PLEASE READ: It's Pride Month and We Need Your Help

Hi SWVolusia,

June 1 begins Pride Month which is a time for recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. As Democrats we honor and celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, culture, and accomplishments. We also advocate and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and the ongoing fight for equality, by providing a platform for LGBTQ+ voices and visibility.

The History of Pride Month

In Florida, we have seen the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, and now is a critical time to focus on the advocacy and we need your Democratic voice now more than ever. In

For the first time, the City of Deltona is bringing forward a Proclamation for June to be declared Pride Month. The majority of the Commission is in full support of this.

It has been brought to our attention that Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. is refusing to sign it. Historically the Mayor has signed proclamations in Deltona, however we are not aware of any policy stating this, or preventing the Vice Mayor or another commissioner from signing it.

This proclamation is long over due in Deltona, and we need to use our voices to demand it be signed by the Vice Mayor or a Commissioner. The Deltona LGBTQ+ community deserves support and representation the same as every other resident.

It was just this March when Mayor Avila received backlash from residents for bringing forward, the first time, a proclamation recognizing the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, both of which are very controversial. In the news report defending his actions, the Mayor stated "My goal as mayor of Deltona is to be inclusive of all residents and bring us together, not pick apart differences..."

Read the story here from the Daytona Beach News Journal

What we need from you: Please attend the June 3rd commission meeting and show your support of our local LGBTQ+ community. You don't need to be a Deltona resident. If you are from a surrounding city, your support is needed. You can also speak on the matter during Public Forum which comes right after the presentation of the June proclamations. Bring a friend too!

When: Monday, June 3, 2024 at 6:30pm

Where: 2345 Providence Blvd, Deltona, FL 32725 - City Hall, Commission Chambers.

The full agenda can be found here HERE

Locals Defy DeSantis Pride Light Ban, Light Bridge Up With Flashlights In Jacksonville

Weeks ago, Manatee County Commission Chairman Mike Rahn objected to Pride lighting on bridges in Florida. Many bridges in the state, such as the Skyway Bridge in Tampa and the Acosta Bridge in Jacksonville, have been lit up in rainbow colors in previous years.

This year, however, Rahn attempted to stop such lights from going up on the Skyway Bridge, formally objecting to the lighting. He expressed that the decision did not lie with him, passing the blame to Governor DeSantis. Rahn stated, “I do not have the authority to override the governor of the state of Florida.

Read the full story here

Pride Events

DeLand Pride

Check out the Events page for DeLand Pride, they are celebrating all month long.

June Pride Month Events

PFLAG Deland/Volusia in conjunction with Unitarian Universalists of Deland present: WE SAY GAY

June 30, 2024, at 10:30 am

116 S Clara Ave, DeLand, FL 32720

The play is factual, powerful and timely!

If you would like more information contact Jim and Carol Dries

carolerdries@gmail.com

jhadries@aol.com

From 1956 to 1964, the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, known as the Johns Committee, haunted the lives of lesbians and gay men on Florida’s university campuses. Following the work of U. S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s search for communists, the Committee undertook a wide-ranging investigation of alleged subversive activities by the NAACP. Having failed to find communist ties to Florida’s NAACP groups, and to gain continued funding, the Committee focused on a more vulnerable target: homosexuals. Students and faculty were forced to leave Florida’s state universities, especially the University of Florida; some died by suicide.

The play is written by author, LGBT historian, and playwright Dr. Ronni Sanlo. Ronni is a retired UCLA professor and director emeritus of the UCLA LGBT Center. Prior to her work at UCLA and the University of Michigan LGBT Centers, Ronni was an HIV epidemiologist in Florida from 1987 to 1994. The University of Florida is her alma mater, class of 1969. She and her wife Dr. Kelly Watson produce the podcast, “LGBTQ History Alive with Ronni & Kelly”.

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About Us

The Democratic Club of Southwest Volusia County proudly serves Deltona, Orange City, Debary, Enterprise, and Osteen. Our dedicated members are committed to the mission of electing Democratic candidates and achieving wins on crucial ballot initiatives. We invite you to join us at one of our monthly membership meetings, where your voice and ideas matter. Together, let us forge a path towards a brighter future by actively supporting and promoting Democratic initiatives at the local, state, and national level.

Heidi Herzberg

President

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