Dolphin Democrats

Politics in the LGBTQ+ Community

Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 13, 2022

News

Dolphin Democrats Membership Unanimously Passes Resolution Calling for the Immediate Reinstatement of Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief Larry Scirotto

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Press Release:

WILTON MANORS, FL – MARCH 11, 2022 – The Dolphin Democrats, Florida’s oldest
LGBTQ+ political organization, unanimously passed a resolution at their Wednesday
membership meeting calling for Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief Larry Scirotto
to be immediately reinstated, following his dismissal on March 3 by City Manager Chris
Lagerbloom.

“The City of Fort Lauderdale has a history of racism in the police department and it
needs to continue to address those issues to create a more inclusive department. The
firing of Police Chief Scirotto not only impacts the department but also the residents of
our city,” said Alfredo Olvera, President of The Dolphin Democrats.

Hired in mid-August of 2021, following a nationwide search, Chief Scirotto came to the
city with a stellar record culminating in serving as assistant chief of Pittsburgh with an
extensive background in patrol, investigative, and administrative assignments. As the
city’s first LGBTQ+ police chief, and only its second non-white chief, he joined the
Department at an important moment in law enforcement in the city as work was needed
to build community trust, bring accountability, and ensure fair treatment for everyone in
interactions with officers.

Prior to Chief Scirotto’s hiring as Chief of Police, the City of Fort Lauderdale struggled
with the issue of race and law enforcement for years, including the firing of three
officers for sending racist text messages and videos and most recently with the decision
to fire tear gas and rubber bullets during a Black Lives Matter protest over the George
Floyd killing in Minneapolis, the grievous injury of a peaceful participant in that protest,
an officer shoving another peaceful protester to the ground, and the prior police chief’s
public statements defending his officers’ actions that day.

The investigatory report that the city manager relied upon for his decision to remove
Chief Scirotto is of questionable value in that he retained attorney Gregg Rossman on
the advice of the city attorney even though Mr. Rossman is not an employment law
expert and has a history of right-wing statements.

The membership of the Dolphin Democrats resolves that:
1. The Rossman Report be set aside as of questionable value.
2. Chief Scirotto be reinstated to office and the city manager consider imposing
less severe punishments for any missteps that he made, such as a 30- to 60-day
suspension without pay and a requirement to be retrained in equal employment
opportunity law.
3. The city look to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for its
findings on the promotional decisions and take any necessary action to align the
promotions with the findings of the commission.
4. The city manager and City Commission recommit themselves to addressing the
need to improve diversity in the Police Department and the issues of use-of-force
and racial bias.

About The Dolphin Democrats: Founded in 1982, the Dolphin Democrats is the
oldest LGBTQ+ Political Organization in Florida. Our goal is to educate voters,
advocate for LGBTQ+ people, support our community, and elect pro-LGBTQ+
Democratic candidates.

Dolphin Democrats Media Contacts:
Alfredo Olvera, President of the Dolphin Democrats
[email protected]
Communications Committee: Emma Collum & Nic Zantop
[email protected]

Dolphin Dems_Scirotto Resolution
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Legislative Update as of February 21, 2022

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This has truly been a sad week for our Democracy. There have been continuous attacks from the GOP across the country and in Florida, our home.  After several packed days:

HB 1557 (Don’t Say “Gay” or “Trans” Bill) or “Parental Rights in Education” The Republican-backed bill, which would restrict teachers and school districts from openly discussing gender identity and topics surrounding sexuality in the classroom passed the House on Thursday in a 69-47 vote. This bill now moves to the Senate, where a similar piece of legislation is already being debated (SB 1834).

HB 7 (Stop W.O.K.E. Act) was rushed through both second and third committee readings this week and passed yesterday with a 74-41 vote (and yes, Chip LaMarca voted in favor). If signed into law, the bill would limit protected speech in workplaces with more than fifteen employees and classrooms by censoring honest dialogue about systemic racism, gender, and race discrimination. It would also change Florida’s employment discrimination statutes to give employees the ability to file discrimination claims against an employer engaging in trainings or discussions about Black history, LGBTQ+ issues, and other concepts of injustice and discrimination. its Senate companion, SB 148, is expected to be rushed also in the upcoming weeks.

