Bio:
Stand Up Florida began in April of 2009. It started with five original members and has grown from a statewide organization to a nationwide organization reaching thousands of people. It is a true grassroots organization meaning all of the members volunteer their time and effort. Members of Stand Up Florida believe fighting for equality is not a job, but a necessity.
2009 Events
National Equality March, Washington, DC
On October 10 and 11 of 2009, Stand Up Florida, in coalition with Equality Across America, attended the National Equality March in Washington D.C. There were over 250,000 equality supporters in attendance. The timing for the march was brought about by a new GLBT friendly president and congress believing in equal rights for everyone.
N.A.R.T.H. Protest; West Palm Beach, FL
A protest and counter conference was staged by Stand Up Florida, in coalition with Soul Force, on November 21, 2009. The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (N.A.R.T.H.) believes unwanted homosexual attractions can be cured through psychological care. Over 100 equality activists protested in front of the N.A.R.T.H. Conference to show their views on homosexuality are not welcomed by the GLBT community in the State of Florida.
Bill McCollum, the Lieutenant Governor of Florida, hired "N.A.R.T.H. Expert" George Rekers, to fight the gay adoption ban. Sure enough, this "expert" was seen in the Miami Airport with a male escort, according to the Miami New Times. Rekers resigned from his position with the State of Florida as well as his position with N.A.R.T.H. However, many believe Bill McCollum should be required to reimburse the tax payers' money he used to hire Rekers. Before his resignation, George Rekers was being paid $120,000 per year. That is 2.5 times the salary of an average American working citizen.
Bill McCollum, the Lieutenant Governor of Florida, hired "N.A.R.T.H. Expert" George Rekers, to fight the gay adoption ban. Sure enough, this "expert" was seen in the Miami Airport with a male escort, according to the Miami New Times. Rekers resigned from his position with the State of Florida as well as his position with N.A.R.T.H. However, many believe Bill McCollum should be required to reimburse the tax payers' money he used to hire Rekers. Before his resignation, George Rekers was being paid $120,000 per year. That is 2.5 times the salary of an average American working citizen.
2010 Events
Dove Outreach Ministries Protest; Gainesville, FL
Stand Up Florida, in coalition with Queer Activist Coalition (QAC), held a protest on January 10, 2010. This protest was brought about after two mannequins, resembling Muslims, were displayed hanging by nooses in the front yard of the Dove Outreach Ministries Church. A sign reading "Islam is The Devil" further expressed their hatred and discrimination. With the support of Stand Up Florida, over 100 activists were able to mobilize to the protest from all across the State of Florida. As a result, a complete investigation is underway by the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) for a possible revocation of their 501c (3) tax exempt status.
National Activist Conference; Knoxville, TN
On January 21, 2010, Stand Up Florida gathered with 35 other national activists to share ideas on how to further the GLBT movement. A new group called GetEqual was formed and was suppose to be a true grassroots organization. The theory was to create a new group that would coalition with other groups across the country and form a nationwide GLBT front for civil rights action. Shortly after, several organizations backed out of the new force due to changes in the original concepts that were discussed at the national conference.
National Day of Silence Protest; Tallahassee, FL
April 16, 2010 marked the National Day of Silence. On this day students everywhere take a vow of silence to bring attention to the discrimination GLBT youth face in our school systems. New forms of bullying and harassment often lead to violent outcomes and many times result in fatalities. This day of silence is one further step to help prevent these situations that do not have to occur. The next National Day of Silence is scheduled for April 15, 2011. More information about this simple day of activism and GLBT youth support can be found at: http://www.dayofsilence.org/index.cfm.
Exxon/Mobil Protest; Tampa, FL
On May 20, 2010 Stand Up Florida held a sign party to prepare for a protest against Exxon/Mobil. Activists, young and old, brought their ideas together on posters and t-shirts. Protestors gathered on Friday May 21, 2010 due to Exxon acquiring Mobil in 1999 and changing established policies. When Exxon bought Mobil, they not only denied continuation of domestic partner benefits, but further affronted GLBT rights by removing "sexual orientation" from their antidiscrimination policy. Stand Up Florida gathered outside of the Exxon/Mobil filling station at the corner of Dale Mabry and Cypress (911 North Dale Mabry) in Tampa, FL. Traffic approaching the gas station could clearly read the posters held by the activists as well as hear the voices on the megaphone. Soon thereafter, customers at the Exxon/Mobil station could be seen leaving the pump and driving across the street to the Shell gas station instead. Others were reluctant to even pull into the gas station at all. Therefore, the protest was indeed successful. Protests could also be found in California and Texas.
Harvey Milk Tribute; Tampa; FL (GaYBOR)
May 22, 2010 marks Harvey Milk's 80th Birthday. In his honor, Stand Up Florida held a memorial dinner and a candlelight vigil at Streetcar Charlie's Bar and Grille in Tampa, FL. Guest speakers Edward Marti-Kring, Alex Nicholson, and Romaine Patterson enlighten upon their experiences as activists. In the background Genia Stevens, from Sisters Talk Radio, was broadcasting the event live on her radio show. Dinner was also served for everyone in attendance. The evening concluded with a candlelight vigil escorted by angels, representing angels from Patterson's Angel Action Network, ending in Centennial Park. A special memoir was read by Romaine Patterson, followed by a moment of silence, followed by everyone singing Happy Birthday to Harvey Milk.
National Exxon/Mobil Protest; Dallas,TX
On May 26, 2010 Stand Up Florida joined forces with GetEqual at the annual Exxon/Mobil Shareholders' Meeting. Voices echoed the streets as people expressed their thoughts on megaphones and held posters to urge shareholders to vote "yes" on issue six. This would allow benefits for domestic partners and also include an antidiscrimination policy. Unfortunately, the shareholders voted with a 78% negative outcome, the lowest support rate in almost a decade, affronting the GLBT civil rights movement even further. In the upcoming months people from all across the country will be joining a national boycott of all Exxon/Mobil products.