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An Equality Florida member told us last week that his health insurer had denied coverage for an HIV medication he has taken for several years. He ultimately did get his meds, but he worried that the hurdles he faced might signal an effort by the insurance company to encourage HIV-positive clients to find another carrier. We reached out to Florida Blue and the company acknowledged and apologized for a technical glitch that had affected 89 policyholders. It also issued this statement clarifying their policy.  

This bill would allow people to opt out of anti-discrimination laws Extends beyond churches to individuals, businesses and others  

Orange County ends domestic partnership benefits Here's why we think that's a mistake ​

In honor of Spirit Day, millions of people across the nation have gone purple today to show their support for LGBTQ youth and take a stand against bullying. Statistically, we know LGBTQ youth face much higher rates of bullying and harassment in schools, and examples of such discrimination in Florida are often reported to Equality Florida.

Broward updates and reaffirms its domestic partnership ordinance The Broward County Commission updated its domestic partnership ordinance Tuesday, adding new protections and ensuring that partnerships registered elsewhere will be recognized in Broward County.

On September 26th, nearly 500 guests gathered at the beautiful Florida Yacht Club to celebrate our movement’s historic gains and invest in the critical work ahead. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible sponsors and equality supporters like you, we broke our local fundraising record and raised over $192,000 for LGBT equality in the Greater Jacksonville region and across the state.

On Thursday, September 17, dozens of Pensacola residents and community leaders came out to speak up in favor of a fully-inclusive Human Rights Ordinance! The Pensacola City Council voted to move the HRO to a workshop on November 9th to discuss the issue further.

Faith leaders contradict claims of religious discrimination They say a so-called pastor protection bill is both unnecessary and divisive

​Unete a nosotros! Equality Florida launches its first educational campaign in Spanish Oct. 5, 2015 Contacts: Susanna Taddei, Producer, [email protected] Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected]

Equality Florida Meets With TSA Officials; Calls for Improvement of Transgender Security Screening Guidelines Following Orlando Incident

Meet the Interns: Gabby (Legislative Intern/ Lobby Days Intern) 1. Tell us a little about yourself...

Meet the Interns: Ella Delva (Legislative Intern) 1. Tell us a little about yourself...

Michael Donald Edwards of Asolo Rep will receive ‘Voice for Equality’ award Equality Florida honors him for his theater’s programming and community support SARASOTA -- Michael Donald Edwards uses musicals and plays to stir up big ideas -- as well as to create new connections among his audiences.

On August 13, 2015, Debbie and Kari Chin - along with two other married same-sex couples and Equality Florida Institute - filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida's refusal to list both same-sex spouses on their children's birth certificates. Watch their video and read their interview to learn more about this brave couple who are heading to court to fight for Florida's LGBT families.

Remembering Civil Rights Activist Julian Bond

 

Equality Florida Asks Court to Tell Florida Officials to Follow the Law On Birth Certificates for Married Same-Sex Parents August 14, 2015 (St. Petersburg) -- Florida officials responded to Equality Florida’s birth certificate lawsuit late Thursday by asking a federal judge to clarify the law. Equality Florida responded Friday by saying the law is already clear and urged District Judge Robert L. Hinkle to tell the state to start following it.

LAWSUIT: Florida is Breaking the Law By Refusing To Acknowledge Married Same-Sex Couples As Parents on Birth Certificates (Tallahassee, FL, August 13, 2015)—Just days ago, Cathy Pareto and Karla Arguello—the first same-sex couple to be married in Florida—celebrated the birth of their twin son and daughter. But the couple’s joy was soon mixed with fear and frustration when the hospital denied Cathy the right to add her name to the children’s birth certificates.

Legislators push for statewide LGBT nondiscrimination protections As cases show, real discrimination persists despite gains in some areas August 11, 2015 The assistant manager of a hospital department in Kissimmee was commended often and promoted twice. But in November he was fired, after what he described as months of teasing about his sexual orientation from a new boss.