Almost exactly a year ago–on Nov. 7, 2013–the U.S. Senate voted 64-32 to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The proposed law would have banned workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people (LGBT). Florida’s Bill Nelson, a Democrat, voted for it. Marco Rubio, a Republican, voted against. Nevertheless, 10 Republican senators joined 52 Democrats and two independents to vote approval. It was a rare show of bi-partisan support.

Written by: Mitch Perry

Last month, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted to include the LGBT community with other protected classes in connection with employment, public accommodations, real estate transactions and county contracting and procurement. The move was hailed by activists who have considered the county to be somewhat in the dark ages when it came to LGBT rights.

Written by:Abraham Galvan

LGBT community leaders and allies on Sunday honored trans teen Jazz Jennings and paid tribute to late businessman Mark Haines at Equality Florida’s annual Broward Gala in Fort Lauderdale.

Hundreds attended the 12th annual gala, held this year at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Panorama Ballroom. Equality Florida raised more than $400,000 at the event, according to Deputy Director Stratton Pollitzer.

Written by: Gwen Filosa

State Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed more appeals in both a federal and state case demanding the right for same-sex couples to marry, reiterating that Florida has every right to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Written by: Morgan Watkins

The Alachua County Commission has joined the city of Gainesville and other local governments in signing onto a friend-of-the-court brief filed in various marriage equality cases in Florida involving the state’s same-sex marriage ban.

The Gainesville City Commission decided to join in the amicus curiae brief in October, and the County Commission followed suit Tuesday. (The friend-of-the-court brief was included as an item on the county’s consent agenda.)

Written by:Jake Stevens

Equality Florida’s 2014 Greater Orlando Gala raised more than $200,000 for the organization on Nov. 14. The event, held at The Mezz in downtown Orlando, boasted a sold-out crowd – nearly 400 guests.

EQFL honored their 2014 Voice for Equality honorees Dr. Kathryn Norsworthy, Ted Maines and Jeff Miller.

To view the photos of the Gala, click here.