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In a few minutes I'll be heading up to join Planned Parenthood and Rep. Scott Randolph (of "Uterus" fame) for a press conference to discuss the six anti-choice, anti-woman bills that will be on the floor of the Florida State House today. Before I go, I wanted to post this piece that was printed in the Gainesville Sun. The piece was written by Robert Prather, board member for Planned Parenthood of North Florida and a member of the Equality Florida PAC board. It points to the inaccuracies and often, blatant lies legislators use to push a particular agenda. Good morning reading!

From Politico: "In a real victory for supporters of same-sex marriage -- and marking what seems like real marginalization for its foes -- a major law firm has reversed course and will refuse to represent the House of Representatives in defending the Defense of Marriage Act. King and Spalding Chairman Robert D. Hays, Jr., whose partner Paul Clement was to lead the defense, said in a statement through a spokesman, Les Zuke:

Pinellas Gala was our best yet for Pinellas with over 365 guests showing up at the Dali and setting a fundrasing record with an all time high, $106,000.00!

Equality Florida Staff Joe Saunders and Michael Farmer with members of the OADO committee, Commissioner Lui Damiani and Former Commissioner Linda Stewart after today's vote.

Here's an important message from our friends at AIDs Healthcare Foundation (AHF). IF YOU ARE AVAIALBE OR KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO IS AVAILABLE TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP IN TALLAHASSEE ON THE 25TH. AHF IS PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD . CONTACT [email protected] for more info. URGENT: AIDS Funding for Thousands in Florida May Be Cut Hi everyone,

Here's a great note from our friend Steven Goldstein, Chair and CEO of Garden State Equality.

A fascinating article on why baby boys no longer wear dresses. Every generation brings a new definition of masculinity and femininity that manifests itself in children’s dress

One of Equality Florida's first leadership volunteers, Jerry Moore (JAM) tells amazing stories about his times in the Mattachine Society and the earlier days of the gay rights struggle.

Last night, Susan Bottcher was elected as the next Gainesville City Commissioner from District 3 with 57% of the vote. Susan has been a long time supporter of Equality Florida, working side by side with LGBT activists against Charter Amendment 1 in 2009 that would have stripped LGBT protections in the city of Gainesville. She has also served as a member of the Equality Florida Action PAC (but resigned when she decided to run for office) and is currently a member of the Equality Florida Gainesville Steering Committee.

The discussion on the most accurate tally of the LGBT community continues. Respected researcher Gary Gates of the Williams Institute released a report and an Op//Ed in the Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/gay-people-count-so-why-not-coun…

Note: Cross posted from Brian McNaught's Gay & Transgender Issues in the Workplace Blog Posted: 11 Apr 2011 11:18 AM PDTby Brian McNaught Suppose your job was to make sure that there were enough left-handed scissors to meet the demand. Would you make enough for everyone who was left-handed, or only for those people who publicly identified as left-handed?

From the Washington Blade: Two key pieces of pro-LGBT legislation — the Uniting American Families Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act — are set for introduction in Congress on Thursday, according to an informed source. An LGBT rights advocate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Thursday Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) would introduce UAFA in the House and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) would introduce ENDA in the Senate.

Equality Florida's Nadine Smith is quoted today on MSNBC regarding the recently launched "Refuse to Lie" Campaign.Here's the link the the New York Times article, in which Nadine and her wife Andrea are highlighted as one of the courageous couples "refusing to lie."

Our friend Rep. Scott Randolph (D-Orlando) is making news again, this time for using a scientifically and anatomically correct term. The word at the center of the controversy? Uterus. According to the St. Pete Times:

At this very moment, a team of over 50 citizen lobbyists from across Florida are working the halls of the capitol and telling their stories as part of Equality Florida's 2011 Lobby Days. By sending a message to you state Representative and Senator right now, you'll double the impact our team can have on those who make the laws that effect our lives.