Democrats launched “Out for Harris” in Florida to rally the LGBTQ+ community and attack Donald Trump’s record ahead of the election.
In Fort Lauderdale, Team Harris-Walz for Florida, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith, and other LGBTQ+ leaders from across the state hosted an Out for Harris event to rally LGBTQ+ voters and slam Republican Donald Trump’s “anti-LGBTQ+ record” which they say include plans he and his MAGA allies have to target same-sex marriage, and threaten surrogacy and IVF access in a second term. Trump denies that.
The event also featured an appearance by actor and activist BD Wong.
While in office, the Democrats say President Trump attacked LGBTQ+ rights by gutting Obama-Biden era anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, appointing judges who oppose same-sex marriage, and banning transgender soldiers from serving in the military.
In contrast, Democrats said Vice President Harris has been a part of the most pro-LGBTQ+ administration in American history, revoking Trump’s executive actions targeting LGTBQ+ Americans, expanding protections for LGBTQ+ people, and working to protect the freedom of LGBTQ+ Americans to love who they love with the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act and pushing Congress to pass the Equality Act.
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz know that in America, our greatest strength is our diversity,” said actor and activist BD Wong. “They recognize and celebrate the extraordinary courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans. They are fighting for the freedom, respect, and dignity of every American, no matter who they are or who they love. Donald Trump and his extremist Republican allies? They gutted anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQI+ Americans. With our voices and our vote, we have the power to shape the future of this country and protect our hard-won progress.”
The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, which has chapters across the state from Miami to Pensacola, also supported the national launch and event. The Caucus is chartered by the Florida Democratic Party, and members serve as elected representatives of Democratic Executive Committees, as members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), as local elected and appointed officials, and as delegates to the Democratic National Convention.
“We must be crystal clear that Vice President Kamala Harris fights for our freedoms and Donald Trump rips them away. We have to reject the vile hatred that drives men like JD Vance and Trump to villainize the LGBTQ+ community, said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “The LGBTQ community is too strong and too resilient to allow hate and bigotry to win the day.”
“Kamala has consistently fought for working families, reproductive rights, and equality for all. Her leadership is exactly what this country needs—focused on progress and fairness, not division,” said Todd Delmay. “Donald Trump and JD Vance represent the politics of fear and extremism, turning back the clock on women’s rights, LGBTQ protections, and democracy itself. Our democracy depends on us electing Kamala Harris President in November.”
“Here in Fort Lauderdale, we value diversity, inclusion, and progress—principles Vice President Harris has championed throughout her career. Her commitment to equality and justice is exactly what we need to continue building a better future for all,” said Dean Trantalis, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. “Kamala Harris stands for every American, defending our freedoms and pushing for equality.”
“At a time when Florida’s LGBTQ community is under relentless attack from the extreme right, Vice President Harris is a welcome voice for equality, justice, and our democratic values,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. “Donald Trump and JD Vance continue to fuel anti-LGBTQ attacks, undermine our democratic institutions, and empower extremists who seek to strip away our rights. We need Kamala Harris’s leadership now more than ever to protect our freedoms and ensure progress.”
