DOLPHIN DEMS TO PARTY AND RALLY MAY 20

John Hayden

Democrats have taken it on the chin at the ballot box and LGBT has suffered at everyturn as a result. Now the Dolphin Democrats, South Florida’s LGBT Democratic club, is picking itself up, wiping away the sludge dumped on them by the GOP supermajority in Tallahassee, and preparing for the next fights.

They’re holding their annual gala May 20 at the Westin in Fort Lauderdale. The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m., with the dress being smart business or cocktail attire.

The evening’s theme is Stronger Together. Dolphin Dems president, Todd Delmay, told SFGN that despite tough times, it’s important for the community to come together.

“There are those that might say that a gala is not how we should be reacting to the horrors that have been inflicted on us in Tallahassee this session. But this moment is temporary, and the fever-pitched attacks on us have come and gone before, so why would we let them ruin our annual traditions too? Each time we have gone through waves of attacks, we have come out the other side stronger than ever.”

Goals for the next 18 months and the 2024 general election include supporting candidates, fundraising, and building coalitions. Clawing back seats in the state legislature and ending the GOP supermajority is a key goal, as well as attempting to unseat first term Sen. Rick Scott.

As new president of Dolphin Dems, Delmay’s job is to focus on members and the party.

“As Democrats, we've been so busy putting out fires and fighting for our lives and rights.

As the largest Democratic Caucus in Broward, and the largest LGBTQ+ Caucus affiliate in the state, we have a responsibility to be leaders.”

- Todd Delmay

The organization will honor several community activists, including Carlos Guillermo-Smith, who was targeted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and lost his seat last year, and Ashley and Morgan Mayfaire. Gifted singer Anthony Nunziata will provide musical entertainment.