COASTAL RAINBOW FORUM - STEVE RYAN: Recent Episodes
Society Bytes Radio
A Forum that interviews interesting people for their perspectives on local, regional, and international issues that impact the LGBTQIA Community. Included are many personal 1st person stories which shows why the struggle for LGBTQIA rights must continue. We will also report on issues and local events that directly impact the Florida West Coast LGBTQIA Community.
Boys and Oil: Growing up Gay in a Fractured Land “Brorby has written not only a truly great memoir, but also a frighteningly relevant one that speaks to the many battles we still have left to fight.” (Jung Yun- New York Times Book Review). From a young gay environmentalist a searing coming of age memoir set against the arid landscape of rural North Dakota. Being gay in this area is again to a “ticking bomb” per one quote. His story of his life unfolds from there.
Secret City: Hidden History of Gay Washington. A sprawling and enthralling history of how a gay subculture, long in the shadows, emerged into the lights. As an epic of the dark age, complex and shaded, Secret City is rewarding in the extreme. (per the New York Times). The specter of homosexuality haunted many in Washington D.C. and mere mention or hint wrecked careers and led to the “anti-communism” purges of men and women in the 1950s and targeting of people who had nothing to do with communism, but the believe they could be vulnerable to blackmail.
Against Heaven: Poems, the writer is winner of the Academy of Americans Poets Frist Book Award selected by Claudia Rankine. A praise song made for the flames of a burning empire, a freedom dream that shape shifts into boundless multiplicities for the wounds made in the name of White Supremacy and its gods. Alabi has written an astonishing collection of magnificent range.
Sacrificio Set in Cuba in 1998 is a triumphant work of Ernesto Mestre-Reed, follows a group of HIV-positive counterrevolutionaries who seek to overthrow Castro government. In 1998 Rafa an Afro-Cuban orphan moves to Havana nothing but his name and finds work in a café’. Here he meets the charismatic Renato, son of the café’ owner and this leads to meeting the “Los Injected Ones”, which is planning to overthrow the Castro government during the Pope’s visit. When Renato goes missing more intrigue follows.
Segment-3 Arcell Salunga, born in the Philippines on January 11, 1993–had an innate talent and love for art. His family moved to Florida at the age of five. Creativity became a comforting aid for him as he grew up in Orlando, being an immigrant. Unsuccessful in enrolling into college due to financial hardship, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an aircraft electrical and environmental specialist for the KC-135’s for seven years. During those years he taught himself to paint and chose to pursue his passion of art—submitting his portfolio that was highly accepted to Ringling College of Art and Design. Now he is studying the rigorous course of Fine Arts in order to fine tune his skills, with the intentions of creating beautiful works of art that address mental health and to bring more light into the world through art.
Arcell Salunga, born in the Philippines on January 11, 1993–had an innate talent and love for art. His family moved to Florida at the age of five. Creativity became a comforting aid for him as he grew up in Orlando, being an immigrant. Unsuccessful in enrolling into college due to financial hardship, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an aircraft electrical and environmental specialist for the KC-135’s for seven years. During those years he taught himself to paint and chose to pursue his passion of art—submitting his portfolio that was highly accepted to Ringling College of Art and Design. Now he is studying the rigorous course of Fine Arts in order to fine tune his skills, with the intentions of creating beautiful works of art that address mental health and to bring more light into the world though art.
Arcell Salunga, born in the Philippines on January 11, 1993–had an innate talent and love for art. His family moved to Florida at the age of five. Creativity became a comforting aid for him as he grew up in Orlando, being an immigrant. Unsuccessful in enrolling into college due to financial hardship, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an aircraft electrical and environmental specialist for the KC-135’s for seven years. During those years he taught himself to paint and chose to pursue his passion of art—submitting his portfolio that was highly accepted to Ringling College of Art and Design. Now he is studying the rigorous course of Fine Arts in order to fine tune his skills, with the intentions of creating beautiful works of art that address mental health and to bring more light into the world though art.
Dr. Shannon Jung has a longtime interest in housing, both academically and personally. Academically he was interested enough to explore federal responsibility for housing people with lower incomes (who could not afford housing) and wrote a dissertation on that topic. He explored the moral tradition on housing policy highlighted by Jane Addams, Jacob Riis, Walter Rauschenbush, Wendell Berry, and James Cone. During his graduate years at Vanderbilt, the University there was actively engaged in demolishing lower-income housing. Personally Shannon volunteers at Turning Points in Bradenton, Florida. There he takes food stamp (SNAP) applications and often hears stories of people who have become homeless. Some of these stories are devastating and leave him bewildered as to how people can survive in the absence of shelter. Shannon is a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served churches in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Florida. He has taught at colleges and seminaries in Tennessee, Virginia, Minnesota. Iowa, and Missouri. He is a Team Leader in STREAM and does research on affordable housing in Manatee County. He was a refugee for a brief period and has continued his interest in the consequences of being homeless. Among several books, he wrote one on Building the Good Life for All: Transforming Income Inequality focused on successful work in the Manasota area.
Rev. Graczyk works with Pre-arrest/arrest diversion programs trying to prevent young people from being sent into a system that fails to provide enough alternatives to incarceration. He is also part of STREAM, a coalition of more 15 Assemblies and NGOs working to find solutions for Affordable Housing and Criminal Justice Reform.
Rev. Graczyk works with Pre-arrest/arrest diversion programs trying to prevent young people from being sent into a system that fails to provide enough alternatives to incarceration. He is also part of STREAM, a coalition of more 15 Assemblies and NGOs working to find solutions for Affordable Housing and Criminal Justice Reform.
Brenda McGowan is the Awareness & Development Manager with Selah Freedom which is a Faith-Based, 501 3c Non-Profit that is " Bringing Light into the Darkness of Sex Trafficking". Their Mission is to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited, through 5 strong programs: 1. AWARENESS 2. PREVENTION 3. OUTREACH 4. RESIDENTIAL HOMES 5. Organizational Consulting
Brenda McGowan is the Awareness & Development Manager with Selah Freedom which is a Faith-Based, 501 3c Non-Profit that is " Bringing Light into the Darkness of Sex Trafficking". Their Mission is to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited, through 5 strong programs: 1. AWARENESS 2. PREVENTION 3. OUTREACH 4. RESIDENTIAL HOMES 5. Organizational Consulting
Susie Copeland, a long time activist and person much respected in the Manasota Black Community, will tell the why and history of Black History Month.
Susie Copeland, a long time activist and person much respected in the Manasota Black Community, will tell the why and history of Black History Month.
: “Home in Florida; Latinx Writers and the Literature of Uprootedness” Anjanette has said “I wanted a new body of work now of uprootedness about someone living in an environment that’s not his.” Anjanette Delgado is a Puerto Rican novelist and journalist whose work in both fiction and nonfiction focuses on heartbreak and social justice. She is the author of “The Heartbreak Pill”; winner of the Latino International Book Award, and of “The Clairvoyant of Calle Ocho”; an Indiefab finalist for best multicultural book of the year. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies as well as in Kenyon Review, Pleiades, Vogue, New York Times, Hong Kong Review, NPR, HBO, and elsewhere. She holds many other awards and honors. She holds MFA in creative writing from Florida International University and lives in Miami.
