Fighting for equality, celebrating community
Equality Florida brings flagship fundraising event to Pensacola, honoring local advocates and rallying support
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photo Provided
Equality Florida is bringing a pivotal fundraising event to Pensacola for the first time, the Pensacola Brunch, aimed at bolstering the organization’s statewide fight for LGBTQ equality and celebrating local advocates. The event will be held on Sunday, March 1, at the Pensacola Little Theatre. Nadine Smith, co-founder of Equality Florida, emphasizes the critical timing of this event, noting that “Florida has been the testing ground for strategies that seek to divide and instill fear.”
The organization’s goal is to ensure that “every single part of our state is engaged” in pushing back against censorship, erasure and anti-LGBTQ legislation. Proceeds from the brunch will directly fund the comprehensive work of Equality Florida, which includes the programs Safe and Healthy Schools, Parenting with Pride, Health Equity, Public Policy and Transgender Equality. This work ranges from supporting inclusive legislation in Tallahassee to grassroots organizing for local human rights ordinances and ensuring safe spaces in schools.
Pensacola Brunch will serve as a moment to celebrate two local leaders whose advocacy and commitment embody the spirit of the organization’s work. Jeff Nall will be presented with the Voice for Equality Award. This is the organization’s highest award given in each community, recognizing an individual who, with courage and passion, moves the LGBTQ community closer to full equality. Nall is the president of Emerald Coast Equality, a member of Sunday’s Child and the Santa Rosa County Democratic Executive Committee, a supporter of the Stamped Film Festival, the treasurer of the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus and an active volunteer with Equality Florida.
Paul Dye will receive the Equality Means Business Award, which recognizes a business owner who helps move the community closer to full LGBTQ equality. Dye is the owner of The Cabaret nightclub, a co-founding member of the now-disbanded Art for AIDS Awareness charity, a six-year member of Sunday’s Child and an active supporter of numerous local charitable organizations and military initiatives.
The award selection process is deeply rooted in the local community. Smith said, “People look around to see who’s doing good work. When we ask who deserves this recognition, their names have come forward.” Local sponsors for the Pensacola Brunch include Bella magazine and Emerald Coast Equality. For more information on tickets and to view the complete list of current local and state corporate sponsors, visit eqfl.org/pensacolabrunch. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Equality Florida Pensacola Brunch
When: 11-2 p.m., Sunday, March 1
Where: Pensacola Little Theater, 400 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola
Cost: $50 per person, early special; $75 after January 31
Info: Visit eqfl.org/pensacolabrunch for tickets; it includes a buffet brunch and bottomless mimosas or iced tea
