The Bilerico Project | Daily experiments in LGBTQ

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) will receive the Political Alliance Award from the Dolphin Democrats on Saturday, October 24, 2009. The Political Alliance Award is bestowed to an individual for his or her outstanding contributions and leadership in fostering good will between gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) members of the Democratic Party and the community at large.

Chartered by the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, the Dolphin Democrats promote the ideals of the Democratic Party, cultivate and campaign for candidates supportive of the GLBT community, and promote legislation and policies that strengthen the GLBT community.

Some other amazing honorees include: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Local 10 news anchor Charles Perez and Miami-Herald's Steve Rothaus.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to THE SUSAN G. KOMEN FUND.

Hastings has spent his entire life fighting for equal rights for all Americans and is committed to achieving full GLBT equality. He takes great pride in his 100 percent pro-equality voting record and is a co-sponsor of virtually every piece of legislation in the 111th Congress that extends critical rights and protections to the GLBT community, including at home, in schools, in the workplace, within the health care system, and across international borders.

Hastings' most recent efforts include a multilateral push to repeal the discriminatory law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," as well as unwavering support for non-discrimination protection for GLBT employees, hate crimes prevention legislation, and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.