FLORIDA DIGEST - June 07, 2009

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

Equality Florida
http://eqfl.org/

"No Excuses. No Delays." Do we really mean it?
by Nadine Smith, Executive Director
At a recent speaking engagement, I asked a group of people, "What would the world be like if, from the day you were born, prejudice had never touched your lives?" No homophobic bullying in school. Supportive families at homes No trans-bashing humor on TV. No workplace discrimination. Equal treatment of all families regardless or orientation or gender identity. No closet, ever, because you had never, ever needed one. Most of the people responded by talking about new laws that would be in effect but they struggled to name the deeper, more personal impact on the texture of their daily lives.
A few talked about what they would no longer fear but struggled to articulate what affirmative would replace those fears. [Contact Ray's List for the full article.]

Come Celebrate Stonewall Street Festival
with Equality Florida!
As a member of our Stonewall Pride Team you will have the opportunity to talk to all sorts of the fun and friendly people. Here's your chance to take a stand and get a tan. Take a stand for equality and have fun in the sun with family and friends. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers who care about equality and who are willing to share their enthusiasm with others. Volunteer shifts typically last three hours, and involve engaging passers-by, signing up new members, and spreading the word about Equality Florida’s work. The work is easy and fun, and one of the best ways to get others involved! WE NEED YOUR HELP - Just click the link to sign up as a volunteer - Stonewall Street Festival June 20-21
https://indigo501.wufoo.com/forms/stonewall-street-festival/


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PRIDE SOUTH FLORIDA ANNOUNCES 2009 GRANT AWARDS
2009 Grant Recipients
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – June 1, 2009 – Pride South Florida, Inc., the 501 © 3 non-profit organization run by unpaid volunteers that supports a variety of groups who work to promote charitable activities, educational programs, and cultural arts for the GLBT community, is delighted to announce their 2009 Grant Award recipients. As a result of this year's successful “Destination Pride” festival, fifteen (15) qualifying grant requests/proposals were submitted to PSF. After careful consideration and an equitable election process, its Board of Directors selected ten groups for funding for over $24,000. The organizations, awarded dollar amounts, and their grant's missions are listed below.
**2009 Pride Grants
1- Red Hispana Florida – $1,500 - To preserve GLBT pre-AIDS era films which also serve as documentary of our lifestyles.
2- Tuesday's Angels - $2,500 – To provide emergency assistance in the form of eyeglasses to financially needy people with HIV/AIDS.
3- KP Productions - $2,500 – To continue the outreach program providing live musical entertainment to the GLBT community and seniors in our community.
4- Arts United - $2,500 – Sponsorship for Art Explosion 2010. 5- The Names Project South Florida (The Aids Memorial Quilt) - $2,500 – To preserve, care, and use the AIDS Memorial Quilt to foster healing, heighten awareness, and inspire in the struggle against HIV and AIDS.
6- Transgender Equality Rights Initiatives (TERI) - $2,500 – To provide educational, social support and outreach.
7- Sunshine Cathedral /MCC - $2,500 – to purchase follow spotlights for use at community concerts and events held at Sunshine Cathedral.
8- South Florida Musical Guild Inc. - $2,500 - To support the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble Fall Concert entitled “Incantations”.
9- Church of The Holy Spirit Song - $2,500 – To fund the COHSS food pantry.
10- Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus - $2,500 – To assist with four concert series during the upcoming season.

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Florida Democratic Party
Karen Thurman Honors PRIDE Month; Reaffirms Democrats' Commitment To GLBT Equality
Tallahassee, FL - As Floridians honor the contributions on the of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community by celebrating PRIDE Month, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement: "During this month-long celebration of PRIDE and throughout the year, Florida Democrats are fighting for equality and civil rights for all residents of the Sunshine State. "As the Party of inclusion, Democrats know that all are created equal and we have fought against discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability. "Over the past several years, Democrats stood up to change Washington. In doing so, the cause of ending discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans has taken a giant leap forward. [Contact Ray's List for the full article.]