: “Home in Florida; Latinx Writers and the Literature of Uprootedness” Anjanette has said “I wanted a new body of work now of uprootedness about someone living in an environment that’s not his.” Anjanette Delgado is a Puerto Rican novelist and journalist whose work in both fiction and nonfiction focuses on heartbreak and social justice. She is the author of “The Heartbreak Pill”; winner of the Latino International Book Award, and of “The Clairvoyant of Calle Ocho”; an Indiefab finalist for best multicultural book of the year. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies as well as in Kenyon Review, Pleiades, Vogue, New York Times, Hong Kong Review, NPR, HBO, and elsewhere. She holds many other awards and honors. She holds MFA in creative writing from Florida International University and lives in Miami.
“As A Woman” Dr. Paula Stone Williams is an internationally known speaker on gender equity; LGBTQ+ advocacy, and religious tolerance. She is also a pastor and pastoral counselor in Boulder County Colorado. Paula has been featured in the New York Times, TEDWomen, TEDSummit, TEDxMileHigh, Red Table Talk; and the Denver Post, the New York Post; New Scientist magazine, Radio New Zealand and many other media outlets. Her Ted Talks have been viewed more than six million times.
“A Punkhouse in the Deep South; The Oral History of 309” Aaron Cometbus has been publishing “Cometbus Magazine” since 1981. He is the editor of the oral histories “Back to the Land” and “The Dead End”, and the author of seven novels. He earned a gold record using his teeth as a percussion instrument. Scott Satterwhite is a historian, educator, and a journalist. His work has appeared in Florida Historical Quarterly, Hurricane Review, INWeekly, and Maximum Rocknroll. He is the author of several poetry chapbooks and edits the zine Mylxine. Satterwhite teaches writing and literature at the University of West Florida.
7—Mario is a potential future applicant and he is trying to learn more about what it takes to both rent or own Affordable Housing in one of the planned communities now or at future date. MAHC is the connecting point for multiple NGOs and private groups and individuals for a regional housing solution many years in planning. As of mid-2021 the MAHC Board and it’s partner NGOs have completed multiple “proof-of-concept” trial runs in various housing configurations. They (MAHC)are close to making a public announcement for the many “wait listed” applicants and clients. Mario is seeking not only to educate himself, but others in this multi-series of questions.
“You Exist Too Much” authored by Zaina Arafat who is a LGBTQ+ Palestinian-American writer. The book is an Indie Next Pick for June 2021. Here stories and essays have appeared in publications including Granta, The New York Times, The Believer, Virginia Quarterly Review, VICE,
BuzzFeed, The Atlantic and NPR. She holds a MFA from Iowa and was awarded the 2018 Women/Migrants from Middle East fellowship from Jack Jones Literary Arts. She currently resides in Brooklyn.
A Novel (in person) an offbeat, wryly funny debut novel that follows an eccentric product engineer who works for a hip furniture company where sweeping corporate change lands her under the purview of a startlingly charismatic boss who seems determined to get close to her at all costs . . .
: Mickey Stone has over 20 years of experience working with youth as an educator and program director for nonprofit youth organizations. The ALSO Youth Board of Directors is confident he will be an effective leader and guide the organization in achieving its goals. Mickey most recently served as the Performing Arts teacher and team leader at Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences. He has previously worked as a Program Director for youth programs in San Diego, CA and Maitland, FL. In his prior roles, Mickey has created curriculum for adolescent youths, developed after school programs and facilitated training and workshops for youth and parents. He has successfully raised funds to produce school theater productions and educational trips for students.
Mickey, who holds an advanced degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University, is looking forward to his new role and working with our community of supporters. He notes “I am beyond excited to join the ALSO Youth team. I look forward to working with the team to continue delivering quality programming and community outreach to the Sarasota and Manatee LGBTQ population and our allies.”
MAHC Housing Segment 3—Mario is a potential future applicant and he is trying to learn more about what it takes to both rent or own Affordable Housing in one of the planned communities now or at future date. MAHC is the connecting point for multiple NGOs and private groups and individuals for a regional housing solution many years in planning. As of mid-2021 the MAHC Board and it’s partner NGOs have completed multiple “proof-of-concept” trial runs in various housing configurations. They (MAHC) are close to making a public announcement for the many “wait listed” applicants and clients. Mario is seeking not only to educate himself, but others in the multi-series of questions answers.
: MAHC Housing Segment 2—Mario is a potential future applicant and he is trying to learn more about what it takes to both rent or own Affordable Housing in one of the planned communities now or at future date. MAHC is the connecting point for multiple NGOs and private groups and individuals for a regional housing solution many years in planning. As of mid-2021 the MAHC Board and it’s partner NGOs have completed multiple “proof-of-concept” trial runs in various housing configurations. They (MAHC) are close to making a public announcement for the many “wait listed” applicants and clients. Mario is seeking not only to educate himself, but others in the multi-series of questions answers.
Topic: : MAHC Housing Segment 1—Mario is a potential future applicant and he is trying to learn more about what it takes to both rent or own Affordable Housing in one of the planned communities now or at future date. MAHC is the connecting point for multiple NGOs and private groups and individuals for a regional housing solution many years in planning. As of mid-2021 the MAHC Board and it’s partner NGOs have completed multiple “proof-of-concept” trial runs in various housing configurations. They (MAHC) are close to making a public announcement for the many “wait listed” applicants and clients. Mario is seeking not only to educate himself, but others in this multi-series of questions.
Maureen Seaton (she/her) has authored twenty-two poetry collections, both solo and collaborative—most recently, Undersea (JackLeg Press, 2021), Sweet World (CavanKerry, 2019) and the chapbooks Myth America (Anhinga, 2020), co-written with Carolina Hospital, Nicole Hospital-Medina, and Holly Iglesias, and Zero-Zero (Hysterical Books, 2021), co-written with Kristine Snodgrass. Her honors include the NEA, Pushcart, and Lambda Literary Awards for Furious Cooking (Iowa, 1996) and Sex Talks to Girls: A Memoir (U. of Wisconsin, 2008, 2018). Her work has appeared in Best American Poetry and numerous anthologies and literary journals. Seaton is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Miami and was voted Miami’s Best Poet 2020 by The Miami New Times.
Denise Duhamel’s (she/her) most recent book of poetry is “Second Story” (Pittsburgh, 2021). Her other titles include Scald; Blowout; Ka-Ching!; Two and Two; Queen for a Day: Selected and New Poems; The Star-Spangled Banner; and Kinky. She and Maureen Seaton have co-authored four collections, the most recent of which is CAPRICE (Collaborations: Collected, Uncollected, and New) (Sibling Rivalry Press, 2015). And she and Julie Marie Wade co-authored The Unrhymables: Collaborations in Prose (Noctuary Press, 2019). She is a Distinguished University Professor in the MFA program at Florida International University in Miami.
Pam French is a semi-retired former consultant with a large Fortune 100 Corp. in her professional career. Plus, long list of working for Social Justice causes in her free time, including recently women’s rights with the Women’s March on Washington; Immigration Rights; Environmental Causes, and many others. Today we will focus on the history of “voter suppression “. She is also V. Chair Person of an active group of Social Justice volunteers in Manatee County.
: Pam French is a semi-retired former consultant with a large Fortune 100 Corp. in her professional career. Plus, long list of working for Social Justice causes in her free time, including recently women’s rights with the Women’s March on Washington; Immigration Rights; Environmental Causes, and many others. Today we will focus on the history and dangers of “conservative groups taking over School Boards“. She is also V. Chair Person of an active group of Social Justice volunteers in Manatee County.
