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Ten municipalities in eight months move to model City of Orlando registry The Orange County Commission has voted to create a countywide domestic partnership registry that will provide vital legal protections for gay couples and unmarried straight partners. Amidst a sea of red shirts, worn by the crowd in support of the ordinance, the measure passed by a 6-1 vote. ‎"We are doing something groundbreaking and providing important rights across the board", said Mayor Teresa Jacobs before voting for the registry.

This isn't the first time the NAACP has stepped out on principle for an issue that affects the lives of LGBT people. Nor is it the first time they will experience a predictable, orchestrated backlash. Those of us celebrating their decision to support marriage equality must now also step up on the organizations behalf.

Join Equality Florida, elderSource, and the Task Force for LGBT Elders in Northeast Florida for a special screening of  Gen Silent A critically-acclaimed documentary following the lives of six Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) elders as they face the challenges of aging.

  By a 5-0 vote, the Gulfport City Council became the first city in Pinellas County to adopt a Domestic Partnership Registry. A capcity crowd overflowed into the lobby to watch the proceedings on televison. Speaker after speaker called on Gulfport to continue its tradition of supporting equality for LGBT residents.  The mayor agreed to hold a public signing tomorrow Wednesday May 16th at 9AM at city council chambers.

Next Thursday, the Volusia County Council will cast their final vote on whether to adopt a Domestic Partnership Registry. Last month they voted unanimously to move forward and it's critical that we let the Volusia County Council that we're standing with them!

In an exclusive interview today with ABC News' Robin Roberts, President Obama clearly stated he now supports the right for same-sex couples to marry.  

Click here to watch.

 

Tampa and Saint Pete Unanimously Support Domestic Partnership Registries First thing this morning the Tampa City Council voted unanimously to create Tampa Bay's first Domestic Partnership Registry!

"Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true and complete." -IRS Form 1040  

Big news for gay couples returning from travel abroad.  The days of being being humiliated at the border may soon be over.

Trans*Action (formerly Transgender FORGE) Town Hall on Transgender Discrimination March 22nd, 2012 | 7:00PM @ The L Train 900 Central Ave, Ste 25B Saint Petersburg, FL 33705

Click here to see more photos

      Saturday, March 17, 2012, that marks the 100th birthday of the late civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.  Rustin was a proud Black gay man who was an indispensable architect of the Civil Rights Movement. His most noteworthy achievements include serving as chief organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington

      Saturday, March 17, 2012, that marks the 100th birthday of the late civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.  Rustin was a proud Black gay man who was an indispensable architect of the Civil Rights Movement. His most noteworthy achievements include serving as chief organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington

Friends of mine who are also members of Equality Florida were up North late last year visiting family when they stopped for a meal at a roadside diner. Behind their booth they could hear a woman berating her child for identifying as transgender. Betsy and Ron are also PFLAGers who couldn't sit by in silence as the teenager sobbed beneath the mother's abuse. They spoke up and engaged them both, comforting the teen and educating the mom.