SB 524, the Governor’s effort to extend voter suppression beyond last year’s SB 90, was amended to include protections against voter fraud after recent allegations of Miami-Dade Democratic Residents having their party statuses changed to Republican by Republican-led organizations misleading the public. The amended bill passed the Appropriations Committee with a 12-8 vote. Its companion, HB 7061, still waits for its hearing in its ONLY Appropriations Committee, but will most likely include such protections before its hearing.

All the bills that we supported in our Legislative Slate did not make the deadline to be scheduled for first committee hearings, and are ‘dead for the session’. But remember, the fight continues beyond a vote. It is the work that we continue to do in protecting our Democracy that allows us to implement change.

We encourage each of you to reach out to your local and state representatives, who voted in favor of these dangerous bills, and hold them accountable.

“Let’s not deny the impact that we have had and agree also that there is a whole lot more work to be done. And it is not easy to do, and we will not give up’’ ~ Madam Vice President Kamala Harris

Anthony Ginsberg & Matthew Eaton
Co-Chairs – Legislative Committee

 

Legislative Update as of February 21, 2022

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Dolphin Democrats Legislative Committee Update – February 21, 2022
The Republicans are forgoing sleep to ensure that their top priorities continue to deeply hurt our community.
On 2/17, HB 5 (15-week Abortion Restriction) passed 78-39 in the Florida House at 12:02 a.m., closing out a House session that began the previous day on Feb. 16. Its Senate companion, SB 146, still awaits action in the second of just two committees (Health Policy), Appropriations.
SB 1834 (“Don’t Say Gay or Trans Bill”) now waits for its second committee passing, as its House companion, HB 1557, was, on 2/17, ruled favorable in its second committee; the Bill is now referred to the House calendar.
HB 7 (Stop W.O.K.E. Act) had its first reading on 2/14/22 and is now added to a second reading calendar; its Senate companion, SB 148, still waits for its second committee.
SB 524, the Governor’s effort to extend voter suppression beyond last year’s SB 90, is in the second of just two committees. Its companion, HB 7061, had its first reading on 2/7 and is now in its ONLY committee, Appropriations.
The preemption bills are moving quickly through the full Senate: SB 280 (companion to HB 403) has passed two of three committees; SB 620 (companion to HB 569) has also passed two of three committees.
Just like the Republicans, we must not sleep: Democracy never sleeps; and we must continue to fight for it because it is our rights, our dreams, and our lives that are on the line.
“Democracy Is Not a State. It Is an Act.” – Congressman John Lewis
Please join us in the act of saving our democracy!

Legislative Update As Of February 3, 2022

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Let’s start with some good news.  Daryl Campbell, winner of the special universal primary January 11 to fill the vacancy for House District 94, was sworn in this week and assigned his committees.  He also cast his first vote, in the State Affairs Committee—“Nay” on HB 7 (the Governor’s “Stop WOKE Act”). Send him congratulations and thanks for his vote.  [email protected]. 850-717-5094. 

 

To watch. The federal trial involving challenges to parts of SB 90 passed during 2021 began January 31, presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker. The more than two dozen plaintiffs allege restrictions on voter registration and voting by mail that particularly make electoral participation more difficult for Black and Hispanic citizens.

 

The signature Republican bills continued to move through committees. HB 5/SB146 (abortion restrictions). HB 5: Passed 2nd subcommittee (Health Care Appropriations)—thank Rep. Marie Woodson (HD 101) for her “Nay” vote. Now in its final committee (Health & Human Services; contact Rep. Felicia Robinson–HD 102) SB 146 passed its first of just two committees Feb. 2. Thank Senators Lauren Book and Shevrin Jones for their “Nay” votes. Contacts: Woodson ([email protected]); Book ([email protected]; Jones ([email protected]).   Thumbs down: Broward/M-Dade Republican Tom Fabricio was approved as co-sponsor of HB 5.

