Drive. The Dolphin Democrats are Florida’s oldest LGBTQ+ political organization.

Our work is more crucial than ever, and our annual gala is held to fundraise the resources we will deploy for the 2024 election cycle. Our work is evolving, as are the ways in which we work in coalition and take a more active role in determining the outcome of elections.

This event will feature political leaders, activists, awards, and community while serving to further the vital mission of the Dolphin Democrats for our LGBTQ+ community in Broward County and Florida at large.

We are so grateful for the work you do to help us serve our community. We hope you will consider a generous sponsorship and attend this extremely special event. On behalf of all of the Dolphin Democrats, we want to personally thank you for joining us to celebrate our successes, plan for the future, and show that together we are unstoppable.

To purchase Tickets, Click Here

To purchase Sponsorships, Click Here

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus – Winter Conference

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2023 Winter Conference, Orlando

The 2023 Winter Conference of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus at

The Renaissance Airport Hotel in Orlando is around the corner!

February 24 – 26

Florida Democrats and the LGBTQ+ community are under fire from Republicans intent on erasing us and our values from the Sunshine State.

What do we do? RISE UP!

 

Join the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus in Orlando February 24-26 for our 2023 Winter Conference. Our sessions and speakers will point the way for our party and our community and outline the challenges facing us in the upcoming legislative session.

You’ll hear from all the candidates running for FDP chair, one of whom will be elected this weekend to rebuild the party. We’ll have panels on how to engage young people, who are our next generation of leaders, and on the new frontline battle on LGBTQ+ and personal freedom issues — Florida’s school boards. We’ll also have a training session from ActBlue on digital fundraising, plus we’ll also hear from a ton of elected officials and policymakers who want to hear from you!

The in-person event with a virtual Livestream option brings together activists, allies, advocates, candidates, elected officials, and policymakers for a weekend of planning and networking.

Why does this matter?

We must RISE UP together now more than ever here in Florida after the 2022 Midterm Elections!

“The contrast of visions for Florida cannot be any starker,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. “While Democrats work to lift up and support the diverse community of Floridians, Republicans shamefully hurt their own constituents with culture war attacks designed to distract from Republican inaction on economic issues.”

Our program is in development, and speakers are being added daily. Early registration and ticket prices are in effect until Friday, February 3, at 4 PM. Our special hotel room block runs through that time too and is first come, first served. The event program, ticket, registration, and room links are below.

Registration and Ticketing

For event ticket prices, purchasing, and registration for the membership meeting, click here.

All events and meetings are open press, excluding our Saturday afternoon caucus membership meeting and Sunday drag brunch.

Conference registration includes the Friday Welcome Reception, Saturday’s Continental Breakfast, and Saturday’s Lunch.

Our membership meeting is open to all registered Democrats, although only active Caucus members may participate in voting.

Renew your caucus membership for 2023 and make your voice heard!

Not sure if your membership is active? Please send us an email at [email protected]

All registration fees and tickets are non-refundable.

Venue Location

The Renaissance Airport Hotel (5445 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812) is a spacious venue allowing for ample social distancing during all programming portions. (Face masks are optional) The conference is open to all registered Democrats.

The Renaissance Airport Hotel offers a discounted room rate of $189/night for a limited number of rooms. The hotel stay includes complimentary internet in your room, meeting room internet, and self-parking. A savings of $140.85 if you were to stay Friday thru Sunday.

 

The last day to reserve in the caucus room block is Friday, February 3, at 4 PM ET and rooms are first come, first serve.

Click here to book your room.

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

 

Event Program

Welcome Reception

Friday, February 24

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Includes Hors D’oeuvres and Drinks

Special Guests

Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County Florida, Val Demings, Former Congresswoman, Patty Sheehan, Orlando Commissioner District 4 and LGBTQ+ Pioneer, FDP Chair candidates, Carolina Ampudia, Alex Berrios, Rick Hoye, Annette Taddeo

Conference

Saturday, February 25

8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch

Conference Breakfast – Opening Speakers

Stephen Gaskill, President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

Matthew Inman, President of the Rainbow Democrats of Orange County

Dawn Curtis, Chair of the Orange Democrats

Lynn Moira Dictor, Chair of the Seminole Democrats

2023 Legislative Outlook – How Much Worse Will It Get?

Victor Torres, Jr., State Senator District 15

Rita Harris, State Representative District 44

Carlos Guillermo Smith, Former State Representative

Nathan Bruemmer, Legislative Director for the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

The State of Hate: Hate Crimes on the Rise in Florida

Nicole Wilson, Orange County Commissioner District 1

We are confirming additional panelists and will be announcing them soon.