) Pam French is a semi-retired former consultant with a large Fortune 100 Corp. in her professional career. Plus, long list of working for Social Justice causes in her free time, including recently women’s rights with the Women’s March on Washington; Immigration Rights; Environmental Causes, and many others. Today we will focus on various Social Justice causes. She is also Chair Person of an active group of Social Justice volunteers in Manatee County.
) Pam French is a semi-retired former consultant with a large Fortune 100 Corp. in her professional career. Plus, long list of working for Social Justice causes in her free time, including recently women’s rights with the Women’s March on Washington; Immigration Rights; Environmental Causes, and many others. Today we will focus on the history of “Piney Point” and the disaster it has and is causing for S.W. Florida and making International News. She is also Chair Person of an active group of Social Justice volunteers in Manatee County.
Caridad Moro-Gronlier is the author of TORTILLERA, the winner of the TRP Southern Poetry Breakthrough Prize for Florida (Texas Review Press 2021) and Visionware (Finishing Line Press 2009). She is a Contributing Editor of Grabbed: Writers Respond to Sexual Assault (Beacon Press 2020) and Associate Editor for SWWIM Every Day, an online daily poetry journal. Moro-Gronlier is the recipient of an Elizabeth George Foundation Grant and a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship in poetry. Her work has been nominated for three Pushcart Prizes, The Best of the Net and a Lambda Literary Award. Recent work can be found at The Best American Poetry Blog, Rhino, Go Magazine, Fantastical Florida, Notre Dame Review and others. She resides in Miami, FL with her wife and son.
Gregg Shapiro (he/him) is the author of seven books, most recently Sunshine State. An expanded edition of his short story collection How to Whistle is forthcoming from Rattling Good Yarns Press in 2021. Recent publications include Gargoyle, Limp Wrist, Mollyhouse, Impossible Archetype, Dissonance Magazine, Dash and Caesura. An entertainment journalist, whose interviews and reviews run in a variety of regional LGBTQ+ and mainstream publications and websites, Shapiro lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his husband Rick and their dog Coco.
Will discuss PLFAG Sarasota and important issues that PFLAG is working to accomplish with local parents and friends supporting children and their families in local and national causes for equality. She may also touch on efforts of parents to protect their children from “bullying” in public schools, and how other parents can help.
D&I Emerald Coast Author, Mike will do an excerpt from his forthcoming sci-fi book “Probe” and discuss his writing style. Here is an example: “The cavern was glowing with warm orange light as he descended into its clutches. The tribe was sitting lazily, languishing around the large earthen room. He knew that there was no way to escape their inquiry. He would have to tell them everything, immediately. The platform clutched the floor and he stepped off of the metallic grating and rested his foot gently inside the cavern. The platform sat solidly upon the cavern floor as he walked toward the center of the room. The Gelsphere pulsated weakly behind him. The tribe gasped as they slowly realized that his hand was missing. Lillian shrieked as she ran up to him. “What happened?” Copernicus exhaled, defeated. “There was an accident.” Tune in for more info on this exciting book.
D&I Emerald Coast Author, Mike will do an excerpt from his forthcoming sci-fi book “Probe” and discuss his writing style. Here is an example: “The cavern was glowing with warm orange light as he descended into its clutches. The tribe was sitting lazily, languishing around the large earthen room. He knew that there was no way to escape their inquiry. He would have to tell them everything, immediately. The platform clutched the floor and he stepped off of the metallic grating and rested his foot gently inside the cavern. The platform sat solidly upon the cavern floor as he walked toward the center of the room. The Gelsphere pulsated weakly behind him. The tribe gasped as they slowly realized that his hand was missing. Lillian shrieked as she ran up to him. “What happened?” Copernicus exhaled, defeated. “There was an accident.” Tune in for more info on this exciting book.
Shannon Fortner related Projects Harvey Milk Festival;Theband Meteor-EYES has another single and a record coming out soon. MXME is a project consisting of her solo work and Erne Murphy. New releases and more in the works as far as new performance piece. Pop-up events in the fall of 2021 picking up the work with Moxie Productions SRQ. Hopes to work with the Ringling to do Ringling Underground soon. HMF Drive-in Festival music, performance art, dance, film. 2022 Fall 3+ Day Drag Culture Festival.
Guest Name: Susie Copeland (D&I with Black History)
Email: susieb.copeland@gmail.com
Topic: Bio: D&I with Black History Month: Susie will speak about her appointment as D&I Leader in Manatee, who is on the committee, what they see as possible elements of a D & I committee. On Black History: She will do an overview of how it began; why black history month; how it is celebrated; how most Blacks believe it should be celebrated. She will also discuss other related topics in the Black Community.
Guest Name –Rev, Dr. Nancy Wilson
Email: revdrnancywilson@gmail.com
Bio & Topic: Venice Pride & Other; Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson will discuss Venice Pride and events at Venice MCC which involve their outreach into community. She has long history of accomplishments and work in helping so many people in not only Florida but other areas. Society Bytes Radio considers it a honor to share some of Rev. Wilsons insights, and plans for future.
Nathan is chair of the Florida LGBTQ+ State Legislative Committee and will lead efforts to advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights in all legislation. He is trained as a lawyer and multiple local, and state achievements; including instructing D&I Courses for Businesses/Organizations.
Sheila Weiss is a straight ally with 2 lesbian daughters; and she serves on Board of PFLAG Sarasota along with other NGO Leadership positions. She was born and lived in WV; then in Ohio over 30 years, before moving to Sarasota. She has a BA in MGT ECON and MBA. One daughter has been married 13 years and lives in Chicago with her wife and 2 yr old daughter. The other daughter lives in Philadelphia with her dog, Finn and her cat Maurice and is VP of sales for DMi Partners.
Marlene has worked with parents, teachers and children for 30 years, directed foster care and counseling programs, provided parent and teacher education in MA & FL. She also taught Child/Family/Teacher Relations at the University of South FL for 8 years. “I did not decide to write a book on parenting because I felt I was an expert, although my years of experience would indicate some level of expertise. I undertook this project because although I had a great deal of experience caring for babies and children of all ages, at the time I became a mother, I was overwhelmed with the sense of protection and responsibility I felt for my son.”
She holds a M.A. In Family Studies from Goddard College had the privilege of attending the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, as well as three years in a Ph.D. program on public policy and child welfare. She is a mother and grandmother. She is the author of If Only They Came with Instructions, A Guide for Parents, Nobody’s Perfect-Parenting in a World of Change, her latest book, as well as a series of books for first grade students and their families dealing with health and safety issues.
She was the President of Parenting U International, a company she started with Gail Toulan, Ph.D. in 2007. The company did not survive the 2008 financial crisis when Publix was just about to roll our Parenting Link Program for their nearly 150,000 employees. Due to the challenging financial situation, Publix did not want to roll out any new programs at that time.
She has worked with more than 2000 parents and more than 500 teachers in elementary schools and special education programs, for the Social Work Training Institute and as a manager, as well as a trainer for Head Start staff.
Marlene has worked with parents, teachers and children for 30 years, directed foster care and counseling programs, provided parent and teacher education in MA & FL. She also taught Child/Family/Teacher Relations at the University of South FL for 8 years.
She holds a M.A. In Family Studies from Goddard College had the privilege of attending the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, as well as three years in a Ph.D. program on public policy and child welfare. She is a mother and grandmother. She is the author of If Only They Came with Instructions, A Guide for Parents, Nobody’s Perfect-Parenting in a World of Change, her latest book, as well as a series of books for first grade students and their families dealing with health and safety issues.