 

HB 569 (“implicit preemption” – business damages caused by local government; guts local government) passed Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. “Nay” vote thank you to Reps Robin Bartleman ([email protected]) ; Dan Daley ([email protected]); Felicia Robinson ([email protected]); Marie Woodson (above).

 

HB 7 (“Stop WOKE Act”) passed. “Nay” thanks to Bartleman, Campbell, Woodson.

 

SB 1834 (“Don’t Say Gay”—Parental Rights in Education) was placed on the agenda in its first of three Senate committees, Education, for February 8. Broward Senators: Jones (see above) and Polsky ([email protected]) 

 

Anthony Ginsberg & Matthew Eaton 

Co-Chairs

Dolphin Democrats – Legislative Committee

 

 

Legislative Update as of January, 26, 2022

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Legislative Update As Of January 27

The results of activity clearly show Republicans’ top priorities.
(1) HB 211 (criminal penalties for health care practitioners who perform or cause to be performed procedures on minors that affirm transgender transitioning) had its first hearing January 11.

(2) HB 747 (allows health care providers and payers to deny services that violate religious, moral or ethical beliefs) received a favorable vote January 25.

(3) The package of bills expanding “implicit preemption” (HB 403/SB 280; HB 507/SB 620) received varying degrees of favorable votes between November 30, 2021 and January 27. They establish the rationale and processes for businesses to challenge county and municipal ordinances.

(4) Education bills receiving favorable votes: HB 1557 – “Don’t Say Gay” parental rights); H 7/SB 148 (Governor’s “Stop W.O.K.E Act”); SJR 244 (proposed constitutional amendment requiring partisan school board elections)

(5) Reproductive health and freedom favorable votes: H5 (no abortion after 15 weeks).

On the reverse side of the coin, none of the bills that we would support have been voted on: repeal same-sex marriage ban still in FL law; requiring male, female, non-binary markers on FL driver license and ID card; no state-funded conversion therapy; repeal transgender sports ban passed in the 2021 session; expand hate crimes to include gender and gender identity; revise criminal laws related to HIV status; prohibit the use of transgender and gay panic legal defense; require comprehensive, accurate, age-appropriate sex education; greater health care information transparency; increased access to PrEP and PEP; affirm fundamental reproductive health care rights; expansion of background checks for firearms and ammunition; and assault weapons & large-capacity magazine restrictions.

Anthony Ginsberg – Chair  & Matthew Eaton – Co-Chair

Legislative Committee

Dolphin Democrats 

[email protected]

Dolphin Democrats to Require Vaccination Cards to Attend In Person Meetings and Events

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Dolphin Democrats Members and Guests: Given the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, and the unknowns surrounding the Delta variant,  the Dolphin Democrats Executive Board has voted to implement the following safety procedures for all in-person meetings and events until further notice:

  1. Attendees must wear a mask while indoors.  
  2. Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination. You may present your COVID-19 CDC vaccination card at the door or email a clear photo of your vaccination card to Alfredo Olvera at [email protected] 

This decision to expand and enhance our safety plans will further our efforts to protect our volunteers and members, and provide us with more time to evaluate the frequently changing guidance and information released by the CDC, Florida Department of Health, and local and state governments. These policies will remain in effect until the COVID-19 positivity rates in Broward County and Florida drop below 5%. In addition to our guidelines, we will continue to follow Pride Center policies for meetings held there, which may also continue to evolve. 

Vaccines and Safety Measures

Recent media reports of increased vaccination rates in our country is positive news, and we encourage you to get your COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already done so.

The political work that we do is more effective in-person, which is why we have established these guidelines. However, we understand that as circumstances change, your comfort level may change as well. The decision to attend voluntary meetings is an individual choice for you and your family that we respect and understand.

We continue to closely monitor the current trends in cases and will adjust our guidelines as needed, just as we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please keep an eye out for more updates as we determine next steps.