Reading, Writing, Republicanism — The Real Indoctrination in Our Schools

Johanna Lopez, State Representative District 43

Maria Salamanca, Orange County School Board District 2

Kila Murphy, Former Orange County School Board Candidate

Carol Cleaver, VP of Emerald Coast Equality LGBTQ Democratic Caucus and VP of the Escambia Ed. Ass.

What Will It Take to Get Young People Engaged?

Jayden D’Onofrio, President of Voters of Tomorrow Florida

Tyler Williams, President of Florida High School Democrats

Will Larkins, President of Queer Student Union at Winter Park High School

Training Session: Digital Fundraising

Jose Gamboa, Democratic Politics and Elections Associate – ActBlue

Florida’s Transgender Community Confronts the Future

Amy Mercado, Orange County Property Appraiser and Parent of a Transgender Child

Kristen Browde, Past Chair – National Trans Bar Association

Dr. Rafael Piñero, Owner of Piñero Preventive Medical Care

Gina Duncan, Regional Development Leader Central Florida – Equality Florida

Speakers:

Darren Soto, US Congressmen House District 9

Carmen Torres, Candidate for FL Senate District 15

Membership Meeting

Saturday, February 25

3:30 PM – 5 PM

Board Reports

Officer Elections

Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception

Saturday, February 25

7:30 PM – 10 PM

Includes Heavy Hors D’oeuvres and Open Bar

Congressional Keynote Speaker: Maxwell Alejandro Frost

Outgoing President Stephen Gaskill introduces the new President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

Remarks from the newly-elected Chair of the FDP

Resistance Drag Brunch

Sunday, February 26

11 AM – 1 PM

Includes Food and Brunch Cocktails

We have a wonderful lineup of talented drag queens who will be performing for their lives!

Our Magnificent Emcee is Gidget Galore!

Special Performance by:

Axel Andrews

Divine Grace

Myki Meeks

Marci Mogul

Angelica Sanchez

Music by DJ Scott Roberts

Remember to tip your drag queens!

Sponsorship

Click here to support us as a sponsor!

All funds raised support our GOTV program, which is more important than ever!

Holiday Party & Toy Drive

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November Membership Meeting

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Joins us at the November Membership Meeting

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Check-in 6:30pm

Meeting Starts 7:00pm

The Pride Center

2040 N Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors

 

We will be recapping the 2022 Midterm Election

 

Pizza will be served!

Holiday Party Sponsorships

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Volunteers Needed For Early Voting

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We are looking for volunteers to help us distribute our “Endorsements & Recommendations Card”
at any of the Broward County Early Voting Locations. You can help by volunteering for one or more shifts.
Sign up using this link:
bit.ly/3QHIUF3 

Early Voting dates:
Saturday, August 13th thru Sunday, August 21st
Polls opens from 10:00am – 7:00pm

We endorsed them, now let’s help them win!

We hope we can count on you!

2022 Summer Conference: Without You We Lose!

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2022 Summer Conference: Without You We Lose!

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!

March With Us – Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade

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Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride
Saturday, June 18, 2022

March with us in the parade in support of the LGBTQ+ Community
Line up starts at 4:30pm at Ft. Lauderdale High School – All volunteers marching with us must arrive no later than 6:15pm

Parade will start at 7:00pm

Please RSVP if you can join us

Volunteers should wear comfortable attire and shoes. Bring water to stay hydrated
The parade will last about 2 hours.
Pride attire is encouraged.

Elected Officials are welcome to join
Candidates can also join, but can’t wear campaign attire
Other democratic organizations are welcome to join us as well.

For More info you can contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Thank you for supporting the Dolphin Democrats

Pride 2022 Fact Sheet

Stonewall Pride Brunch – Dolphin Democrats 40th Anniversary

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Let’s continue the 40th Anniversary celebration and join us at the Stonewall Pride Brunch

Presented by:

School Board Member Sarah Leonardi

Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo

Saturday, June 18, 2022
10:00am – 12:00pm

Guest Speaker:

Commissioner of Agriculture – Nikki Fried

Location: UNCS (United National Consumer Services)

1471 NE 26th St Suite 200, Wilton Manors

Food & Mimosas will be served

Free admission to all 2022 members.  Must RSVP to attend

Guests $15 per person

Guest Speaker: TBA

For more info contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Sponsors