Health News You Can Use

Submitted by Brittany on November 26, 2014 - 11:31am

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans are less likely to have access to the same quality coverage as their straight counterparts.

The new health care law addresses some of these disparities and introduces reforms to prevent unfair discrimination by health insurers, but there is still much work to be done!

Florida Republican and Democratic Legislators Renew Attempt to Protect Against Gay Bias

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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.

Bill that would end discrimination against LGBT community in Florida introduced

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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.

BREAKING: Bill Filed To End Statewide LGBT Discrimination

Submitted by Brittany on November 24, 2014 - 3:34pm

Earlier today, Representative Holly Raschein (R- Key Largo) and Democratic Whip Senator Joseph Abruzzo (D- Boynton Beach) filed legislation in the Florida House and Senate respectively that would prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Equality Florida honors trans teen Jazz Jennings, Mark’s List founder Mark Haines

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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.

Alachua County joins friend-of-the-court brief supporting marriage equality

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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.)

Equality Florida 2014 Greater Orlando Gala

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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.