She was the President of Parenting U International, a company she started with Gail Toulan, Ph.D. in 2007. The company did not survive the 2008 financial crisis when Publix was just about to roll our Parenting Link Program for their nearly 150,000 employees. Due to the challenging financial situation, Publix did not want to roll out any new programs at that time.
She has worked with more than 2000 parents and more than 500 teachers in elementary schools and special education programs, for the Social Work Training Institute and as a manager, as well as a trainer for Head Start staff.
Jordana was a leading person behind the first organized Pride event in this remote northern area of Canada. She first experienced a Pride event when she moved away from Flin Flon (less than 6k pop.) at a young age to Saskatoon (a metro area of about ½ million pop.) Still not sure of her sexual identity out when she moved, she built a relationship with a “roommate” in Saskatoon. She dealt with trauma of coming out to family who at first did not accept. Moving back to Flin Flon, she gained acceptance from family and others over time. They still have incidents of hate; but much of town now accepts an participate in their annual parade.
Catherine Esposito Prescott is the author of the chapbooks Maria Sings and The Living Ruin. Recent poems appear in Bellevue Literary Review, Gone Lawn, Green Mountains Review Online, Flyway, MiPOesias, NELLE, Pleiades, Poetry East, Southern Poetry Review, South Florida Poetry Journal, as well as The Orison Anthology, and Grabbed: Writers Respond to Sexual Assault. Co-founder and editor in chief of SWWIM Every Day, Prescott teaches vinyasa yoga and yoga philosophy. She lives in Miami Beach with her family.
Jen Karetnick's fourth full-length book is The Burning Where Breath Used to Be (David Robert Books, September 2020). She is the author of nine other poetry books, including a collection forthcoming from Salmon Poetry in 2023. Karetnick has been awarded the 2020 Tiferet Writing Contest for Poetry, the Hart Crane Memorial Prize, the Romeo Lemay Poetry Prize, the Anna Davidson Rosenberg Prize, and two Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Prizes, among others. Her work appears recently or is forthcoming in Barrow Street, The Comstock Review, december, Michigan Quarterly Review, Terrain.org, and elsewhere. She is co-founder and managing editor of SWWIM Every Day, and has been an Artist in Residence in the Everglades, a Deering Estate Artist in Residence, and a Maryland Purple Line Transit grant recipient, among other honors. She works as a food-travel-lifestyle journalist and is the author of eight cookbooks and guidebooks.
Originally trained as a Marine Biologist; he is now “Sexual Minority Health Coordinator for Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County”, Fl. He is former Exec. Director at Pridelines in Miami-Dade, Fl. He also has Consulting background for Body Positive and is one of the long-term survivors of HIV. He has a long list of activism events we will discuss.
Author Caridad Moro is the author of TORTILLERA, the winner of the TRP Southern Poetry Breakthrough Prize for Florida forthcoming from Texas Review Press in the Spring of 2021, as well as the chapbook Vision-ware, published by Finishing Line Press as part of its New Women Voices Series. She is also a Contributing Editor for Grabbed: Poets and Writers Respond to Sexual Assault, Empowerment and Healing (Beacon Press, 2020) and an Associate Editor for SWWIM Every Day, an online daily poetry journal for women identifying poets. Moro is the recipient of an Elizabeth George Foundation Grant and a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship in poetry. Her work has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes, The Best of the Net and a Lambda Literary Award. Recent work can be found at The Best American Poetry Blog, Rhino, Go Magazine, Fantastical Florida, Notre Dame-Review, West Trestle Review, The Woven Tapestry Press and others. She resides in Miami, FL with her family.
PFLAG--- Sheila Weiss Board Member of PFLAG Sarasota, will speak about services and importance of having a chapter of this International LGBTQ+ support organization in area.
Florida LGBTQ+ Issues—Stephen Gaskill, President of Florida LGBTQ+ Caucus will discuss various issues.
--- Multiple organizations need education in this area, Nathan has contract via an organization to do this training.
Annual event in Sarasota honoring Harvey Milk and LGBTQ+ issues, with music and multiple groups gathering for celebration.
– Candidate for Florida District-70 State House, will bring new ideas and broad support across this diverse district. A voice ringing true for the voiceless, Keisha Bell will be your voice. An Attorney who has worked for State of Florida Attorney General Office, and extensive list of Community achievements in her more than 20 years in District 70.
– Candidate for Florida District-70 State House, will bring new ideas and broad support across this diverse district. A voice ringing true for the voiceless, Keisha Bell will be your voice. An Attorney who has worked for State of Florida Attorney General Office, and extensive list of Community achievements in her more than 20 years in District 70.
: “Mayor Pete” Dr. Tyson will speak about why “Mayor Pete” is best candidate for President, ( he has been approved by campaign as spokesperson).
Kyla’s Story -- Transgender Issues In multi part series will document her incredible life and
transition from young boy growing up and in school in mid-west USA to military service in US Army
where she met her wife and started a family. She earned multiple advanced Degrees in higher
educations and is currently working on her PHD.
Kyla’s Story -- Transgender Issues In multi part series will document her incredible life and
transition from young boy growing up and in school in mid-west USA to military service in US Army
where she met her wife and started a family. She earned multiple advanced Degrees in higher
educations and is currently working on her PHD.
Kyla’s Story -- Transgender Issues In multi part series will document her incredible life and
transition from young boy growing up and in school in mid-west USA to military service in US Army
where she met her wife and started a family. She earned multiple advanced Degrees in higher
educations and is currently working on her PHD.
Kyla’s Story -- Transgender Issues In multi part series will document her incredible life and
transition from young boy growing up and in school in mid-west USA to military service in US Army
where she met her wife and started a family. She earned multiple advanced Degrees in higher
educations and is currently working on her PHD.
Kyla’s Story -- Transgender Issues In multi part series will document her incredible life and
transition from young boy growing up and in school in mid-west USA to military service in US Army
where she met her wife and started a family. She earned multiple advanced Degrees in higher
educations and is currently working on her PHD.
Kyla’s Story -- Transgender Issues In multi part series will document her incredible life and
transition from young boy growing up and in school in mid-west USA to military service in US Army
where she met her wife and started a family. She earned multiple advanced Degrees in higher
educations and is currently working on her PHD.
Daivd Fairey Candidate for State House District #73; David is running for 2 simple reasons. First,
to save lives with common-sense gun reform, expanded health care, and a clean, sustainable
environment. Second, to fix what’s broken in our economy with transformative policies including a living
wage, affordable housing, fully funded public schools, and fair and equal protection for every person.
Maia Kobabe is a graduate of the Comics MFA program at California College of the Arts. Maia is the author/illustrator of GENDER QUEER: A MEMOIR (Lion Forge), which was chosen as one of the Best Graphic Novels of May 2019 by Barnes and Noble and has been nominated for the Best Graphic Novel for Teens list from YALSA, and for an Ignatz award. Maia Kobabe is non-binary, queer and uses e/em/eir pronouns.
University of South Florida Alumna; As a Black queer woman, Reign believes her identity has always been political. During her studies at the University of South Florida, she obtained her B.A. in Sociology, her M.A. in Communication, and became passionate about the power of using storytelling to move people forward towards social change. She currently works for a nonprofit social justice organization as a communicator and organizer. As the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus' Diversity and Inclusion Chair, Reign's goal is to educate and engage voters across the state about power and privilege, and to ensure everyone is represented within the fight for equality.
