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ORLANDO - Organizations United Together Federation (O.U.T.), a federation of local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations and allies in the State of Florida, held its annual winter conference on Saturday, January 23, 2010.  The "OUT Winter Conference" was held in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, who provided training to attendees on the arbitrary ban on adoption by gay parents.
 
The conference brought together over sixty lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ("LGBT") leaders and supporters from around the state, and built upon the work done by various OUT member organizations and working groups since OUT's Summer Conference, held last July.   "OUT's conferences are a great opportunity for  local, state and national organizations working in Florida to network and build stronger relationships," said Ted Howard, Executive Director of OUT.
 
Breakout groups established at the prior conference met to address LGBT community, business, faith,  youth and advocacy issues.  The working groups developed and announced bold plans for the future, including support for the creation of a statewide youth-led organization, and the expansion of OUT University, an education program to provide training on fundraising skills, grant writing, strategic planning and other organizing skills for LGBT leaders and organizations across the state.
 
In the afternoon, the ACLU and OUT provided updates on the pending court case to overturn the adoption ban and a proposed amendment which would add protections for gay and transgendered citizens to Florida's civil rights laws. 
 
The conference featured a number of prominent guests and speakers, including Florida Senators Dan Gelber and David Aronberg, Florida Representative Kelly Skidmore and former North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns, among others.
 
Participants found the conference productive and enjoyable.  Richard Rogowski, a Broward activist and conference participant, stated "That was an excellent conference. I arrived home last night both exhausted and fulfilled."  Reverend Fred Baldwin, from Tampa, who facilitated the conference's Faith & Spirituality Break Out Session, stated "Thanks for including me in a fascinating day!!"  Cindy Watson, Executive Director of JASMYN (Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network) said about the conference that "It was a great meeting Saturday."  And John Ruffier, of HRC Central Florida Steering Committee commented that "The breakout groups continue to be a bright spot and a source for a lot of good movement forward."
 
OUT's next statewide conference will take place in July.
 
Organizations United Together Federation, Inc. (OUT) is a federation of local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied organizations dedicated to achieving equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians.  By connecting and empowering local organizations throughout the state to share resources, skills and knowledge, OUT aims to forge our statewide strength to achieve common goals.  OUT's vision is a Florida free of prejudice and discrimination where all people have full legal, political and social equality.
 

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