Equality Florida’s virtual fundraiser Equality LIVE raised $56,817 on April 26, reaching nearly 20,000 viewers during its live broadcast.
The nearly eight-hour event paid tribute to the organization’s five communities where annual fundraisers were cancelled in response to COVID-19. LGBTQ community leaders, entertainers and allies highlighted Palm Beach, Tallahassee, Key West, Miami and St. Petersburg.
“WOW! We are still in awe of all our supporters who made yesterday’s Equality LIVE event a resounding success,” Equality Florida shared April 27.
Each segment of the virtual event detailed Equality Florida’s statewide initiatives, from defeating legislation that would strip LGBTQ Floridians of nondiscrimination protections to showcasing its Safe and Healthy Schools programming. Advocates have trained more than 22,000 school district officials to date.
Leaders also highlighted their work in supporting the transgender community, ending the stigma that impedes the work of ending HIV and more.
“We know this work remains vital especially as we head into an election year where Florida will decide who occupies the White House for the next four years and whether the Florida legislature adds champions or opponents of equal rights,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith shared.
“In the coming days, we expect a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that could push us backwards or muddy the water when it comes to nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ community,” she continued. “We are also expecting a federal court ruling on conversion therapy bans. We must be prepared to do everything in our power to stop that barbaric practice and secure our rights even if the courts fail to protect us.”
Equality Florida has until April 30 to secure additional donations which are being matched 100% by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “The funds come at a crucial time when the cancellation of five of Equality Florida’s largest annual fundraisers had created a nearly half-million dollar projected shortfall,” Smith shared. “I love this work and I love this fearless and relentless team.”
You can watch Equality LIVE in full below, which features appearances from Grammy and Tony Award winners, fan favorite performers, local politicians and a special message from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.
For more information about Equality Florida, visit their website. For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.