Transgender Day of Visibility

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Please join us as we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility today, honored every year around the world on March 31! Transgender Day of Visibility is an important opportunity to uplift, cherish, and recognize all of our transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse siblings while highlighting their many accomplishments and triumphs. The visionary leadership of Black and brown women of transgender experience like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera helped to drive the fight for LGBTQ+ rights that continues to this day. Within our own South Florida communities, trans leaders are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive future and continue to lead from the front lines, guiding protest movements, building mutual aid networks, advocating for immigrant and labor rights, and pushing for equity for all of our residents. Today, we say loudly so that all of our trans siblings can hear:

You are loved. You are valued. You matter. You are seen. ❤️

Allies, here are a few ways you can help honor TDOV with action:

✔️ Support trans-led organizations

✔️ Educate yourself about gender identity and expression and take time to learn about the transgender community

✔️ Learn about and push back against anti-trans legislation, like the numerous bills currently targeting transgender athletes

✔️ Listen to trans folx and support trans leadership

✔️ Ensure the language you use is gender-inclusive

✔️ Celebrate transgender experience and recognize that this experience will be different for everyone

✔️ Respect pronouns and introduce yourself with your pronouns at meetings and events and add them to your Zoom name, email signature, and business cards

✔️ Don’t tolerate hate: Challenge transphobia and help to educate others with what you’ve learned

✔️ Correct other people if you witness them using the wrong name or pronouns when referring to someone of trans experience

✔️ Encourage your schools, workplaces, and organizations that you’re part of to participate in trainings to increase LGBTQ+ cultural competency.

Ready to learn more about gender identity and continue your allyship journey? The Trevor Project has a fantastic guide here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/

Equality Act Passes in U.S. House of Representative

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This critically important legislation would expand federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as create greater consistency in anti-discrimination laws across the nation.

WILTON MANORS, FL – FEBRUARY 26, 2021 – The Dolphin Democrats, Florida’s oldest LGBTQ+ political organization, celebrates the momentous news that the Equality Act has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday with a vote of 224-206.

“The Equality Act is bringing us closer to ensuring everyone is treated equally under the law with the respect and dignity they deserve,” said Alfredo Olvera, President of The Dolphin Democrats. “We are grateful for Speaker Pelosi, Congressman Cicilline and our Broward County Congressional delegation for supporting and advancing this legislation on behalf of all Americans.”

While the vast majority of Americans support legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing, and hundreds of organizations including the Dolphin Democrats have proudly voiced their support for the Equality Act, only three Republicans in Congress voted in support of the Act on Thursday. With the election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the American people have unequivocally proclaimed that intolerance and inequality have no place in this nation – the U.S. Senate must move to decisively and swiftly ensure the Equality Act heads to President Biden’s desk.

“The Equality Act provides long overdue federal civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, locking in critical safeguards in our housing, education, public services, and lending systems — and codifying the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ movement into enduring law,” President Biden said last week. The President pledged to make enactment of the Equality Act a top legislative priority of his administration during his first 100 days.

Equality is fundamental to a healthy society and a vibrant democracy, yet in more than half the states in America, LGBTQ+ people still lack comprehensive protections against discrimination. A recent study from the Center for American Progress shed light on the appalling fact that more than 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ Americans faced discrimination of some kind in the past year and as many as one-third also report altering aspects of their personal or work lives to avoid experiencing discrimination. For transgender Americans, discrimination is even more commonplace, with more than 3 in 5 individuals of transgender experience reporting discrimination in the past year. With the Equality Act introduced into the U.S. Senate as S.393, Floridians must join together to send a loud message to Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott that equality cannot wait any longer.

“It is now our responsibility as voters and citizens of this nation to call Senator Rubio and Senator Scott and ask them to be on the right side of history by supporting this unifying piece of legislation,” said Alfredo Olvera.

Dolphin Democrats – Equality Act Press Release

Board of Directors Election

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On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 the members of The Dolphin Democrats Elected Alfredo Olvera as President and Nik Harris as Vice-President for a second term expiring in 2023.  At the same meeting the members also elected Tina Jaramillo to Secretary, Hillary Dougherty to Treasurer.  In addition Emma Collum, Grecia Rivas-Smith, Lorenzo Robertson, Adam Sabin, Vanessa Villaverde, Nick Zantop and Jose Cedeno were elected as Directors.

We are all excited to see the board continuing their political work on behalf of LGBTQ+ Democrats in Broward County. Congratulations to all.

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