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Stonewall Library & Archives - Ft. Lauderdale
We need you!
Stonewall will be participating in this year's Stonewall Street Festival
Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale 0 June 20 and 21
Stonewall will have a contingent in the evening parade, Saturday, June 20, 7:00 PM, and we will have an information/membership booth on Sunday, June 21, Noon -7:00 PM.
If you would like to join in the festivities and are able to volunteer your time please let me know.
jack-rutland@stonewall-library.org
954-763-8565
http://www.stonewall-library.org/

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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

In commemoration of the one year anniversary of Broward County adding Gender Identity and Expression as a protected class to Broward County's Human Rights Bill, TERI, the Transgender Equality Rights Initiatives has announced the recipient of it inaugural college scholarship. The winner of the 2009 TERI scholarship is Alexandra Vivas of Davie, FL. Ms Vivas is a junior at FIU, working towards a degree in Social Work. Her focus is in advocating for the international transgender community, especially in Spanish speaking countries, which have shown a reduced tolerance for the transgender population. The scholarship was open to transgender individuals and allies to the transgender community. Priority was given to transgender students, but students pursuing medicine, law, social work, psychology, education, public health, etc. and who want to work specifically with the transgender population, advocating on their behalf and providing comprehensive services were encouraged to apply. The scholarship is for future (new students beginning summer semester), current Broward College students, and BC alumni who are pursuing a Bachelor's degree at a University. The scholarship will be for Summer Semester 2009. The award amount is $500 and was given in its entirety to one student. TERI funding for this scholarship was made possible by a grant from PRIDE South Florida. (PRIDEFEST)

EDITOR MICHAEL MONTLACK TO SPEAK ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK MY DIVA
AT STONEWALL LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
Saturday, June 13, 2:00 PM
On Saturday, June 13, at 2:00 PM, Stonewall will welcome editor Michael Montlack who will be reading from his new book, "My Diva: 65 Gay Men on the Women Who Inspire Them." The essayists encompass a wide swath of experience, from poets and professors to novelists and activists. The range of the subjects of their adoration are no less varied.Please join us on Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 PM for this chance to hear Michael Montlack read selections from his book. The event will include light refreshments and is free and open to the public. Stonewall is located at 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.


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Dolphin Democrats - Ft. Lauderdale
The Dolphin Democrats Host “Presidential Pride Reception”
Event to Feature the Current and Former Presidents of the GLBT Democratic Club
WILTON MANORS, FL—The Dolphin Democrats, Florida’s largest and oldest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Democratic Club, is hosting its annual “Presidential Pride Reception” on Sunday, June 7th at 5pm. With over 400 members, the Dolphin Democrats is the largest GLBT political club in Florida and one of the strongest in the nation. Please join us as we celebrate our success, honor our leaders, and plan for the future in this year of renaissance for the Dolphin Democrats.
Sunday, June 7th, 2009 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
At the Home of - Julie Carson and Susan Pierce
1500 NE 24th Street - Wilton Manors, Florida
Member $10.00 • Non Member $20.00
FREE Entry with $30.00 Membership Renewal
Press is welcome to attend.


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Stonewall Street Festival - Wilton Manors
Stonewall Street Festival - 40th Anniversary
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which is internationally recognized as the catalyst for the modern gay rights movement. We send out the call to everyone to join us in honoring this historic event. The Stonewall Committee needs volunteers for this wonderful event. If you are interested, please contact Marc Hanson at marc@stonewallstreetfestival.com


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Crist leading over Rubio for US Senate seat, poll shows
Florida Today - 06/06/09

Crist's high court pick puts him in political center
Miami Herald - 06/06/09

On offshore oil, a cracked door
Florida Today - 06/06/09

FLORIDA DMS HEADING TOWARD MAJOR PRIMARY
St. Petersburg Times - 06/05/09

A Brief History of the Radical, Violent Right: How Racist Hate Groups Joined up With Abortion Terrorists
AlterNet - 06/06/09

Florida's fourth black Supreme Court justice sworn in
Sun-Sentinel - 06/06/09

Obama's 2012 Florida strategy
Miami Herald - 06/06/09

Lower medical costs will boost economy
Miami Herald - 06/06/09


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