2019 Miami-Dade LGBTA Democrats
Hello everyone! It’s great to be here with all of you this evening. Thank you so much to the LGBT Democratic Caucus for putting together this event tonight and a special thank you to the only totally gay place to stay in Miami Beach, the Gaythering, for hosting us.
I also want to say thank you to everyone here who has helped make our community more inclusive and welcoming to all over the years. It’s because of those efforts -- and the efforts of many before us -- that for a sixth consecutive year, the City of Miami Beach has earned a perfect score of 100 points by Human Rights Campaign. That deserves a huge round of applause!
For those who do not know me, my name is Michael Barrineau, but everyone calls me Mike B and I’m running for Miami Beach Commissioner in Group 4.
While I’m not part of the LBGTQ community, I like to believe i’m a part of the LBGTQA community as I strive to be an ally in every way that I can.
I want everyone here to know that I believe fundamentally that all people—including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender—should be treated fairly and equally before the eyes of the law at all levels of our government.
It’s important for the success of our community that everyone have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their family. And while our city may already have that 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign, I will make sure that never changes as long as I am on the commission. And that is my promise to all of you.
But let us not forget that it is actually still legal under our state’s laws to fire a hardworking employee, deny them an apartment, deny them service in a restaurant, and otherwise discriminate against people simply because they’re gay or transgender. Most employers want to do the right thing, there will always be a few people who only do what’s right when the law requires it. For those times when good judgment breaks down, we need laws so that all employees, including those who are gay or transgender, are hired, fired or promoted based on their professionalism, qualification and job performance—nothing more, nothing less.
And while we have these protections at the municipal level, with a state that doesn’t always respect home rule, it’s important to have a champion who will not be afraid to stand up to Tallahassee and defend all of your rights as humans beings if that moment comes. And I believe I’m the best person in group four to be that champion.
Once again, my name is Mike B. I believe everyone deserves to be fully equal and free to love and be who they want to be. I’m running for commissioner in group four and I hope in the coming weeks as I continue to spread my message and knock on doors that I am able to earn your vote. Thank you all so much for having me tonight.
I also want to say thank you to everyone here who has helped make our community more inclusive and welcoming to all over the years. It’s because of those efforts -- and the efforts of many before us -- that for a sixth consecutive year, the City of Miami Beach has earned a perfect score of 100 points by Human Rights Campaign. That deserves a huge round of applause!
For those who do not know me, my name is Michael Barrineau, but everyone calls me Mike B and I’m running for Miami Beach Commissioner in Group 4.
While I’m not part of the LBGTQ community, I like to believe i’m a part of the LBGTQA community as I strive to be an ally in every way that I can.
I want everyone here to know that I believe fundamentally that all people—including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender—should be treated fairly and equally before the eyes of the law at all levels of our government.
It’s important for the success of our community that everyone have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their family. And while our city may already have that 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign, I will make sure that never changes as long as I am on the commission. And that is my promise to all of you.
But let us not forget that it is actually still legal under our state’s laws to fire a hardworking employee, deny them an apartment, deny them service in a restaurant, and otherwise discriminate against people simply because they’re gay or transgender. Most employers want to do the right thing, there will always be a few people who only do what’s right when the law requires it. For those times when good judgment breaks down, we need laws so that all employees, including those who are gay or transgender, are hired, fired or promoted based on their professionalism, qualification and job performance—nothing more, nothing less.
And while we have these protections at the municipal level, with a state that doesn’t always respect home rule, it’s important to have a champion who will not be afraid to stand up to Tallahassee and defend all of your rights as humans beings if that moment comes. And I believe I’m the best person in group four to be that champion.
Once again, my name is Mike B. I believe everyone deserves to be fully equal and free to love and be who they want to be. I’m running for commissioner in group four and I hope in the coming weeks as I continue to spread my message and knock on doors that I am able to earn your vote. Thank you all so much for having me tonight.
