PRESS RELEASE: Equality Florida Welcomes Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio as Deputy Director of Communications
Equality Florida Welcomes Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio as Deputy Director of Communications


Tallahassee, FL — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that includes emergency stopgap funding to restore access to HIV medications for more than 10,000 Floridians through the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), effective immediately.
Written by: Jaron Sanchez, Transgender Equality Associate

Q: Can you introduce yourself for those who may not know who you are?

The 2026 Florida legislative session is officially over (phew!) — so let’s get right into it.
Advocates say the fight is far from over, vowing to challenge the law in courts and continue working with local leaders to protect LGBTQ visibility and inclusion.

This week in Tallahassee, the “Anti-Diversity in Local Government” bill took center stage in the Florida Senate. And while the bill ultimately advanced, the full force of our resistance was on display.
Legislation Threatens Pride Festivals, Cultural Events, Public Health Programs, and Local Officials; Final House Vote Expected Before Measure Heads to Governor

We just wrapped up Week #7 of Florida’s 60-day legislative session — and people power, inside and outside of the Capitol, is making a real difference.
As we head into the final two weeks, three expressly anti-LGBTQ bills remain active threats to our community. Committee stops are nearly finished. From here on out, most action moves to the House and Senate floors.
Equality Florida Attends the D.C. People’s State of the Union Alongside Members of Congress
Jennifer Solomon Warns Nation About Escalating Attacks on LGBTQ Parents and Families in Florida

It was an incredible show of people power in the Capitol this week!
More than 150 Equality Florida volunteer advocates filled the halls in an extraordinary show of strength — bused in from Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville, with more reinforcements from Jacksonville. Our presence was undeniable, and our impact was clear.