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Dear Friend,

I am reaching out to let you know of our difficult decision to change our much anticipated Champions of Equality Gala on September 23rd from in-person to a virtual event. Amid the seriousness of the global pandemic and Delta variant driving surges of infections in Florida, we feel strongly that this is the right thing for the safety of our community. The crowd size and indoor component of the gala were the driving factors in our decision. Following the success of last year’s virtual gala, and with a stellar lineup of honorees and speakers, we are determined to make it even bigger and better. The hard work of our staff and volunteers continues.

Participation in the event is free; donations are kindly encouraged and can be made here. All proceeds from the event will support SAVE’s work to protect people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) against discrimination.

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Today, Equality Florida, Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE), SAGE, and other LGBTQ leaders and organizations accepted a meeting request from Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar to discuss her positions on LGBTQ equality. Earlier this year Representative Salazar shocked our community when she voted against the Equality Act, profoundly important legislation that would finally establish in federal statutes comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Collectively, our organizations believe our progress is built in dialogue and the exchange of ideas, but also that it is essential for Representative Salazar to understand how disappointing her vote and lack of leadership on LGBTQ rights has been.

Unfortunately, the representative had a shallow analysis of the Equality Act and we expect that a member of congress who represents one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the country understands the important balance that must be struck between LGBTQ equality and religious freedom. The Equality Act strikes that balance.

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Applications are now open for the 2021 Freidin Brown, P.A. & SAVE Social Justice Scholarships!

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This year, state legislators across the United States have introduced 35 bills restricting transgender youth from participating in sports aligned with their gender identity.

In Florida, HB 1475, seeking to ban transgender athletes from participating in sex-segregated athletics passed the Florida House and died in the Senate. An amendment was added at the last moment to SB 1028 and was passed by the Republican majority — amid an outcry from Democrats during the controversial late-night session.

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We need your help. Florida Senate Bill 2012 seeks to prohibit trans students, particularly trans girls, from participating in sports by forcing trans children to prove their gender despite already living as their authentic selves.

Hate filled bills like SB 2012 have popped up in 25 states this year after Trump blew the conservative dog whistle last month at CPAC. We need you to contact your State Senator now.

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