LGBTQ advocates say equality is on Florida’s ballot. That’s why Watermark contacted nearly 150 candidates in Central Florida and Tampa Bay for our 2022 election coverage.
We asked them five questions, one open-ended about why readers should support their candidacy and four yes or no questions about LGBTQ civil rights. Read their answers below.
If their response was unclear or wasn’t provided, an asterisks is included in lieu of a Y or N. After multiple attempts to reach each race from the governor’s mansion to local school boards, we received just over 40 responses.
Their answers follow, edited for length and clarity; 33 from Democrats, three from Libertarians, three from races without a party affiliation and two from Republicans. Read our additional coverage of the election here.
Election Day is Nov. 8 and early voting is underway throughout Florida. For information about your polling location and more, visit Vote.org or contact your local Supervisor of Elections at DOS.Elections.MyFlorida.com/Supervisors and 850-245-6200.
FEDERAL & STATE RACES
QUESTION 1: Why should LGBTQ and ally voters support your candidacy?
QUESTION 2: Do you oppose Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” law, widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, restricting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity?
QUESTION 3: Do you oppose Florida’s “The Fairness in Women’s Sports” law, which restricts transgender youth from playing sports that align with their gender identity?
QUESTION 4: Do you support access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender Floridians?
QUESTION 5: Do you support statewide legislation banning conversion therapy, which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
| Position(s) Sought | Candidate(s) | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q5 |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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As governor, I will defend LGBTQ+ rights across the State of Florida every single day, including repealing DeSantis’ heinous “Don’t Say Gay” law. All Floridians deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. In September, I unveiled my “Equality for All” plan to deliver for LGBTQ+ Floridians, so they can have the freedom to live and work in the Sunshine State, free from discrimination and hate. As a Congressman and the proud Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I also led the charge against the initial failures for the Monkeypox response as the first elected official of either party to call on the Biden Administration to take stronger action. The health and safety of all Floridians will always be a top priority. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I first became involved in politics because of LGBTQ issues, and as a member of the Florida Legislature, I sponsored or co-sponsored every meaningful piece of pro-LGBTQ legislation (including being the lead sponsor of the repeal of DOMA). Government does not belong in anyone’s bedroom, and has no right to tell any family if they are “allowed” in public or not. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I am an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. I strongly believe that we all deserve to be happy and live fulfilling lives. No one should be targeted, oppressed or discriminated against because of who they are. When elected, Florida voters can count on me to be the voice they need through advocacy. To showcase my commitment to these values, my campaign brought aboard a member of the LGBTQ community – Mr. Elijah Manley, who is our statewide LGBTQIA+ Coordinator. Mr. Manley leads our efforts to engage, mobilize and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community, foster strong relationships, and ensure that LGBTQIA+ residents receive effective advocacy statewide. Furthermore, the current Commissioner, Nikki Fried, has a statewide advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. I have already met and had a very informative conversation with him. When elected as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will keep that position. I can assure you that my opponent will not. As Commissioner, I will promote and advance pro-equality policies through an advocate for the community at the state level, whose responsibility will be to engage, inform, educate and keep my administration aware of rising concerns, opportunities and the resources that members of the LGBTQIA+ community need from their commissioner of agriculture and consumer services. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I am a person who believes that all people, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity, should be protected and respected equally by the criminal justice system. Prosecutors are very much going to be on the frontlines in the culture wars the Florida Legislature has clearly indicated it intends to continue to wage in the coming years. … I will fight back. I intend to protect women and the LGBTQ community from these attacks. When I say I will fight back, I mean that. I have been a public defender for nearly 15 years, in the trenches, fighting for equality and justice. My record speaks for itself. … No one should feel as though the criminal justice system isn’t designed to protect him or her or them. I will prosecute crimes committed and motivated by hate with the utmost zeal, and I want to partner with organizations already designed to advocate for the LGBTQ community to help those of us in law enforcement learn how to better effectively prevent crimes aimed at the LGBTQ community. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I firmly believe that no one should be discriminated against for who they love, their gender identity, their religion, race and color of their skin. I’m a proud co-sponsor of the Equality Act and the Respect for Marriage Act and I believe that Florida deserves better than Senator Marco Rubio who thinks a vote on marriage equality is a “stupid waste of time.” | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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I am the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate and the Libertarian party has long been a leader on many LGBTQ issues, supporting marriage equality from the time the party was founded in 1971, roughly 40 years before the national Democratic Party. The protection of individual liberty is to the benefit of all groups, including the LGBTQ community and there is no more consistent and principled advocate for individual rights in this race than myself. | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I think LGBTQ and ally voters should support my candidacy because I actually believe ALL people should be treated equally by the government. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I am proud to support LGBTQ equality in marriage, healthcare, education, the workplace, voting rights, housing and other areas of our society, across the board. I was honored to vote for the Equality Act and all other pro-LGBTQ bills before me in Congress. I am a Vice Chair of the U.S. Equality Caucus and help foster its current and new priorities. I also actively seek out input from LGBTQ leaders on ways to empower to the community. I’ve also spoke out and acted against anti-LGBTQ laws and rhetoric in our state. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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We are in a time where we need more than allies. We need partners and we need accomplices in every struggle we’re talking about. From gun violence to queer liberation to ensuring we protect our climate and environment. For too long we’ve let our politicians have a pass if they tweet “Happy Pride Month” or “Don’t Say Gay,” and yes this is important but the question is what are we doing when it’s not in the news? What are we doing when the general public isn’t paying attention to this struggle that’s going on with our LGBTQ+ community? So my commitment is to be a real partner and to be in the trenches when it’s not in the news. The reality is our country tends to have a short attention span with all of these important issues, so we need our leaders to be the opposite of that. To always be talking about it, to always be bringing it up and to always be educating their constituents on it. My support to the LGBTQ+ community is more than just tweets, it’s more than just co-sponsoring legislation in D.C., it’s going to be to work and do what needs to be done. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I believe that one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity should have no bearing or influence on a person’s rights to live a life free of restriction and undue interference from the government. I will work in Congress to support and enact policies and programs that protect LGBTQ communities, increase community engagement and open doors of opportunity. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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The Libertarian Party has been standing up for LGBTQ rights since its founding in 1971, which is just one reason I’m a member of this party (you may have seen us marching in the Pride Parade this year.) I was raised in a family that was friends with gay couples whom they would invite over for Sunday dinner, so I have felt myself to be a friend, neighbor and ally to the community since my youth. To the meat of the question, I wholly reject any effort to regulate the way consenting adults live their lives, as long as no one else is harmed by their actions, and will stand in opposition to any such legislation. I will push for a Constitutional amendment declaring that the government shall make no law impacting one’s ability to get married, adopt, immigrate or maintain custody of one’s child based on race, sexual orientation, preference, gender or gender identity. | N | Y | Y | N |
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I think voters should choose me, regardless of their sexual orientation, because the Democrats have absolutely destroyed the economy in less than two years. Gas prices and violent crime have skyrocketed. I literally don’t care what consenting adults do, I want less federal government, more freedom and total equality for all. | * | * | * | * |
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Since my service on the Hillsborough County Commission and throughout my service in Congress, I have stood up for equal rights for all, and against discrimination. I will continue to lead my colleagues towards achieving real and lasting change for Tampa Bay and communities across America. I believe that no one should be discriminated against – period – and especially based upon who they love. I will continue to fight in Congress for equal rights that all Americans deserve and the protections they need to help our nation and community grow. I have long championed equal rights and diversity in Tampa Bay. As a Hillsborough County Commissioner in 2005, I was the sole vote against a resolution to ban Gay Pride observations. While in Congress, I joined an amicus brief to support overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, which was struck down in 2013. Before the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Obergefell v. Hodges, a landmark case for marriage equality nationwide, I was honored and humbled to host a wedding for a Tampa same-sex couple in my Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C., providing a haven to establish a lifelong bond. I am also a member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus in Congress. | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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LGBTQ rights are human rights and our constitution provides all people equal protection under the law. In Congress, I will fight to ensure that these rights are not infringed on by advocating for the passing of the Equality Act. Now more than ever it is critical that we elect officials who will protect these rights. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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Everyone deserves full constitutional equality. I oppose all discrimination and segregation on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes in marriage and family matters, housing, public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, credit and other areas. In contrast, Vern Buchanan (R-FL16) consistently votes against equality for members of the LGBTQ community. Among other things, last year he voted against the Equality Act (H.R. 5) and just a few weeks ago against the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404). | Y | Y | Y | Y |
CENTRAL FLORIDA RACES
QUESTION 1: Why should LGBTQ and ally voters support your candidacy?
