Equality Florida Suncoast honors Transgender Day of Remembrance
Festivities were held at Michael’s On East on Nov. 20.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 9:22 a.m. November 21, 2016
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Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is a day to pay respect to those who have been murdered due to their transgender or gender-variant identity. Equality Florida Suncoast held its annual celebration Nov. 20 as a means of honoring this day while also celebrating the work that has been done so far in terms of LGBTQ rights.
Guests at the enchanted forest-themed event were transported to a jungle of deep greens with hints of red in the vintage-style lounge chairs that guests relaxed on while enjoying hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the Michael’s On East catering staff. Attendees were given remembrance buttons and shared a moment of silence with Transgender Inclusion Director Gina Duncan before celebrating the work of Equality Florida.
Jim LaPorte and Chairwoman Pauline Parrish
Barbie Fraley, Jarred Wilson, William Del Rey and Jennifer Fraley
Marjorie Floyd and Veronica Brady
Greg Nicolosi and George Scholomiti
Steve Rubin and Ed Town
Virginia Hughes models as an enchanted forest figure on the dessert table.
John Beatty, Robert Baker, Nelson Oliveira and Robert Bowser
Matt Yauslin and Brian Craft
Server Gasper Stonner cuts steak for guests.
Pauline Geary and Natalie Nemeth
Stacey Mathis and Paul Parker
Cupcake Delights provided carrot cake cupcakes and other desserts.
Edward Hoefert and David Ingram
Paul Lopez and Tony Becich
Transgender Inclusion Director Gina Duncan reminds guests about the work that still needs to be done in regards to Transgender Rights.
Jane Conner and Gail Welch
Volunteers Julia Franck and Lindsey Williams
Salted caramel treats were also served for dessert.
Vitcor Simpkins and Richard Carpenter
Dan Denton and Michael Kalman
The “LOVE” sign that is popular at many Michael’s On East events glowed green in accordance with the “enchanted forest” theme.
Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith, Susan Stockfish and Joanne Ebbern
Robert Austin and Jenny Copatin-Austin
Attendees were handed buttons in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance upon their arrival at the venue.
Hermione Gilpin and Jay Handelman
Mica England, Tracey Bradford, Barbara Banks and Betty Tracy
Equality Florida Transgender Inclusion Director Gina Duncan and Ashley T. Brundage
Donald Geikie, John Karl and Rick Cardone
Emily Feicht, Ross Moore, William Feicht and Melissa Sasha
Jordan Oliveira-Heller, Diogo Oliveira-Heller, Chelsea Elliot and Brigette Raymaker