Our mission: Our food, water and climate are under constant assault by corporations who put profit over the survival of humanity. They have seized control of the very institutions that were built to protect us. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control—ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win, because this planet is the only one we get.
Food & Water Action and Food & Water Watch Fossil Fuel Production, Infrastructure & Climate Endgame. Our mission: Our food, water and climate are under constant assault by corporations who put profit over the survival of humanity. They have seized control of the very institutions that were built to protect us. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control—ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win, because this planet is the only one we get
Steve Ryan— Part -2 Science behind the “Trillion Trees” planting around the world & Impact of Global Climate Change.
Steve Ryan— Part -1 Science behind the “Trillion Trees” planting around the world & Impact of Global Climate Change.
Jon Harris Maurer –Public Policy Director for Equality Florida. Explain Hate crimes against LGBTQ+, and LGBTQ+ equality issues.
Paul Dain –The President Manatee Democratic Club, which partnering with Manatee Black Caucus for “Returning Citizens” voter registration & support outreach.
Paul Dain –The President Manatee Democratic Club, which partnering with Manatee Black Caucus for “Returning Citizens” voter registration & support outreach.
: Karen Atwood—to speak on locally sourced & Sustainable produce used in commercial eatery (Mellow Mushroom), and being a good business neighbor for community issues, about Mellow Mushroom; - food philosophy; environment, sustainability projects; community involvement.
An intuitive, speech-language pathologist consultant she helps parents teach their late-talking children how to use the words they need to share their wisdom with the world. She earned M.Ed in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Virginia in 1990. She has always been interested in providing "out of the box" intervention methods with challenging cases. Over her 30-years as a speech-language pathologist, she has presented nationally on innovative and evidenced-based practice at conferences and workshops all over the US, and have practiced her skills in schools, hospitals, residential facilities, private clinics and family's homes.
Matt is Vice Chair of Manatee Democratic Party, and teaches computer science at New College of Florida. His background includes PHD from MIT, and Research Scientist in cyber security at BBN Technology.
Bev Pennee-- Communications Director for for Manatee DEC will review info on the very diverse and active organizations, Caucuses, Clubs, & groups making up Manatee Democratic party and describe areas where volunteers may help.
-- A professional geologist with 50 years of experience in oil and gas ( 35 years) and environmental consulting (15 years). He will discuss the economic threat to the area of one component of Climate Change.
“ Florida-the Perfect Storm” A professional hydrogeologist with over 50 years of experience in the environmental field where he consulted in the private and public sectors that included the EPA, COE, Dept of Justice, and all the military branches on the characterization and cleanup of hazardous waste. Also a court recognized expert on bedrock fracture flow. He will outline whereby the underlying fractured limestone terrain exacerbates and allows contaminants to migrate to rivers, wells, and ultimately the Gulf where nutrients enrich the red tide .
Steve Ryan Status Update for MAHC (“Manasota Attainable Housing Coalition”) ; a newly forming group of NGOs, Foundations, Trusts, private groups & individuals. We are striving to build Attainable Housing Communities in Manasota area. Steve has lived & worked for more 14 years combined (including 12+ consecutive in Middle East & Central/South America) in his professional career in IT & Business Consulting. He also represented “minority owner groups” who financially backed & developed multiple “Affinity Group” housing communities, both in USA & other countries
Open Arms Surrogacy and Egg Donation offers complete care, guidance, and experience through every step towards becoming a parent. From finding your egg donor or surrogate mother to working with fertility clinics and specialists, we are here…with Open Arms.
: Tracy Pratt is lawyer and Chair of Manatee Democratic Party, plus has served in multiple positions on Board of Project 180, along with many other Social Justice causes.
: Barbra Richards will discuss what Project180 does and its purpose in helping former offenders re-enter society, while providing guidance and multiple others forms of help
Steve Ryan Status Update for MAHC (“Manasota Attainable Housing Coalition”) ; a newly forming group of NGOs, Foundations, Trusts, private groups & individuals. We are striving to build Attainable Housing Communities in Manasota area. Steve has lived & worked for more 14 years combined (including 12+ consecutive in Middle East & Central/South America) in his professional career in IT & Business Consulting. He also represented “minority owner groups” who financially backed & developed multiple “Affinity Group” housing communities, both in USA & other countries
, Executive Director of West Central Florida Labor Council, AFL-CIO.Cheryl began her union involvement in 1987 by joining and eventually serving as president of UAW Local 2278, representing teacher union staff across Florida. She eventually was selected to be involved in several UAW organizing campaigns that defined her passion of union organizing. In 2004, she accepted the position of Executive Director of the West Central Florida Labor Council working with affiliated local unions in a 12-county jurisdiction to further a collaborative political and legislative program
--- Krista Lohr I began my journey in environmental activism as an intern and member of the Florida Public Interest Research Group while attending Florida State University in Tallahassee. Currently, I am happy to serve as the Vice Chair of the Sarasota Environmental Caucus and focus on organizing the programs for the monthly general meetings. For the past 2 years I was proud to be the Newsletter Editor of the Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club Group's BOCA newsletter; and in January of this year I was honored to be elected Chair of the Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club Group. I am also proud to serve as treasurer for the Suncoast Women of Action, a nonpartisan organization that registers, educates and engages voters. During the recent midterm elections, I ran as a candidate for the Sarasota County Charter Review Board on an environmental platform. The Sarasota County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida was formed almost a year and a half ago. The focus of the caucus is to educate the membership, candidates and the public on various environmental issues and topics and to work to elect candidates that are strong advocates for the environment
Rev. Brad Rice will discuss his incredible journey from small Georgia “bible belt” town & discrimination to his successful & meaningful life as an Educator, Rev., and drag entertainer.
Steve Ryan Status Update for MAHC (“Manasota Attainable Housing Coalition”) ; a newly forming group of NGOs, Foundations, Trusts, private groups & individuals. We are striving to build Attainable Housing Communities in Manasota area. Steve has lived & worked for more 14 years combined (including 12+ consecutive in Middle East & Central/South America) in his professional career in IT & Business Consulting. He also represented “minority owner groups” who financially backed & developed multiple “Affinity Group” housing communities, both in USA & other countries
National Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is the largest union representing federal and D.C. government employees. He was elected to the position in August 2018 at AFGE’s 41st National Convention in Las Vegas. Everett Kelley has been a member of AFGE since 1981. He worked at the Anniston Army Depot, which he recently retired from after 30 years. Prior to his election as NVP, he served as President of Local 1945 from 2002 to 2011.
Georgia Reash is President of BrightSpot Communities, a sustainable community development firm helping to strengthen vital communities through holistic design, leadership building and integrated technologies. A thought leader in the intersection of environment, economy, and psychology; Georgia knows that a vital community is inspired by accessible resources, meaningful connection and empowered citizenry. Affordable housing options is part of the sustainability equation of the future.
: Steve Ryan Status Update for MAHC (“Manasota Attainable Housing Coalition”) ; a newly forming group of NGOs, Foundations, Trusts, private groups & individuals. We are striving to build Attainable Housing Communities in Manasota area. Steve has lived & worked for more 14 years combined (including 12+ consecutive in Middle East & Central/South America) in his professional career in IT & Business Consulting. He also represented “minority owner groups” who financially backed & developed multiple “Affinity Group” housing communities, both in USA & other countries
Valerie Fisher a licensed Counselor and one of the founders of PRISM Youth & Manatee Pride will give a history and tell about importance of work that is carried out for the youth of the LGBT+ Community.