QUESTION 2: Do you oppose Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” law, widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, restricting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity?
QUESTION 3: Do you oppose Florida’s “The Fairness in Women’s Sports” law, which restricts transgender youth from playing sports that align with their gender identity?
QUESTION 4: Do you support access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender Floridians?
QUESTION 5: Do you support statewide legislation banning conversion therapy, which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
| Position Sought | Candidate | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q5 |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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As a multi-time recipient of Watermark’s WAVE award for “Greatest Ally to the LGBTQ Community,” I have continued to prove my long standing support for inclusion and diversity. For years I have pushed for funding to LGBTQ organizations and strongly opposed legislation that targets the rights of and works to silence the LGBTQ community. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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Equality is my guiding principle and I will always remain actively committed towards full equality for LGBTQ+ Floridians. As a strong ally, I am committed to educating myself on issues facing LGBTQ+ Floridians, standing up against policies and laws that negatively impact the community, and working to create and ensure safe and welcoming spaces in our schools and institutions. I will always work to make sure that LGBTQ+ Floridians are heard, included and represented. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. I am an LGBTQ+ ally who will fight against all forms of discrimination against the community. The “Don’t Say Gay” law and attacks against transgender people are an embarrassment to the state of Florida. I want to be a part of a new wave of elected officials who will ensure that Florida law protects the community, including marriage rights. I have been endorsed by Rainbow SemDems and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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Representation matters and as Florida’s first LGBTQ Latino lawmaker, I have stood up as an authentic voice for queer Floridians in the Florida legislature for six years and dedicated my life to fighting for fairness and equality for all Floridians. State Government under Governor Ron DeSantis is being weaponized against our community for political gain, and we need champions in the legislature who understand the consequences of hatred and bigotry and who are ready to defend our right to exist. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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The legislature’s recent attacks on our LGBTQ community target vulnerable youth and invent problems where there are none, putting LGBTQ people at risk while ignoring the actual challenges facing our community. I am committed to standing up for our LGBTQ community members and allies by countering the extreme anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and laws coming from Tallahassee, such as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” Law. I will fight for legislation that addresses the actual challenges facing our community by restoring and defending reproductive choice, supporting our LGBTQ youth and expanding access to LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare, and making sure our district remains a safe and affordable place to live. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I don’t just consider myself to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community – I like to call myself an accomplice, meaning we’re going to be in this fight for equality longterm and go to jail together if necessary. I fight like hell to defend LGBTQ+ people because as a cis-hetero person it is my responsibility to do so. As a woman of color I also know what it feels like to be sidelined and marginalized and I refuse for the next generation of Floridians to ever feel that way. With Pulse Nightclub in my district, I lead with the focus of honoring those no longer with us through action. We do this by defending access to life-saving care, prohibiting discrimination at all levels, addressing economic disparities and ensuring every Floridian – no matter who they love or what bathroom they use – can reach their fullest potential. At a time where Republican politicians are triggered by rainbows and books about diversity are being banned, we need folks who are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ lives now more than ever. I am proud to do that everyday and would be honored to continue earning your support. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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LGBTQ+ voters and allies should support my candidacy because I will be an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Tallahassee as I have been throughout my political career. The truth is that our state has seen hateful legislation that targets our LGBTQ+ youth and community in general these past years, which is why now it is more important than ever to be unapologetic in our fight against these efforts and in support of the rights of our community. As a legislator, I will fight to repeal the “Don’t Say Gay” law and the laws that prohibit our trans youth from participating in sports. Additionally, I will make sure my office is prepared to help LGBTQ+ constituents and make diversity and inclusion one of our pillars. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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During my two years in the legislature I have fought and proposed amendments for the Parental Rights in Education law and the Fairness in Women’s Sports law. The “Fairness in Women’s Sports” law was heard first in my Education Committee and I was the only one who proposed six amendments to make that horrible legislation not as damaging. In 2021, I sponsored Legislation to repeal (remove) the Trans Sports Ban legislation. