ABOVE: State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani at Lake Eola in Orlando. (Photo by Jake Stevens)
ORLANDO | Equality Florida will honor state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D-47) with the Voice of Equality Award during its annual Orlando Gala Oct. 30.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year’s gala will be virtual.
“Despite the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic, our Steering & Host Committees have planned an incredible virtual Gala and we hope to see you there,” said Brandon Wolf, Equality Florida’s media relations manager, in the gala preview guide.
The Voice for Equality Award is an annual recognition of an individual who “moves Florida’s LGBTQ community closer to full equality” with courage, passion and unwavering commitment.
Eskamani was chosen for this award, Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement, due to her being an “unwavering accomplice for the LGBTQ community.”
“Both in her career as an advocate and as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, she has been unapologetic in her demand that LGBTQ Floridians be afforded the same dignity, respect and protections as everyone else,” Smith said.
Eskamani has remained unwavering in her support of LGBTQ issues even while being attacked for her stance by her Republican opponent, Jeremy Sisson, in this current election. Sisson sent mailers to male voters touting that he is against same-sex marriage and transgender rights.
“We are proud to work alongside her to make equality the law of the land — and are thrilled to recognize her as one of this year’s Voices for Equality,” Smith said.
The event will also recognize outgoing One Orlando Alliance Executive Director Jennifer Foster with the Voice For Equality Award. Foster, who helped to establish the LGBTQ coalition after the 2016 tragedy at Pulse, became its inaugural executive director in 2018.
“Thanks to her big-hearted leadership, LGBTQ organizations that once worked in siloes were able to come together and reshape the path forward for Central Florida,” said Wolf, also a shooting survivor from Pulse. “We all owe an immense debt of gratitude to Jennifer — a true champion.”
Foster stepped down as executive director for One Orlando Alliance Oct. 8, after a two-year stint in the role. The coalition announced Josh Bell as its new executive director Oct. 12.
Equality Florida’s Virtual Orlando Gala will feature a State of the State address by Smith, entertainment, a silent auction, special guests and more. The event will be livestreamed Oct. 30 from 8-9:30 p.m. on Equality Florida’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
