Dolphin Democrats

Politics in the LGBTQ+ Community

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Press Releases

Press Release: Dolphin Democrats To Host 42nd Anniversary Awards Gala

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Premier South Florida event to honor community leaders including Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (D),

Wilton Manors City Commissioner Chris Caputo, and more.

WILTON MANORS, Fla., May 2, 2024 — Dolphin Democrats is proud to host its annual 42nd Annual Anniversary Awards Gala on Sat., May 18, 2024, at the Westin Hotel – Fort Lauderdale located at 400 Corporate Dr. in Fort Lauderdale.

The Awards Gala will honor several high-profile leaders, trailblazing activists and unwavering champions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community in Florida who are at the forefront of the fight for equality and protection for LGBTQ+ citizens.

Gala honorees include:

  • State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (D) who will receive the Jamie Bloodworth Award, named in honor of the late Jamie Bloodworth, a longtime Dolphin Democrats member, and LGBTQ+ and women’s rights activist.
  • Wilton Manors City Commissioner Chris Caputo who will receive the Harvey Milk Award, named in honor of the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the State of California.
  • Nik Harris, VP of Strategic Outreach & Engagement at the Human Rights Campaign, who will receive the Trailblazer Award.
  • Jasmine McKenzie, founder of the McKenzie Project, who will receive the Bishop S.F. Makalani-MaHee Award, named after Bishop S.F. Makalani-MaHee, a longtime Dolphin Democrats member and transgender rights activist.
  • Patti Lynn who will receive the Volunteer of the Year award.

Tickets are available to reserve your seat at the Awards Gala, or you may become a sponsor to support Dolphin Democrats’ work to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Broward County and Florida at large.

About Dolphin Democrats

Founded in 1982, Dolphin Democrats, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation and chapter of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, chartered by the Florida Democratic Party. It is the oldest LGBTQ+ political organization in the State of Florida founded with the mission to educate voters, advocate for LGBTQ+ people, support the community and help elect pro-LGBTQ+ Democratic candidates. To learn more about Dolphin Democrats, visit their website at www.dolphindems.org.

Press Release-Dolphin Democrats 42nd Anniversary Awards Gala__05-02-2024

Dolphin Democrats Municipal Election Endorsements

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 15, 2024

Contact: [email protected] 

Dolphin Democrats Endorse Angelo Castillo for Pembroke Pines Mayor, Catherine Minnis for Pembroke Pines Commission, District 2, and Maria Rodriguez for Pembroke Pines Commission, District 3

The membership of the Dolphin Democrats, Florida’s oldest LGBTQ+ political organization, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, voted to endorse several Democratic candidates. These endorsements come ahead of the city’s March 19th municipal election. We believe that each of these dedicated public servants are strong advocates of not only the LGBTQ community, but all people, and look forward a stronger, more equitable Pembroke Pines through their leadership. 

“At a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under seemingly constant attack by the Florida Legislature and the Governor’s office, it is crucial we amplify local voices who will confront hatred where it persists and will serve in the interest of all residents,” said Dolphin Democrats President Alfredo Olvera. “Fostering inclusive communities is a continuous effort, and all three of these candidates exemplify a commitment to this cause. We proudly endorse these candidates and look forward to working with them.”

Since first elected to the city commission in 2004, Angelo Castillo has been vice mayor four times. We believe as Mayor, Castillo will lead Pembroke Pines in the right direction.   

Maria Rodriguez attended school in Pembroke Pines and currently works for County Commissioner Tim Ryan. As an ongoing member of the Dolphin Democrats, Rodriguez will reflect our values on the city commission. 

After recently retiring from the county Office of Economic and Small Business Development, Catherine Minnis now seeks a spot on the city commission. We are confident Minnis will be an advocate for the LGBTQ community in Pembroke Pines. 

 

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Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

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The Democratic Party is home to the intersection of many identities, and our Black siblings, their history and very being are under attack for being Black too.
We will have special speakers, including a discussion of what it means to be Black and LGBTQ+, you don’t want to miss this important conversation.
BRING A FRIEND: help grow not just our membership, but our impact.
Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 (aka National Coming Out Day!)
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Pizza and Refreshments

This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

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The Democratic Party is home to the intersection of many identities.
We will have special speakers, including a fascinating discussion of Hispanic LGBTQ+ History, Identity and Politics – just in time to get ready for Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th).
BRING A FRIEND: help grow not just our membership, but our impact.
Wednesday, September 13th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Pizza and Refreshments

This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

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Let’s Get Back To Work!
As summer vacations come to an end, and school is getting ready to start up again, let’s redouble our efforts and make new commitments to register more voters, and to turn them out next fall.
BRING A FRIEND: help grow not just our membership, but our impact.
Wednesday, August 9th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Pizza and Refreshments

This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Summer Happy Hour, Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

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THERE IS NO REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING FOR JULY. IN OTHER WORDS, NO MEETING ON JULY 12th.
Instead of our regular monthly meeting, please join us for a special Summer Happy Hour from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Yeasty Brews.
BRING A FRIEND: help grow not just our membership, but our impact.
Wednesday, July 19th, 2023
This event is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend.
Paid Members will get 1 FREE drink at the event. And yes, New Members (including those who pay their membership at the door) will ALSO get their 1 FREE drink.
Bring School Supplies as part of our Back-To-School Supplies Drive.

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

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Celebrate Pride Month at our regular Monthly Meeting! Doors Open at 6:30pm. Pizza and Refreshments. Note: this isn’t a dress up theme party (unless you want to) it’s just our regular meeting with a twist.
The 1969 Stonewall Riots were a seminal event, and the Dolphins will be marching in the June 17th Stonewall Pride Parade. Purchase your t-shirt today and pick it up at this meeting!
T-SHIRTS: get your all-new Dolphins T-Shirts to wear for the parade. Visit https://www.dolphindems.org/dolphin-democrats-t-shirt/ to pre-order by June 7th. You will be able to pick up your shirts at this meeting, or at Pride from the Dolphins booth.
GUEST SPEAKER: Maxx Fenning will give a History Presentation based on research he has done about Gay Liberation, Queer History and the Civil Rights Movement sparked by Stonewall that is intersectional, community-based and still most capable of inspiring young people to get involved, speak up and to VOTE!
VOLUNTEER: we will also have an opportunity to learn more about ways you can volunteer, join a volunteer team, and help us build our infrastructure for having maximum impact on the 2024 election cycle.
BRING A FRIEND: help grow not just our membership, but our impact.
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Pizza and Refreshments

LGBTQ+ HISTORY PRESENTATION

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION

This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

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We have put together an exciting panel discussion that will briefly recap the legislative session – and then shift focus to “what’s next?”. You will have an opportunity to Listen, to Speak Out and to Take Action as we move forward.

Bring a Guest!

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Announcements and Calendar of Events.
This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

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To be truly successful, we must do some of our most critical work in coalition with other organizations. On April 12th we will host several other organizations so that you will have an opportunity to meet them. We are inviting them as our guests to understand their work and find common cause.

Bring a Guest!

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Guest Organizations sharing their work.
Announcements and Calendar of Events.
This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, March 8th

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Please join us as we welcome the new Board of Directors and begin laying the foundation of our work for the next two years.

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Remarks by our new President, Todd Delmay and an interactive activity lead by the new Board of Directors. The Board is seeking input on ways in which the Dolphin Democrats can TAKE ACTION to Educate, Advocate, Support and Elect more pro-LGBTQ+ candidates.
Announcements and Calendar of Events:
This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsors

Paid for by the Dolphin Democrats. DolphinDems.org.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.