Tampa–Equality Florida will present Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner with the 2015 Voice for Equality Award at the Ninth Annual Tampa Gala for his leadership efforts in helping progress LGBT legislation in Hillsborough County.
Beckner was elected as the first openly gay person to hold office in Hillsborough County in 2008. Beckner, a couple months into holding office, introduced a domestic partner registry to the county, which was shot down by a 5-2 vote.
It wasn’t until 2014 that the DPR passed with an unanimous vote, with reversing votes from Commissioners Victor Crist, Sandy Murman and Al Higginbotham—all Republicans—since the last vote in 2013.
Beckner also introduced legislation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the county’s human rights ordinance. It was approved in October 2014.
He also encouraged the board to reverse an earlier decision to prohibit Hillsborough County from participating in or recognizing LGBT Pride events.
More than 600 people are expected to attend the Tampa Gala at the TPepin’sHospitality Centre. Tickets can be purchased at EQFL.org/TampaGala, or call 813-870-3735.
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