While most college students hit the beach this Spring Break, 12 UF students were preparing to talk to elected officials about equality issues.
Amber Paoloemilio, 21, is one of the UF students lobbying in Tallahassee for gay rights in Florida today and Tuesday.
“We are in a day and age when we should be able to marry anyone that we want,” the women’s studies and Spanish junior said. “I think it’s ridiculous that gay marriage is still illegal, but we need to do whatever we can do, and so I’m getting myself out there.”
Paoloemilio is joining Equality Florida, a civil rights nonprofit organization focused on equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Mallory Wells, public policy director for Equality Florida, said during the lobbying days, the organization brings people to talk about issues related to Florida’s LGBT community. Wells said they are fighting for the legalization of statewide domestic partnership for gay couples and the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Paoloemilio, who is an intern for Equality Florida, said she’s also attending to take a stand for human rights.
“There is still so much inequality for women and people in lower socioeconomic statuses. We need to keep working towards equality,” she said.
Gretchell Trochez, a 20-year-old UF political science sophomore, will also be lobbying.
“I have personal family stories invested in equality and LGBT rights, so this is very important to go fight for my family,” she said.
She added, “This is the civil rights movement of our time, and you need to be a part of it.”