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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When I say I am returning all power to the people, I mean it. Our LGBTQ+ community has been viciously attacked by Republicans in the Florida legislature. Additionally, I have been deeply tied to the LGBTQ+ community since my birth. Both of my parents worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York’s Greenwich Village community for over 70 combined years. They provided care, comfort and compassion to thousands of patients afflicted with AIDS in their final moments of life, especially during the epidemic’s explosion of the 1980’s. St. Vincent’s Hospital was located in the epicenter of New York’s LGBTQ+ community and was a few short blocks away from the legendary Stonewall Inn. I am forever proud and honored to be the only child of healthcare icons in the LGBTQ+ community. I will work to overturn hate-fueled legislation; ensure patients can receive gender-affirming care; add sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as categories under non-discrimination policies at the state level; invest in housing and services for LGBTQ+ youth displaced by unsupportive households and amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ persons, organizations, and coalitions on the front lines of securing civil rights. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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For several years I have advocated for the LGBTQ community as a volunteer for local LGBTQ-focused nonprofits and as an employee of Miracle of Love. I was an active member of CFAPC in 2008-2009. I am also a former certified Human services counselor who taught safer-sex practices in the community and in the local jails, county and state work release facilities. In this role I performed HIV testing, referral and provided counseling. I am intentional and strategic in my advocacy for all people so that nobody feels left behind or excluded for who they are, who they love or aspire to be. After the Pulse nightclub shooting, as a county employee I facilitated the conversion of the Ryan White Clinic to a space for victims and families impacted by the shooting. This was the start of what would be later named the Orlando United Assistance Center. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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If elected, I would be the first LGBTQ+, Latina student voice on the Orange County School Board. My experience with OCPS as an immigrant student is going to inform my term as a School Board member. Our district has serious communication gaps with Spanish-speaking families so it will be my responsibility to make culturally competent decisions for a large swath of our Hispanic families in Orlando. My parents did not speak English and we relied heavily on my own leadership and my educators’ guidance. I know the importance of community outreach and communication by the district. I was also one of many students who discovered my sexual orientation early on and needed the support of my teachers, as my parents were conservative Catholics. School became my safe space to explore and express myself authentically with my friends. I strive to create a community that cares for and validates the experiences of all our students while promoting and elevating student success. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I went into this race to because someone had to stand up for all the bigotry and discrimination that our government is spreading in our schools. I first ran in the primary against three very conservative Trump and DeSantis backers. As the the receiver of top votes, I moved on to the regular election along with the second runner up in votes. The laws pursued and passed this year are an effort to erase the history of minority and LGBTQ communities and create a divide among our students, parents and schools. Inclusion and respect starts at such a young age and while they have never taught sexuality of any kind to children in K-3rd grade, schools have a role to play in ensuring that all our students feel safe, accepted and loved. Emotional well being is the first hurdle before schools can focus on giving the academic support needed to ensure success of our children daily and in the future. Children need to get excited and motivated to learn each day without fear. This is a personal issue for me as I have seen first hand in my own family and others how stigmatizing and isolating discrimination of this kind can be. Students should be able to see themselves or their families in what they read and be able to show pride in their own identity, or that of their families, instead of fearing retaliation or bullying because of it. If teachers are afraid to provide safe and inclusive classrooms, some of our children will have nowhere to go for support. Our LGBTQ children are so vulnerable to depression and suicide that it imperative that schools play a part in promoting recognition of our differences, acceptance of those differences and valuing what we all have to offer to ourselves and others. As a former veteran, high school math teacher and attorney for low income families, I will be able to break down laws and propose policies that will back up teachers and promote kindness in our schools. I am also running to advocate for our special need students and our teachers and other personnel that make our schools successful every day. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
TAMPA BAY RACES
QUESTION 1: Why should LGBTQ and ally voters support your candidacy?
QUESTION 2: Do you oppose Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” law, widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, restricting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity?