Chris C is speaking on the impacts of the USAs national opioid crisis and it’s cost to USA both financial and the damaged families. We've only known that opium is highly addictive for 2,000 years or more. So how did this prescription drug epidemic, that may have killed more than 20,000 Americans in 2016 alone, come about? What can be done about it?
Steve Ryan has lived & worked for more 14 years combined (including 12+ consecutive in Middle East & Central/South America) outside USA in his professional career in IT & Business Consulting. He also represented “minority owner groups” who financially backed & developed multiple “Affinity Group” housing communities, both in USA & other countries. Topic today is “Manasota Attainable Housing Coalition”; a newly forming group of NGOs, Foundations, Trusts, private groups & individuals. We are striving to build Attainable Housing Communities in Manasota area.
Steve Ryan has lived & worked for more 14 years combined (including 12+ consecutive in Middle East & Central/South America) outside USA in his professional career in IT & Business Consulting. He also represented “minority owner groups” who financially backed & developed multiple “Affinity Group” housing communities, both in USA & other countries. Topic today is “Manasota Attainable Housing Coalition”; a newly forming group of NGOs, Foundations, Trusts, private groups & individuals. We are striving to build Attainable Housing Communities in Manasota area.
Robert Rogers & Jeffery Frank; LCSW (who facilitates the group), will speak about the newly organized LGBTQIA Grief Support Group. The Jeffery Frank (website http://sarasotapsychotherapy.com/ ) will supply more info and be discussed during interview. The Friendship Center is honored to be part of this new & needed service to the LGBTQIA Community, with much thanks to Robert Rodgers for making this happen.
Rev. Nancy Wilson is the former global leader of Metropolitan Community Churches, and is currently the co-senior Pastor of SunCoast MCC with Rev. Vickie Miller. Rev. Wilson has been a pastor, an activist for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, an activist for LGBT equality and marriage equality. She served on President Obama's White House Council on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She is married to Dr. Paula Schoenwether, they have been together for 41 years. She is also a speaker on the connection between queer politics, spirituality and climate change, and is an avid birdwatcher. Venice MCC hosted first Venice Pride in November 2018. Rev. Wilson will speak about Venice MCC efforts in multiple areas.
--Navy Retired, BA in Political Science from Cleveland State University. Married to my wife of 24 years Erika and with four children Served in the US Navy from 1990 to 2001, when I was medically retired due to injuries that I suffered while conducting anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. Will discuss Veterans Medical issues & their lack of timely care. The Democrat Veteran’s club of Manatee County is a place where we want to get answers.
UNBOUND , Tracking the rapid evolution of gender identity in this provocative group portrait of trans men. Her book succeeds in documenting what it means to be trans today.
Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Upstairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation.
Reading Queer: Poetry in Time of Chaos; book brings together 50 poets in a spirit and solidarity of poetry at its finest and fiercest.
T Cooper, Alison Glock-Cooper, Changers Book Four explores what it means to find yourself--even as your self keeps changing--and how in the end we become the person whose story we want to finish.
Puerto Rico: Steve Ryan is helping co-ordinate multiple NGO’s & private individuals trying to provide help for Puerto Rico evacuees in Florida and Manasota area. PR continues to suffer the after effects of hurricane Maria, with more than 270k people from there arriving in Florida in past few months. They need housing, jobs, and viable alternative for living in Florida, if they cannot return to PR. Steve has undergrad degree in Business & IT; Grad degree in eCom and has worked with multiple for-profit & non-profit housing developments over a period of years. He also spent almost 13 years living and working aboard.
- NYU Engineering 1962, Yale Engineering 1964, NYU Law 1978 cum laude. Worked as a research engineer, Environmental Sciences Laboratory, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY 1968-1975 Associate Kreindler & Kreindler NYC 1978-1984. Levy Phillips & Konigsberg NYC Partner 1984-1996, Of Counsel 1996-1998. New York State Office of the Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Litigation Burearu 1999-2010. Volunteer Innocence Project, NY 2014-2016. Presently a member of the Board of the Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto Chapter of the ACLU, member the Association of Retired Attorneys of Sarasota, member of the Manatee County Democratic Party Executive Committee Interview Topic.
Navy Retired, BA in Political Science from Cleveland State University. Married to his wife of 24 years Erika and they have four children; Alysia, Kayla, Lauren and Charlie and two grandchildren Willow and Lorelei. He has lived in Florida since 2012. He served in the US Navy from 1990 to 2001, when he was medically retired due to injuries that he suffered while conducting anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. He got the idea of a Veteran’s Club/Caucus from Manatee County Democratic Party function. The goal of this club is to bring likeminded veteran’s together in the hopes to show the politicians of both parties that service and sacrifice matters. Far too long the Republican Party took votes for granted and the Democratic Party believed that the they were just too conservative to pursue the vote. The Democrat Veteran’s club of Manatee County is being created to put a stop to that now.
Navy Retired, BA in Political Science from Cleveland State University. Married to his wife of 24 years Erika and they have four children; Alysia, Kayla, Lauren and Charlie and two grandchildren Willow and Lorelei. He has lived in Florida since 2012. He served in the US Navy from 1990 to 2001, when he was medically retired due to injuries that he suffered while conducting anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. He got the idea of a Veteran’s Club/Caucus from Manatee County Democratic Party function. The goal of this club is to bring likeminded veteran’s together in the hopes to show the politicians of both parties that service and sacrifice matters. Far too long the Republican Party took votes for granted and the Democratic Party believed that the they were just too conservative to pursue the vote. The Democrat Veteran’s club of Manatee County is being created to put a stop to that now.
Melton Little discusses issues facing Manatee County Commission District 4, and why he is the best choice for commissioner in that district. Melton has a long list of achievements and grew up in District 4, and wants to see this area brought back from the decline it has seen in recent years, due to neglect by outsiders not representing best interest of this district.
Melton Little discusses issues facing Manatee County Commission District 4, and why he is the best choice for commissioner in that district. Melton has a long list of achievements and grew up in District 4, and wants to see this area brought back from the decline it has seen in recent years, due to neglect by outsiders not representing best interest of this district.
“Action Together Suncoast” Our main mission is to engage in sustainable change for the protection of the civil rights of all Americans, especially those who have been marginalized. We will fight for Human Rights Through “Action”. It won’t be easy, but we well do it “Together”. We’ll start with changes on the “Suncoast”; And we’ll take it all the way to the White House.
“Action Together Suncoast” Our main mission is to engage in sustainable change for the protection of the civil rights of all Americans, especially those who have been marginalized. We will fight for Human Rights Through “Action”. It won’t be easy, but we well do it “Together”. We’ll start with changes on the “Suncoast”; And we’ll take it all the way to the White House.
The “opiate epidemic” in the USA can be traced directly to the specific actions of various Lobbying groups, and various politician pressure on DEA policies as outlined in both CBS documentary and Sarasota HT researched with various news organizations.
Steve Ryan undergrad degree Bus & IT & grad degree in eCom; has lived and worked in multiple countries exceeding 14 years; plus large amount of international business/personal travel. LGBTQIA communities have advanced their civil rights is some countries, but still lack basic rights in multiple other situations, and even face death in some.
Heather Eslien is a LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) with a private practice in downtown Sarasota. Her primary focus is on the LGBTQIA+ community and she is particularly passionate about her specialization in working with transgender and gender expansive folks. In addition, she facilitates two support groups for the community: one for trans masculine individuals ages 16 and up and the other for the loved ones of trans folks (cisgender parents, partners, adult children and other family members). She is often called upon to speak at churches, schools and other organizations to provide psycho-education around the many barriers and inequities this vulnerable population faces as well as to break down the myths and incorrect assumptions surrounding this beautiful and dynamic community. She believes trans and gender-expansive people are a key to our societal liberation.
