FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2019

FLORIDA LGBTQ+ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CELEBRATES THE LIVES OF TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS LOST TO SENSELESS VIOLENCE

DELRAY BEACH FL – Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the memory of those who lost their lives from anti-transgender prejudice. According to a new Human Rights Campaign report, 22 transgender people have been murdered in the United States in 2019. Three of those victims were Floridians.

Ellie Marie Washtock
Shot on 1/31/19 in World Golf Village, FL

Marquis “Kiki” Fantroy
Shot on 7/31/19 in Miami, FL

Bee Love Slater
Burned on 9/4/19 in Clewiston, FL

Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement for Transgender Day of Remembrance and to honor the lives that we’ve lost:

“On Transgender Day of Remembrance we honor courageous individuals who dared to live the lives they were meant to live, but whose time with us was cut short. We are all accountable for ensuring acceptance, raising awareness, and providing support for our community, and in that respect today is a reminder that we have failed.

“The LGBTQ community in Florida is diverse, and that diversity is our strength. We stand united with Florida’s transgender community, and particularly our transgender women of color, who have been the target of deadly violence. Our thoughts are with them today, and our actions will support them always.”

Chapters of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus are taking part in vigils across the state:

Stonewall Democrats of Alachua County

Depot Park, Gainesville, FL
7:00 p.m.

Dolphin Democrats (Broward)

The Pride Center
2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
7:00 p.m.

Emerald Coast Equality LGBTA Democratic Caucus (Escambia)

Cactus Flower Cafe, 3425 North 12th Avenue in East Hill
7:30 p.m.

Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus

Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center
2227 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33713
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Lee County LGBTA Democratic Caucus

Old Court House Steps: 2120 Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Capital Equality Democratic Caucus (Leon)

Cascades Park, Downtown Tallahassee
6:00 p.m.

Rainbow Democrats (Orange)

Valencia College East Campus
701 N Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, 32825
2:00 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.

Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of the Palm Beaches

Vigil for Bee Love Slater*
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
1977 SW College Dr, Belle Glade, Florida 33430
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

*State Caucus President Stephen Gaskill will participate in this event

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center
2227 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33713
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is an arm of the Florida Democratic Party representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Democrats. The Caucus has 19 chapters across Florida, from Miami to Jacksonville to the Panhandle. More information is on our website, www.floridalgbtademocrats.org.