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Tragedy at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Led to Policy Change

You're Invited to the Equality Florida Gainesville Office Grand Opening!

Join us at 6PM tonight (1/17) to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how his life messages relate to the local, global, and personal issues of today through the arts of speech, song, music, and dance. This year's keynote speaker will be Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. *Gently worn sneaker collection for the Tars Crossover project to benefit youth in Cameroon.

Press Gaggle by Senator Gillibrand and Representative Wasserman Schultz Aboard Air Force One en route Andrews Air Force Base THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _________________________________________________________________

GaYBOR District CoalitionInHistoric Ybor City Meet the Next Mayor of Tampa You are invited to A very special "GaYBOR District Coalition" monthly meeting. Candidate Forum Moderated by Carrie West, President of GDC Each candidate will be given up to 5 minutes to speak. Following the meeting will be a meet & greet with all the candidates. Confirmed candidates include: Bob Buckhorn Rose V. Ferlita Dick Greco Thomas Scott

Brian Winfield, communications director for Equality Florida, will be a guest on the Pragmatic Progressive Radio Show - Today (01/11) at 3PM. You can hear the show on 1340 WTAN Clearwater. We'll discuss the coming year and how Equality Florida plans to protect our fair adoption victory statewide, as well as carve out local successes in a challenging political environment. This is a call-in show, so feel free to participate by calling 727-441-3000.

In December the Department of State issued new forms for passport applications and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). The Department of State says a CRBA "is an official record confirming that a child born overseas to a U.S. citizen parent acquired U.S. citizenship at birth."

Equality Florida is looking for interns for the Spring 2011 semester. Get college credit for working toward LGBT equality!

Today, Senator Nan Rich filed legislation aimed at bringing jobs to Florida. The Competitive Workforce Act (SB 346), would eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Businesses recognize that diversity brings the skills, perspective and other assets that are essential to establishing a competitive workforce. Major employers in Florida have adopted comprehensive non-discrimination policies, companies like, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida; Pepsico, Sweetbay Supermarket; Carlton Fields; jetBlue Airways; Citi and Wachovia.

Today, Teresa Jacobs was inaugurated as Orange County's fourth Mayor. Jacobs, a Republican, won in November with 67.6% of the vote.

From The Washington Times:

The White House has released a behind the scenes video of the signing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal. Includes interview with bill sponsor Rep. Patrick Murphy.

From the Sun-Sentinel:

From the Sarasota Herald-Tribune:

UPDATE: After beautiful remarks, President Obama just signed the bill into law. The President reminded us today isn't just about the 17 year old law "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" but about our entire history. Gay people served in the Revolutionary War, Gettysburg and World War II and have always had to hide who they are. The bill signed into law will allow LGBT people to serve openly for the first time in our history.

Hey all you data geeks- the numbers from the US Census came out today!

My response to John McCain after he whined (see below) about the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell: Senator McCain, you say it's a sad day. Let me tell you a story.

Moments ago, the US Senate voted 65-31 to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" policy banning gays in military, sends to President Obama to sign.