Heather Eslien is a LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) with a private practice in downtown Sarasota. Her primary focus is on the LGBTQIA+ community and she is particularly passionate about her specialization in working with transgender and gender expansive folks. In addition, she facilitates two support groups for the community: one for trans masculine individuals ages 16 and up and the other for the loved ones of trans folks (cisgender parents, partners, adult children and other family members). She is often called upon to speak at churches, schools and other organizations to provide psycho-education around the many barriers and inequities this vulnerable population faces as well as to break down the myths and incorrect assumptions surrounding this beautiful and dynamic community. She believes trans and gender-expansive people are a key to our societal liberation.
Ready for 100 Manatee” Sierra Club's Ready for 100 initiative that St. Pete, Sarasota and Orlando have already committed to. Essentially we're asking the Manatee county administration initially, followed by the city, to commit to 100% clean, renewable and equitable energy for all by at least 2050.
Ready for 100 Manatee” Sierra Club's Ready for 100 initiative that St. Pete, Sarasota and Orlando have already committed to. Essentially we're asking the Manatee county administration initially, followed by the city, to commit to 100% clean, renewable and equitable energy for all by at least 2050.
Live Coleman is candidate for Fl. District 73 seat. Liv has been a professor at the University of Tampa in International Studies and Political Science with a stellar background in working for people’s rights.
Live Coleman is candidate for Fl. District 73 seat. Liv has been a professor at the University of Tampa in International Studies and Political Science with a stellar background in working for people’s rights.
Tracy Pratt is the Democratic candidate for The Florida State House of Representatives, District 71. Tracy is a local attorney, and has her own practice in Bradenton. The foundation of her legal career is public interest law, with a focus on civil rights, legal aid, Innocence work and post- conviction matters.
Tracy has a lifetime of advocacy around the important issues facing our state. She has worked on environmental protection, affordable housing, and for underprivileged children. Tracy has worked for the Innocence Project of New Orleans and the Louisiana Civil Justice Center. She is the former Vice President of Healthy Start Manatee, and is currently the Vice Chair of Project 180, an organization that helps people transition from prison to new productive lives in the community, in an effort to prevent a return to incarceration.
Tracy Pratt is the Democratic candidate for The Florida State House of Representatives, District 71. Tracy is a local attorney, and has her own practice in Bradenton. The foundation of her legal career is public interest law, with a focus on civil rights, legal aid, Innocence work and post- conviction matters.
Tracy has a lifetime of advocacy around the important issues facing our state. She has worked on environmental protection, affordable housing, and for underprivileged children. Tracy has worked for the Innocence Project of New Orleans and the Louisiana Civil Justice Center. She is the former Vice President of Healthy Start Manatee, and is currently the Vice Chair of Project 180, an organization that helps people transition from prison to new productive lives in the community, in an effort to prevent a return to incarceration.
Erika Lundquist is running for Manatee County Commissioner; to level the playing field on behalf of the hard-working people of District 4. There is disproportionate benefit at the Board of Commissioners that does not favor the people. My devotion to public service, and legal background make me well suited for this job. She will work tirelessly to advocate for the welfare of the citizens of District 4.
Erika Lundquist is running for Manatee County Commissioner; to level the playing field on behalf of the hard-working people of District 4. There is disproportionate benefit at the Board of Commissioners that does not favor the people. My devotion to public service, and legal background make me well suited for this job. She will work tirelessly to advocate for the welfare of the citizens of District 4.
As a lawyer she has worked representing the rights of many people and devoted time to many worthwhile organizations for many years. She deplores gun violence and the resulting impact multiple such incidents have had on people’s lives.
As a lawyer she has worked representing the rights of many people and devoted time to many worthwhile organizations for many years. She deplores gun violence and the resulting impact multiple such incidents have had on people’s lives.
Keisha Bell was born in Saint Petersburg, FL. Keisha is a graduate from Dixie Hollins High School; the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology; and the Florida State University College of Law. Keisha is a licensed attorney with a diverse professional background. She writes a weekly column on issues affecting women. Keisha is running for the State House, District 70 Seat.
Keisha Bell was born in Saint Petersburg, FL. Keisha is a graduate from Dixie Hollins High School; the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology; and the Florida State University College of Law. Keisha is a licensed attorney with a diverse professional background. She writes a weekly column on issues affecting women. Keisha is running for the State House, District 70 Seat.
David Shapiro is running for Congress because he knows that the dysfunction in Washington needs to end. He has spent his professional life fighting for justice and working to find common ground and real solutions. David will be committed to making healthcare more affordable for our seniors and middle-class, creating jobs for the 21st Century, and protecting our most valuable resource, the environment.
David Shapiro is running for Congress because he knows that the dysfunction in Washington needs to end. He has spent his professional life fighting for justice and working to find common ground and real solutions. David will be committed to making healthcare more affordable for our seniors and middle-class, creating jobs for the 21st Century, and protecting our most valuable resource, the environment.
Multi- year effort for Equal Rights . Retired City of Bradenton after 30 years of service, serving in some positions from Code Enforcement Officer, CDBG Director, and Fair Housing Coordinator. I joined the Manatee County Democratic Party in 1999, serving as the precinct captain, secretary, and State Committee Woman. Helped organize the Manatee/Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus in 2003; serving as Secretary, Vice-President and in 2017 elected as President. I also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida. In 2005, I ascended to President of the Manatee County NAACP, serving 5 ½ years. In 2012, I was elected as Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. My election was on behalf of my parents, Jeff and Alma Baker, who were denied this opportunity or chance to be elected as delegates in Alabama. Each recognition or award received, while humbling and honored to be recognized, my goal was and is to improve the quality of life of those in the community, to speak for the voiceless and be a beacon of light for those who feel hopeless.
Manatee LGBTA Dems 10th Anniversary .Sandra was one of the first “ally members” of the Manatee County LGBTA Democratic Caucus and has been a member for ten years. Sandra is a strong supporter of equal rights for all Americans. She has held positions of director and secretary in the group at different times and is looking forward to celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the local caucus this year. Sandra retired from Federal Civil Service with 32 years of service.
Ian Siljestrom is the Central Florida Safe and Healthy Schools Coordinator for Equality Florida. He is responsible for fighting the extensive risk factors, which disproportionately affect our LGBTQ youth in school including: bullying, homelessness, suicide, and HIV transmission. He will be working directly with school districts to assist in the implementation of comprehensive best practices to ensure the empowerment of all students’ identities.
Previous to joining Equality Florida, Ian worked directly with senior leadership in Duval County Public Schools to create an in-depth training for teachers and administrators to ensure they had all the tools and knowledge needed to support their LGBTQ youth. Ian also taught for several years in a Title 1 elementary school in Jacksonville, Florida as a 5th grade science teacher. In his classroom, he was dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all students, while practicing culturally responsive pedagogy. These efforts resulted in Ian eventually becoming grade level chairperson and co-chair on the school’s STEAM committee. Ian is also a Teach for America alumnus.
5th Annual Manatee Pride Fest on 3/17/18 at Bradenton Riverwalk noon to 5 pm features live entertainment (music, drag queens, performance artists), local vendors, food trucks, and Manatee Pride Beer. Prism Youth Initiative is Manatee County's LGBTQ youth organization that is dedicated to supporting, affirming, encouraging, and empowering the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 of Manatee County in an environment that is safe, hospitable, warm and welcoming.