QUESTION 3: Do you oppose Florida’s “The Fairness in Women’s Sports” law, which restricts transgender youth from playing sports that align with their gender identity?
QUESTION 4: Do you support access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender Floridians?
QUESTION 5: Do you support statewide legislation banning conversion therapy, which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
| Position Sought | Candidate | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q5 |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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Being an ally and ensuring the LGBTQ community have equal rights is personal to me. As the mother of a child who is a member of the LGBTQ community, I want my daughter to have equal protections and equal rights. In Tallahassee, I have stood up to extremist politicians that are attempting to stigmatize an already marginalized community. I’ll continue to not just defend the LGBTQ community in the Florida Senate, but also proactively work to ensure that members of this community have equal protection under the law. In addition, the stakes could not be higher for the LGBTQ community in SD-14. My opponent in this race has been handpicked by the same extremist politicians in Tallahassee who are attacking and discriminating against the LGBTQ community. He showed his true colors when he released an advertisement mocking the LGBTQ community and criticizing me for supporting the LGBTQ community. I’ve lived in Tampa my entire life and I know that our community here is one that is welcoming and treats everyone with respect. We deserve a representative in the Florida Senate that knows that. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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For several years we have seen a Republican-led legislature continue to work against the LGBTQ+ community, passing legislation that directly harms our livelihood. This year alone we saw the passing of “Don’t Say Gay,” the elimination of the ability of trans children to play in the sport of their choice, and the Florida Board of Medicine moving to halt access to lifesaving healthcare for trans people. Anyone who believes in equal rights for all must vote for leaders who will support and pass legislation that will protect the LGTBQ community. The fact that I would be the first openly gay woman to serve in the state Senate is a glass ceiling moment that is long past due to shatter. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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Besides being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I sincerely believe that every human being on this planet must be allowed to express themselves freely and to love who they wish without prejudice or some religious zealot imposing their warped views onto others. So why should the community support me? Because I will be your champion in the state Senate. I will also seek help from the federal government not only to ensure we protect our LGBTQ+ families but to ensure that when there is overreach, the federal government can step in and bring a swift end to it. We saw various times in history throughout the Jim Crowe south when the federal government had to intervene to stop that nonsense. I will fight any hateful and backward bill they try to push on the legislature floor that attacks LGBTQ+ rights by working with our incoming-Governor Crist. Also, we will relentlessly work on the offensive to roll back every draconian and bigoted law these fascists have passed that attack the community and put people’s lives in danger. As state Senator, your state Senator, I promise that you will see results, and any geographical lines do not bind me because regardless of where you are, I will be your state Senator and fight against injustices anywhere. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I believe that each all persons should be comfortable in the skin they are in without fear of discrimination for reason of their status, i.e. their race, religion, nationality and, of course, their gender identity. I have a grandchild who came out to me, possibly first, at the age of 13. Now 17, a decision about whether to transition is pending. Regardless of the final decisions made, my desire is to be sure that they are happy, prosperous and affirming ones. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I’m a strong advocate for all members of the LGBTQ community, unlike my opponent. In Tallahassee, I’ll work to reverse the discriminatory legislation we saw pass last year, including the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. I’ll push to ban harmful practices that seek to harm the LGBTQ community and will work to strengthen support for marriage equality. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I’ve been a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ rights. I believe the government should stay out of our personal lives, and who we choose to love should not be regulated by an entity designed to serve us. Flipping this seat from Red to Blue can help us defend against the hateful and homophobic Republican agenda in the legislature. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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NO RESPONSE | * | * | * | * |
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I identify as a Black, Queer woman and it is personally imperative to me that safe spaces are created for everyone to live their life fully and authentically, and that certainly applies to my office. I am committed to ensuring a nondiscriminatory work environment by those who work in or visit my office, allow space and time for personal care for members of staff and emphasize a healthy work-life balance. As a State Representative, I fought vigorously to deliver solutions for the constituents of House District 70 and all Floridians by passing legislation to create jobs and pushing back on anti-trans sports legislation. I will fight for equitable access to affordable healthcare for LGBTQ community members who are often discriminated against by medical professionals causing misdiagnosis or denial/lack of care, especially our seniors who reside in long-term care facilities who may experience abuse or discrimination based on how they identify or who they love. Additionally, as a proud 2020 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, we have to prioritize comprehensive gun reform policy. Too often, our LGBTQ siblings are targets and victims of gun violence because of current laws like the gun show loophole and lack of background checks. We must do more to reduce gun violence. