Pride Street Festival and Parade 2014

Great time as always at Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors with Mayor Gary Resnick! So much to celebrate this year, and no better place to do it.

"This is a community-wide event that drew a diverse crowd of approximately 30,000 individuals and families each year," states Gary Resnick, Mayor of Wilton Manors. "The parade, street vendors, and live performances really offer something for everyone and we are just so thrilled to be hosting this celebration for the 15th consecutive year."

The festival is held in honor of the Stonewall Riots. Tired of harassment from the New York Police Department, the city's gay community staged a series of violent demonstrations on June 27, 1969. Each year, gay communities across the country hold events to honor the riots.

In addition to the parade and live performances, Stonewall Pride's organizers, Pride South Florida, said there would also be HIV/AIDS education and testing.

"Is there enjoyment? Yes. But there's going to be education and enlightenment," said Corey Boyd, Pride South Florida. "The role of the Stonewall event should be one of bringing to light the fact that members of [the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community] still do not have all our rights."

Lining the entire length of Wilton Drive will be vendor booths, food trucks, drink tents and non-profit organizations. The main stage will be located at Northeast 6th Avenue providing entertainment throughout the day. Two additional stages will also be set-up.

Oakland Park Democratic Club held A Get Out the Vote Kick-off Dinner

 Photos By Carol Porter
The Oakland Park Democratic Club held A Get Out the Vote Kick-off  Dinner was held on June 16 at the Primerva Restaurant, located at 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd., #118. The keynote speaker at the dinner was Congresswoman Lois Frankel who spoke about her recent trip overseas and about her bus trip across the country with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and elected officials, and the need for fair access to voting in the upcoming elections. Other attendees to the dinner included Rep. Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, Broward County Democratic Party Chair Mitch Ceasar,  local elected officials, candidates running for office, club members and guests.

Former Governor Charlie Crist paid a visit to Palm Beach County on Thursday, June 12

  By Carol Porter

Gubernatorial candidate and former Governor Charlie Crist paid a visit to Palm Beach County on Thursday, June 12, at Temple Shaarei Shalom, in Boynton Beach. Crist was introduced first by former Commissioner Burt Aaronson, and several other speakers. Those in attendance included members of Palm Beach County Democratic Clubs, legislators, and other elected officials and candidates. Rev. Brown, from Broward County, prayed with Crist before he spoke. Crist spoke about the differences between himself and current Governor Rick Scott, as well as a number of important items that would impact the State of Florida, including the Everglades, Climate Change, education, and other issues. Crist is running against former Senator Nan Rich for the primary nod in the election.

 

 

City Of Fort Lauderdale May Get A Resolution Supporting Equal Marriage

 Unless it gets pulled from next Tuesday's agenda, Commissioner Dean Trantalis has placed a "'Resolution" on the June 17th, evening's agenda, calling for the City to officially back gay marriage in the State of Florida.

It Is Important that all parties who want this Resolution brought forward attend this meeting

Commissioner Dean Trantalis

Fort Lauderdale City Hall Chambers
City Hall
100 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

6:00 PM
Location:	City Hall 1st Floor Chambers

  
 Here is the Resolution 
           
       A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING MARRIAGE EQUALITY, URGING ENACTMENT OF A LAW THAT WOULD PROVIDE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND PROVIDING FOR RESCISSION OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
  
    WHEREAS, the City of Fort Lauderdale strives to protect the equal rights of all its residents without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; and

    WHEREAS, the City of Fort Lauderdale derives great strength from the diversity of its residents, employees, and visitors; and

    WHEREAS, the City of Fort Lauderdale extends employee health benefits to domestic partners regardless of sexual orientation; and

    WHEREAS, the lack of access to marriage under the laws of the State of Florida deprives members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of more than 1,000 federal benefits and responsibilities afforded heterosexual couples, including spousal social security and pension benefits, tax equity, and medical decision-making authority; and

    WHEREAS, domestic partnership and civil union laws bring welcome recognition to same-sex couples and their families, but marriage remains the most widely accepted and best legal mechanism for protecting these families; and

    WHEREAS, denying access to marriage for same-sex couples discriminates against them, relegates them to second-class citizenship, and serves to institutionalize discrimination in violation of the United States Constitution,

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA:

SECTION 1.    That the City Commission supports equal access to legal marriage for same-sex couples, and opposes laws and constitutional amendments that deny equal access to legal marriage for same-sex couples.

SECTION 2.    That the City Commission urges the Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott to enact a law that would provide for marriage equality in the State of Florida.

SECTION 3.    That the City Clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Broward County state legislative delegation and to Governor Rick Scott.

SECTION 4.    That all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith, be and the same are rescinded to the extent of such conflict.

SECTION 5.    That this Resolution shall be in effect immediately upon its adoption.

    ADOPTED this the _____ day of _________________, 2014.


                        ______________________________
                                  Mayor
                               JOHN P. “JACK” SEILER

Equality Florida Action PAC Endorses Charlie Crist for Governor!

"Floridians deserve a governor who fights for them  including for their right to 
marry the person they love and to be safe from discrimination in the workplace." 
- Charlie Crist






The Equality Florida Action PAC, the largest organization dedicated to electing 
pro-equality candidates in Florida, has endorsed Charlie Crist for Governor 
today.

The early endorsement reflects the urgency of electing a Governor who will speed 
progress when it comes to equality, not stand in way of fairness.

