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As Bees in Honey DrownJULY 8-25- at the Shimberg Playhouse

NOTE: While this story has a happy ending, success is very hit-and-miss when using the Equal Protection Clause to cover gender identity and expression. The Employment Non-discrimination Act (ENDA) is the only real way to ensure justice is done when discriminatory firings like this occur. Associated Press: Judge Rules for Transgender Woman Fired by Georgia By KATE BRUMBACK

The 2010 election cycle is right around the corner and we need your help again. We've been collecting voter IDs all over the state for months in advance of the 2010 election. As you can imagine, inputting all of this valuable data is no small task and we can't do it without volunteer support.

The death of two Tampa police officers conjures the painful memory of Officer Lois Marrero, killed in the line of duty in July 6th, 2001. Her partner of 10 years, Mickie Mashburn, was denied benefits that would properly be provided a spouse. Here's a brief video. And, here's to all law enforcement officers who protect the community even when that community fails to protect your family.

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You made it happen!Wow! Thanks to you, we blasted through our $74,000 Summer Equal-A-Thon goal and raised a total of $83,955.

The pink shorts

In 1997 when that special episode of the Ellen Show was airing across the country, the local affiliate invited me and a small group of lesbians to watch the show alongside a group of far right homophobes. In particular I remember a Pastor and his wife. I remember them well for two reasons1) because he referenced his wife in every single sentence just to be sure no one mistook either of them for gay and 2) because of what happened right after the show ended.

Incumbents hard to beat

Hey Faithful Equality Florida Blog Readers!

From the advocate.com:

Tonight our executive director, Nadine Smith, and deputy director, Stratton Pollitzer, attended the President's reception at the White House in honor of Pride Month. During his address President Barack Obama reinforced his commitment to ending DOMA (the defense of marriage act) and DADT (Don't Ask, Don't Tell) and passing a fully-inclusive ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act).

RELEASE: Alex Sink Recognizes LGBT Pride Month Tampa, FL - Florida CFO and Gubernatorial Candidate Alex Sink issued the following statement recognizing LGBT Pride Month: "As Floridians recognize LGBT Pride Month, it is a reminder that every citizen of our state has a role to play in building a stronger Florida. Each and every Floridian has a stake in a better and more prosperous future for our state. It is also a reminder that all Floridians must be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that our state will not tolerate discrimination of any kind."

Nadine Smith and I are attending a reception Tuesday evening at the White House in honor of LGBT Pride month. We'll probably only get a moment with the President - what do you think we should ask him? Click here to let us know:

Just hours ago, the Hillsborough County School Board voted unanimously to add gender identity to the Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Policy for Hillsborough County Public Schools. The Hillsborough policy already included Sexual orientation protections and today's amendment now provides gender identity protections for the 207,549 students who make up the 3rd largest school district in Florida. Currently 64% of Florida students attend schools that ban anti-gay bullying and more than half of those districts have now added "gender identity" to their policies.

Crist is loving his new found freedom as an no party affiliated candidate. 

By John D. Podesta and Robert A. LevyTuesday, June 8, 2010Nearly a century after the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed that "marriage is one of the 'basic civil rights of man.' " That 1967 case, Loving v. Virginia, ended bans on interracial marriage in the 16 states that still had such laws. Now, 43 years after Loving, the courts are once again grappling with denial of equal marriage rights -- this time to gay couples. We believe that a society respectful of individual liberty must end this unequal treatment under the law.

It has just been reported that Governor Crist has vetoed HB 1143, the bill that would have mandated ultrasounds for women seeking abortions.