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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
(Phillip Perry, GLBT Mover and Shaker in Florida Politcs)
A poolside cocktail hour sponsored by the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Democratic Caucus was packed with pandering pols! The event drew both Democratic gubernatorial candidates, state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua and U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa. This is a welcome development in a state where politicians are used to whispering support for the GLBT community.
"I don't know if it's just my North Florida twang, but I was asked when I came in here today, 'How comfortable are ya?' Well, I hope you won't quit me," Smith said.
There was a silence after that remark, which references a line from Brokeback Mountain, the movie about two cowboys in love. Then the crowd roared.
Most of the credit for its new-found appreciation is due to gay Democrats, who in reaction to myriad anti-gay political measures, have recently refined their political prowess. Dozens of new GLBT chapters have been reorganized or newly created, including in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. In about two years, the GLBT has gone from an excuse for a social gathering into a sizable political voice with ample money and time.
Keep up the good work! The Sunshine State needs to keep spreading light on the dark conservative politics that have recently haunted the state.
3 Comments:
I've had a feeling for a time, that the political tide is beginning to shift. Grant it, in most venues gay people are still cartoons, but we are at least beginning to get more positive media. Florida is such an important state in this political battle. Good to see this article.
posted by jekelhyde, at
7/20/2006 8:19 PM
yea, pray for us in Florida. We are split in half politically. And 2008 will bring one of those lovely anti marriage amendments.... here's hopeing we can sway/educate enuff people by then.
posted by Anonymous, at
7/22/2006 10:14 PM