Florida is at a critical moment in our struggle to end discrimination, and the 
next Governor will have a tremendous impact on the everyday lives of lesbian, 
gay, bisexual and transgender people in our state. Charlie Crist has taken a 
clear stand for equality and fairness and is delivering a message that will 
inspire the growing pro-equality majority in our state to stand on the right 
side of history.

A former Republican Governor turned Democratic contender, Crist broke from his 
party over its increasing hostility toward gay people, women, the poor, and the 
party's voter suppression tactics. He has apologized for past votes that went 
against his own conscience, and he has made good on promises to be an unyielding 
voice for full equality under the law for the LGBT community. 

As Governor, Crist ended his support of Florida's notorious anti-gay adoption 
ban and pledged to help dismantle it. When a Miami judge ruled the ban violated 
basic rights and harmed children by denying them the security of a forever 
family, Crist refused to appeal the decision and  worked with the Department of 
Children and Families to stop enforcement of  the ban that same day, paving the 
way for adoptions to take place immediately.

Not only is Charlie Crist a full supporter of LGBT equality, but he is already 
running a race strong enough to combat Rick Scott's massive war chest. He is 
consistently shown polling even or ahead of Scott and is attracting donors who 
are raising the kind of money needed to win.

Charlie Crist's position on the freedom to marry reflects the evolution of 
Florida voters. The clear majority now supports full legal recognition of 
marriage and that support is growing rapidly regardless of political party, age 
or religious identification. With the freedom to marry looming on Florida's 
horizon, we must have a pro-equality Governor in the Tallahassee.

The next Governor is likely to appoint four Supreme Court Justices, and we 
cannot afford to leave our Supreme Court in the hands of a Governor who refuses 
to recognize even the most basic rights for LGBT people. We encourage every 
Floridian who values basic human rights to support Charlie Crist for Governor.

Please donate to Charlie Crist's campaign today using the special Equality 
Florida Action PAC donation link below so he will know we are standing with him. 


Donate to the Crist Campaign here: http://eqfl.convio.net/site/R?i=92qjC1nw5C6nLNsts7vadA

Veterans town hall and Veterans fair

 By Carol Porter
State Senator Maria Sachs and members of the Boca Raton City Council took part in a Veterans town hall and Veterans fair on Wednesday, June 4, at Boca Raton Community High School, located at 1501 NW 15th Ct, Boca Raton, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.The members of the Boca Raton Council joined with State Senator Maria Sachs and Principal Dr. Geoffrey McKee at Boca Raton High School to speak to veterans about the services they need after returning from serving our country and how to get these services. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach; Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles; Legal Aid Society of PBC; Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections; Florida Atlantic University; Operation Homefront; Veterans Helping Heroes and Vital Flight were introduced by Senator Maria Sachs to provide information about the services available. Sachs, along with Mayor Susan Haynie, Deputy Mayor Constance Scott, and Council Members Scott Singer and Robert Weinroth, told the veterans how Boca Raton appreciates their service and stands ready to provide the services they need.

 

The Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward MadHatter’s Tea Luncheon

 By Carol Porter

The Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward held its 11th Annual MadHatter’s Tea Luncheon at the Doubletree by Hilton in Deerfield Beach on Saturday, May 31. This year’s honoree at the event was Broward County School Board Member Nora Rupert. Also among the speakers were Club President Maggie Davidson and Rep. Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed. Broward County Democratic Party Chairman Mitch Ceasar and candidates running for local office also were in attendance.  

 

The Plaza Theatre Presents Seasons of Love one-night performance of RENT to benefit the Plaza Theatre and Comprehensive AIDS Program

  By Carol Porter

A one-night-only performance of RENT was a fundraiser for the Comprehensive AIDS Program/FoundCare, Inc. and the Plaza Theatre on Friday, May 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The special reception and show also included a Meet and Greet with the multi-Tony® Award winning actor of THE PRODUCERS fame, Gary Beach. FoundCare, Inc. is a full-service, nonprofit health center, annually serving thousands of individuals with a variety of health needs. FoundCare’s Comprehensive AIDS Program provides medical and social services to more than 3,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Palm Beach County. It also provides HIV antibody testing, counseling and referral and targeted HIV prevention services.

Co-chairs of the event were Victor Figueredo and Mark Rutherford. The evening began with a V.I.P. reception from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. which included a meet and greet with Gary Beach. Mr. Beach has won multiple Tony® Awards, including one for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in THE PRODUCERS, for which he also earned a Drama Desk and Outer Critic’s Circle Award, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in both LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Guests were then treated to a special performance of the Tony® Award-winning hit, RENT, at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the Plaza Theatre, or to see the list of upcoming scheduled performances, please visitwww.theplazatheatre.net or call the box office at (561) 588-1820.

 

ABOUT THE PLAZA THEATRE:                                                                                              The Plaza Theatre, a not-for-profit 250-seat theatre, was opened in February 2012 by Alan Jacobson, a Palm Beach Gardens resident who ran the Florida Jewish Theatre for five seasons in the 1990s and then became an independent producer of cabaret shows, musical revues and comedies.  Over the course of its two years the Theatre has taken risks with performances that address issues that are prevalent in our society today while also keeping the variety and above all, entertaining for guests.  The Plaza Theatre promises lower-than-average ticket prices and is bringing quality entertainment to all. The Plaza Theatre is located at 262 S. Ocean Blvd in Manalapan, FL. For more information, please call (561) 588-1820 or visitwww.theplazatheatre.net.

 

 

 

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