Miami Herald - May 10, 2009
Amy Sherman, asherman@MiamiHerald.com

'When is the president going to do away with 'don't ask -- don't tell' " military ban on gay soldiers? asked one lesbian during the event at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center.

"Get President Obama to change his opinion on gay marriage," demanded a gay man, seated alongside his partner of 20 years.

And an HIV-positive man asked the featured speaker, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, to tell Obama that his health insurance won't pay for all of his medications.

Gay voters overwhelmingly chose Obama nationwide in November, but constituted 4 percent of the electorate, according to CNN exit polls.

But gay issues are increasingly in the spotlight nationwide and in South Florida, home to one of the most politically vocal gay communities in the country. Maine's governor signed legislation earlier this month allowing gay marriage, political observers are talking about two open lesbian candidates for the Supreme Court and hate-crimes legislation recently passed the U.S. House.

While many gay activists say Obama scores higher than past presidents, and praise the hiring of at least 30 gay individuals to his administration, some temper the optimism.

"I think people are hopeful and impatient for justice and equality," said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. "Everyone is aware of the challenges the president is facing and at the same time the promises made to address inequality are overdue."

Kaine, Virginia's governor, spoke in Fort Lauderdale as part of one of dozens of "listening tours" across the country for Organizing for America, a Democratic initiative to promote Obama's policies and set the stage for a second term. Organizing for America plans to establish offices in every state; so far, Florida has one field director.

Though Friday's event featured big names in Florida politics -- including U.S. Reps. Ron Klein and Debbie Wasserman Schultz -- it felt more like a small, informal event early in a campaign.

SENIORS IN CROWD

A few dozen activists -- some wearing flip-flops and shorts -- sat on paint-chipped seats in the dimly lighted center. The crowd also included seniors worried about the economy and young black leaders urging the party to include them.

Republicans are also trying to revive their base in Florida.

Although the state went blue for Obama, the party hung on to some key state legislative seats and is hopeful for 2010.

But, some party leaders say, success will only come with a sharpened focus.

"The Republican Party can have all the paid staff, grass-roots activists and donors in the world, but if we can't take advantage of today's technology and bring them all together like the Democratic Party has been able to do of late, we are in trouble," said Todd Richardson, a Republican political consultant in South Florida.

"The GOP was unfortunately blindsided by Obama's Internet strategy in 2008 and seems to still be staggering to its feet."

Kaine's event wasn't designed only for the gay community, but because it was held at a gay community center, it drew many residents concerned about such issues.

During the campaign, Obama said he was against gay marriage but supported some type of civil unions and that the issue should be left to the states.

CONFLICTING VIEWS

Some activists were angry when Obama chose conservative evangelical pastor Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration. But he also invited gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire to give the invocation at the pre-inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Obama also must navigate the sometimes conflicting views of his constituents, including black pastors who supported him but are against gay marriage.

"Based on scripture, we are not in support of that," said Mathes Guice, who heads the men's ministry at the Koinonia Worship Center in Pembroke Park and says Obama is doing an excellent job on economic and foreign policy.

Kaine vowed to take the activists' concerns back to Obama, but he didn't promise they would get everything they asked for.

When Linda Jain of Fort Lauderdale asked Kaine when Obama will get rid of the military ban on gay soldiers, Kaine said the topic is under serious discussion.

In an interview, Jain hesitated when asked whether she is disappointed the president hasn't struck down the ban.

"I hate to say I am disappointed in Obama. I adore him," she said. But, she "would like to see more activism" on issues of concern to the community.
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