The 2023 Winter Conference of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus at
The Reinassance Airport Hotel in Orlando is around the corner!

February 24 – 26

Florida Democrats and the LGBTQ+ community are under fire from Republicans intent on erasing us and our values from the Sunshine State.
What do we do?
Rise Up!

Join the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus in Orlando February 24-26 for our 2023 Winter Conference. Our sessions and speakers will point the way for our party and our community and outline the challenges facing us in the upcoming legislative session.

You’ll hear from all the candidates running for FDP chair, one of whom will be elected this weekend to rebuild the party. We’ll have panels on how to engage young people, who are our next generation of leaders, and on the new frontline battle on LGBTQ+ and personal freedom issues — Florida’s school boards. We’ll also have a training session from ActBlue on digital fundraising, plus we’ll also hear from a ton of elected officials and policymakers who want to hear from you!

The in-person event with a virtual Livestream option brings together activists, allies, advocates, candidates, elected officials, and policymakers for a weekend of planning and networking.

Why does this matter?
We must RISE UP together now more than ever here in Florida after the 2022 Midterm Elections!

“The contrast of visions for Florida cannot be any starker,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. “While Democrats work to lift up and support the diverse community of Floridians, Republicans shamefully hurt their own constituents with culture war attacks designed to distract from Republican inaction on economic issues.”

Our program is in development, and speakers are being added daily. Early registration and ticket prices are in effect until Friday, February 3, at 4 PM. Our special hotel room block runs through that time too and is first come, first served. The event program, ticket, registration, and room links are below.

Registration and Ticketing

For event ticket prices, purchasing, and registration for the membership meeting, click here.

All events and meetings are open press, excluding our Saturday afternoon caucus membership meeting and Sunday drag brunch.
Conference registration includes the Friday Welcome Reception, Saturday’s Continental Breakfast, and Saturday’s Lunch.
We have a virtual ticket option that lets you see everything that occurs on Saturday during the conference for those that cannot attend in-person.
Our membership meeting is open to all registered Democrats, although only active Caucus members may participate in voting.
- Renew your caucus membership for 2023 and make your voice heard!
- Not sure if your membership is active? Please send us an email at info@lgbtqdems.org.
All registration fees and tickets are non-refundable.

Venue Location

The Renaissance Airport Hotel (5445 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812) is a spacious venue allowing for ample social distancing during all programming portions. (Face masks are optional) The conference is open to all registered Democrats.

The Renaissance Airport Hotel offers a discounted room rate of $189/night for a limited number of rooms. The hotel stay includes complimentary internet in your room, meeting room internet, and self-parking. A savings of $140.85 if you were to stay Friday thru Sunday.

The last day to reserve in the caucus room block is Friday, February 3, at 4 PM ET and rooms are first come, first serve.

Click here to book your room.

All funds raised at our Winter Conference support our GOTV campaign fund to elect pro-equality candidates and promote pro-equality policies.

Event Program

Welcome Reception

Friday, February 24
6:30 – 8:30 PM

Includes Hors D’oeuvres and Drinks

Special Guests

Anna Eskamani, Florida Representative District 42
Jerry Demings, Mayor of Orange County
Buddy Dyer, Mayor of The City of Orlando
Val Demings, Former Congresswoman
FDP Chair candidates

Conference

Saturday, February 25
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch

Conference Breakfast – Opening Speakers

Stephen Gaskill, President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus
Matthew Inman, President of the Rainbow Democrats of Orange County
Dawn Curtis, Chair of the Orange Democrats
Lynn Moira Dictor, Chair of the Seminole Democrats

2023 Legislative Outlook – How Much Worse Will It Get?

Victor Torres, Jr., State Senator District 15
Rita Harris, State Representative District 44
Carlos Guillermo Smith, Former State Representative
Nathan Bruemmer, Legislative Director for the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

The State of Hate: Hate Crimes on the Rise in Florida

Nicole Wilson, Orange County Commissioner District 1
Deborah Bowie, Executive Director of OnePulse Foundation
Ashley Figueroa, Executive Director of Gay Officers Action League Central Florida
Rindala Alajaji, Public Policy Associate – Equality Florida

Reading, Writing, Republicanism — The Real Indoctrination in Our Schools

Johanna Lopez, State Representative District 43
Maria Salamanca, Orange County School Board District 2
Jennifer Jenkins, Brevard County School Board
Kila Murphy, Former Orange County School Board Candidate
Carol Cleaver, VP of Emerald Coast Equality LGBTQ Democratic Caucus and VP of the Escambia Ed. Ass.