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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I would like the LGBTQ community to support me because I support them. I’m endorsed by the LGBTQ Democratic Caucus of Hillsborough County. My campaign is based on inclusiveness for all. As a human rights activist, my original song “The Story” covers LGBTQ issues as well as many other social and cultural issues. I’ve spoken out against the threat of the Christo-fascist right wing who are constantly creating culture wars and creating laws that discriminate. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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I believe that every Floridian deserves the freedom to be healthy, prosperous and safe. As a result, I have dedicated myself to the business of creating laws that apply fairly to all Floridians and to fighting legislation that would suppress our beautiful and colorful stories. I am a proven ally in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. In the Florida House, as Democratic Policy Chair, I helped organize and lead the fight against the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill. Although we did not have enough votes to block its passage, I was instrumental in helping to make sure the general public knew about this terrible legislation and in building up a record so it can be challenged in court. If re-elected, I will serve as the Leader of the Florida House Democratic Caucus. From that position, I will continue my efforts to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. My opponent in this campaign has clearly expressed her homophobia over social media and has regurgitated attacks against young trans students who only want to play sports in high school. Our state cannot afford another politician who refuses to see the beauty and humanity inherent in every individual, no matter who they are or who they love. |
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As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the plights that LGBTQ voters face. With this, I would support the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (FCWA), adding Gender & Gender ID to hate crime laws, outlawing Gay/Trans panic defenses and outlawing conversion therapy. I will work to combat legislation that attempts to strip basic rights away while working alongside community members to expand their access to healthcare and essential services. Finally, I will support teaching comprehensive, age-appropriate, science-based sex education programs in our public schools. For decades, studies have indicated that teaching abstinence-only sex education proves ineffective in slowing down teen pregnancy rates and STDs. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our youth remain protected from preventable diseases and pregnancies. Members of the LGBTQ+ community should have the same rights as cis and heterosexual individuals. By working directly with the LGBTQ+ community, I will work towards expanding healthcare, education and inclusion initiatives to uplift members and promote equity among all. | Y | Y* | Y | Y |
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Treat people fairly. It shouldn’t be hard. While Tallahassee Republicans try to find even more ways to divide us into categories of identity politics, new ways to twist and pit us against each other, I keep coming back to one underlying truth. We are Americans, and our differences make us stronger. We are not weaker because of Dreamers, but stronger. Our diversity does not hold us back, it empowers us. Who we love is not the business of Tallahassee, but OUR families. Gone should be the days where we use race, gender, sexual orientation and all the other social wedge issues to divide us. We are Americans, and we’re united in our goal of creating a better community for our kids and grandkids. Know that I will ALWAYS vote my values which are outlined here. |
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Thanks for reaching out. I believe everybody is created in God’s image and is entitled to equal dignity. I believe children should not be exposed to the themes in your email. I have nothing further to add, other than my legislative record, and the extant caselaw. Good luck with your article and stay well. | N | N | N | N |
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I have long been an advocate for LGBTQ rights since the first days of the AIDS epidemic. But most publicly, as Largo Mayor, I strongly supported our City Manager, Susan Stanton, when she was beginning to go through her transition and was outed and subsequently fired. It was an ugly period in our city’s history but I like to think it gave people an opportunity to look at their own beliefs and prejudices. The Commission currently has an openly gay person serving his 3rd term. In addition, I am a longtime contributor to Equality Florida, have participated in many Pride parades and trans events, developed programs for LGBTQ youth when serving as COO for Family Resources, and have a daughter who is best described as bisexual. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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I believe it’s about love! And it’s not a choice. My nephew is gay and he told me if it was a choice he would not have chosen to be Black and gay. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
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I’ve been a strong proponent of LGBTQ+ rights and protections, and I’ve got the record to prove it. That’s why organizations like Equality Florida, the FL Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus, and the Hillsborough County Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus are supporting my candidacy. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
You can also view the digital edition of Watermark’s election coverage below.