Valerie Fisher is the president of the board of directors of Prism Youth Initiative, and chairs Manatee Pride; Melissa serves on both the Prism Board and Pride committee.
Puerto Rico: Steve Ryan is helping co-ordinate multiple NGO’s & private individuals trying to provide help for Puerto Rico evacuees in Florida and Manasota area. PR continues to suffer the after effects of hurricane Maria, with more than 270k people from there arriving in Florida in past few months. They need housing, jobs, and viable alternative for living in Florida, if they cannot return to PR. Steve has undergrad degree in Business & IT; Grad degree in eCom and has worked with multiple for-profit & non-profit housing developments over a period of years. He also spent almost 13 years living and working aboard.
Puerto Rico: Steve Ryan is helping co-ordinate multiple NGO’s & private individuals trying to provide help for Puerto Rico evacuees in Florida and Manasota area. PR continues to suffer the after effects of hurricane Maria, with more than 270k people from there arriving in Florida in past few months. They need housing, jobs, and viable alternative for living in Florida, if they cannot return to PR. Steve has undergrad degree in Business & IT; Grad degree in eCom and has worked with multiple for-profit & non-profit housing developments over a period of years. He also spent almost 13 years living and working aboard.
Randy Cooper is a civil engineer, a former member of the Florida National Guard, a fire district commissioner, and very active in the community. Randy describes himself as being fiscally conservative and politically moderate. He will listen to and represent the concerns of voters as opposed to special interest groups. He has worked in both private consulting and public agencies and recognizes the importance of investing in our infrastructure now to benefit future generations.
Trinity MCC Church of the Trinity is a progressive, Christ centered community of ministry, where everyone matters and belongs. While we were founded in the LGBT community, we are reaching beyond to worship and fellowship with all people. We are an inclusive and diverse reflection of God’s world as we reach out to meet the needs of our church, community and world. e are affiliated with the denomination, Metropolitan Community Churches, which was founded in 1968. MCC has been at the vanguard of civil and human rights movements by addressing issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, economics, climate change, aging, and global human rights. MCC was the first to perform same gender marriages and has been on the forefront of the struggle towards marriage equality in the USA and other countries worldwide.
Rev. Renae Phillips has been serving as the Transitional Pastor at Church of the Trinity since July of 2017.
Nathan Bruemmer is the Executive Director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota, FL – a community center focusing on outreach, education, and advocacy for LGBTQIA youth. He is a recent graduate of Stetson University College of Law where he was a member of Stetson Law’s Trial Team. Mr. Bruemmer supports the work of several organizations. He currently serves as member of the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Diversity Committee, is a Board Member for St. Pete Pride, is an Advisory Board Member for TransAction Florida, and serves on the Advocacy Committee of the American Bar Association’s SOGI Commission. Mr. Bruemmer is an invited presenter at local, state and national conferences; with many media interviews from various organizations.
For over twenty years, April Glasco M.A., the founder and CEO of Second Chance Last Opportunity Inc., a nonprofit organization in Sarasota, Florida, has empowered individuals from all walks in life to gain a sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence through her teaching, counseling, interpersonal workshops, and speaking engagements. In 1995, no longer able to watch local residents squander their lives, April started Second Chance-Last Opportunity, a 501© 3 dedicated to educating and empowering an invisible population. She earned an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University in December 2011 and is known in the Sarasota county for her unique and effective combination of street smarts, incisive counseling, and unflinching response to the needs of those she serves. April’s also helped empower individuals to dream bigger, think outside the box, and reach their goals by way of self-employment, continuing their education, career discovery. April Glasco completed her education by receiving her Doctor of Divinity Degree.
Kathryn Brightbill is Legislative Policy Analyst at the Coalition for Responsible Home Education. She has a BA from Covenant College and a JD from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Kathryn writes on homeschooling policy, on the religious right, and LGBTQ issues. Her op-ed on Roy Moore, young courtship and child marriage in evangelicalism was recently published in the LA Times.
A retired CPA who, 11 years ago, moved to Florida and refocused on nature and environmental issues. She is a certified Florida Master Naturalist and Chairman of the League of Women Voters of Manatee County Natural Resources Committee. Alice does presentations for Life Long Learning on the environment and volunteers at the Robinson Preserve visitor’s center. The League of Women Voters of Florida sponsors solar co-ops and Alice has been working diligently with a dedicated group of volunteers to open a solar co-op in Manatee County from January through April 2018. The co-op will allow home owners the purchasing power of a group for residential solar. “Solar is Renewable energy at affordable prices and saves money on the homeowner’s electric bills”.
Sheryl Wilson, Topic "Manatee Matters" Chair of the Manatee County Democratic Party since 2015. Long-term political activist who worked in the 2008 and 2012 Organizing for America effort in Manatee County and Florida. Her professional background is centered in Community Healthcare in both primary care and mental health and drug and alcohol services. In 1997 she founded Accreditation Essentials, a consulting operation that assisted healthcare facilities in their preparation and performance initiatives to achieve accreditation by The Joint Commission and the Association for Ambulatory Healthcare; conducted Strategic Planning Sessions and Board Retreats for the governing bodies of those organizations. Morehead State University; and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of Florida. Certified Public Manager Designation through Florida State University. Sheryl and her husband Charles are Kentucky natives who moved to Sarasota in 1973; are parents of two sons and have 3 granddaughters and a grandson.
Jamie Canfield, Topic "Manatee Progressive Caucus". He was totally apathetic about politics until denied the right to vote in 2000. Active in Outward bound experience and Sierra Club role, became engaged in politics for Occupy Bradenton / Kalamazoo gatherings. Property manager in the slums/ Golden Ball foundation Fogartyville / Move to amend work. Bernie organizer and searched for ways to bring groups together. Force in forming Manatee Progressive Caucus of the FDP.
Carol Miller - Topic- PFLAG Sarasota . Carol recently returned to Sarasota after working in London, Tokyo, and Dubai as technology executive for global investment firms. With a MA in Business Management & Leadership she continues to work on improving communication, procedures, and integrity as a management consultant. She is also president of PFLAG Sarasota chapter, and a board member of ALSO Youth, supporting LGBTQ youth aged 13-21. While living abroad, she was in volunteer roles for NGOs supporting LGBTQ community. Learning about other countries’ attitudes and laws surrounding equality issues is quite dynamic; especially where issues concerning education or healthcare are dealt with on a national level rather than the US approach of state by state jurisdiction. In London, Carol gained a certificate in Equality and Diversity training to ensure acceptance and inclusion are encouraged and applied in all aspects of life. She is now living in Sarasota and enjoys the relaxed vibe of the Gulf coast.
Ivan Rubin - Topic. “Restoration of Voter Rights for State of Florida”. NYU Engineering 1962, Yale Engineering 1964, NYU Law 1978 cum laude. Worked as a research engineer, Environmental Sciences Laboratory, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY 1968-1975 Associate Kreindler & Kreindler NYC 1978-1984. Levy Phillips & Konigsberg NYC Partner 1984-1996, Of Counsel 1996-1998. New York State Office of the Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Litigation Burearu 1999-2010. Volunteer Innocence Project, NY 2014-2016. Presently a member of the Board of the Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto Chapter of the ACLU, member the Association of Retired Attorneys of Sarasota, member of the Manatee County Democratic Party Executive Committee Interview