In her piece for Sports Illustrated, Martina commented on what Jason Collins' coming out means for the future of LGBT athletes in sports, as well as the impact on LGBT youth. Praising Collins' coming-out as a “watershed moment” for LGBT people in sports, she wrote, “It's only when you come out that you can breathe properly. It's only when you come out that you can be exactly who you are. Collins' action will save lives. This is no exaggeration: Fully one third of suicides among teenagers occur because of their sexuality... Millions of kids will see that it is OK to be gay. No need for shame, no need for embarrassment, no need for hiding.” The Broward Equality Gala is among the first large-scale events to be held in the iconic B Ocean Resort's contemporary new ballroom, which features state of the art technology. Formerly known as the Yankee Clipper, B Ocean Resort debuted earlier this year following a multi-million dollar renovation. A highlight of the gala will be the presentation of the annual “State of the State” address by Equality Florida's CEO, Nadine Smith, celebrating the landmark milestones of the past year and presenting the course for the work yet to be accomplished. The evening includes sumptuous hors d'oeuvres, delicious cocktails and dancing,
ensuring a truly memorable and fun experience. Equality Florida is grateful to the hundreds of sponsors of this year's Gala, including Tito's Handmade Vodka, the company that raised over $150,000 for the Pulse Victim's Fund by matching donations made at events they sponsored across America, and which has now signed on to become Equality Florida's statewide vodka sponsor. Additional thanks to media sponsors: Florida Agenda, Genre Latino, Guy, HotSpots, Mark's List, PaletteMiami Herald and SFGN. Sponsorships are still available--for information contact Row Iliescu at row@eqfl.org or (305) 335-2102. The Gala takes place on Sunday, November 13 from 5-8 pm at B Ocean Resort, 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Tickets are $175 and are tax deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. For tickets or fur ther information, please go to www.eqfl.org/browardgala or contact Row Iliescu at row@eqfl.org. Equality Florida Institute is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. www.eqfl.org