The theme for Pride 2023 is "Come Together." This theme is a call to action for the LGBTQIA+
community and our allies to come together and celebrate our diversity. It also means that we
need to unite and do the work that is required to help the community survive and thrive. Pride
is more than festivals, parades, and rainbow merch. Pride is more than any single month of the
year. Pride is an action word and the time to act is now.
This year, Pride Month is even more important than ever here in Florida. We know that we are
the epicenter of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and rhetoric but we are also seeing a rise in
intimidation and violence against LGBTQIA+ people. This past legislative session we watched in
horror as some of the most hateful, regressive bills ever introduced were signed into law. Laws
that ban gender affirming care, attack the drag community, and give healthcare providers a
“license to discriminate”. And that is only naming some of the most egregious ones. These laws
are discriminatory and harmful, and are a setback for society as a whole. Imagine laws being
passed that attack the very essence of who you are just because someone in power doesn’t like
it. This past legislative session made it clear that the LGBTQIA+ community now has a target on
its back and we have more work to do.
The Space Coast LGBTA Democratic Caucus is here to do the work but we need your support.
The letters in our name represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies in our
community. Yes, the “A” is for Ally. The caucus has always recognized the immense importance
of our allies in our efforts to build a better Brevard. Our members agree that we should stand
up for equal rights, promote the ideals of the Democratic Party, and work toward a more
inclusive community. Our mission statement is to Educate, Advocate, Support, and Elect. As a
chartered chapter of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus we are the local folks doing the
activities to uphold this mission. There are 21 chapters around the state that are working hard
but we all know that it starts LOCAL. And it can start with you.
Just what kind of things are the Space Coast LGBTA Dems doing? We have a monthly meeting
with a full agenda of updates, action items, planning, and guest speakers. Our last meeting was
one of the largest. We sent members to participate in Lobby Days in Tallahassee to meet with
legislators and staff to share our concerns. We table at events around the county to raise
awareness, gain new members, and have VBM/petitions signed. We leverage social media,
email, and online meetings to get messaging out. We support organizations that align with our
values like Space Coast Pride, Progressive Alliance, PFLAG, and Awake Brevard. Our members
are also volunteering in our community with things like the upcoming coastal cleanup. And now
more than ever we are working to grow our membership because there is strength in numbers.
You can be as involved or not as you wish. Our annual membership fee is only $10. We also
have the coolest rainbow rocket pins available for a small donation.
If you do want more information about the caucus or how you can get involved, please reach
out.
Here are some ways to celebrate Pride Month:
- Attend a Pride parade or festival such as Space Coast Pride Sept 23 rd
- Join the Space Coast LGBTA Democratic Caucus (shameless plug – see above)
- Contact your elected officials. Let them know that you oppose anti-LGBTQ laws and that
you will vote for candidates who support equality. - Donate to LGBTQ+ organizations.
- Volunteer your time to LGBTQ+ organizations. You can help with a variety of tasks, such
as organizing events, canvassing, and phone banking. - Educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues. The more people know about LGBTQ+
people, the less likely they are to support anti-LGBTQ laws. - Speak out against anti-LGBTQ discrimination. If you see or hear someone being
discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, speak up. - Support businesses that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. When you spend your money,
choose businesses that are welcoming to all customers. - Be an ally. Let LGBTQ+ people know that you support them and that you are there for
them.
We celebrate Pride in June but LGBTQ+ issues are important all year, every year. Our goals for 2023 and beyond are to grow our membership, participate in our community, and help candidates win elections.
I would like to personally invite you to join us at our next meeting. It will be held Tuesday, June 27th at 6:30pm at the Cocoa Library.
Jason McCloy
Space Coast LBTA Dems President
~ Educate, Advocate, Support, and Elect ~
