National Organization for Women

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Florida Feminist Legend Dies

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of an LGBT Legend & Icon Constance (“Connie”) Kurtz
Connie passed away on Sunday evening, May 27, 2018, in West Palm Beach.
Connie and her wife, Ruth Berman, were simply known as “Ruthie & Connie”. They were together for over 44 years. They first met in the late 1950’s. After 2 divorces, they became a couple in 1974.
In 1988, Ruthie & Connie sued the New York City Board of Education for “Same-Sex Healthcare Benefits”. As their case was being tried, they appeared on “The Phil Donahue Show”; coming-out-of-the-closet in front of millions of people watching T.V.
In 1996, they were victorious in their law suit.
In 2002, they portrayed themselves in the documentary film; “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House”. Shown at film festivals the world over, the film won 6 “Best Documentary Film” Awards.
In 2016, the organization known as “Services & Advocacy For GLBT Elders” (SAGE), presented “The SAGE Pioneer Award” to Ruthie & Connie.
In 2017, Ruthie & Connie were presented “The Rusty Gordon Spirit of Excellence & Equality Award” at the annual TKJ Gala of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party.
Recently, Ruthie & Connie were named “HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS” of The Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach County.
Earlier this year, the PBC Chapter of ‘The National Organization For Women’ (PBC-NOW), presented Ruthie & Connie with: “The Rusty Gordon Human Rights Award”.
Ruthie & Connie were married on July, 26, 2011, in New York City.
Together with Ruthie, Connie was “The Ultimate Activist & Advocate” on behalf of the Women’s Movement (NOW), the LGBT Community, and the Democratic Party.
Connie was the former president of “The United Democratic Club of Century Village, West Palm Beach”.
The Legacy that Connie Kurtz leaves behind, speaks volumes, and Connie WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

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Help Sponsor Young Feminists at Florida NOW Conference

Dear Florida NOW members and friends,

The 2018 Florida NOW conference is just days away. If you haven’t registered but intend to, there is no time like the present. You can also register at the conference prior to the day’s events. Registration begins at 3:00 PM on June 1 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott.

You might want to make an extra effort to attend our opening cocktail reception with three Gubernatorial Candidates attending. Gwen Graham, Chris King and Philip Levine have all agreed to stop by. The event starts at 5:30 PM.

We are so pleased to be sponsoring EIGHT Young Feminists from FSU, UM and Stetson. They are all active in their NOW campus affiliates. This will be the first NOW conference for many of them.

But this also adds to the overall cost of the conference. The students will be able to enjoy all aspects of the conference and are paying for their own accommodations. Florida NOW is responsible for their lunches and attendance at other conference meetings and it does add up.

Can you help sponsor a student today?

These students are so excited to attend! They have all been leaders in their campus affiliates and have a genuine passion for our issues. So many of us have said we need to get more younger people involved in NOW and here is our chance.

Any amount would be a help. If you can afford it, you can select ‘Sponsor a Feminist Sister’ on the Registration page to donate $100. If you want to donate less, please go to the DONATE link at the top of any page and indicate in the notation that it is to help sponsor a student. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your generosity and I hope to see many of you at the conference.

In sisterhood,

Terry Sanders

President, Florida NOW

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Ending DACA Will Stoke Fear — and Harm Women

Statement of NOW President Toni Van Pelt

Donald Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will decimate protections for immigrant youth–and sends a message to immigrant women, children, and families that their safety is in jeopardy.

Trump announced Tuesday that the DACA program would formally cease six-months from now, and called on Congress to replace the policy before the March 5, 2018 deadline. His order will wipe out deportation protections and work permits for more than 800,000 young immigrants.

An end to DACA would mean that immigrant youth will be marginalized even further. Without access to work permits, their economic security will be threatened. Without safety from deportation, families will be torn apart.

This move stokes the culture of fear that Trump feeds every day with his racist, xenophobic rhetoric. And it will have real consequences–consequences that go beyond the immediate effects of ending DACA, and harm women. How many young domestic violence victims will be silenced for fear of deportation? What workplace discrimination will young women endure if they are working off the books? How many sexual assaults will occur without consequences for the perpetrator?

Trump is a bully, and he’s picking on young people. But this is not a schoolyard, and the potential for danger is very real.

No human being is illegal, and the National Organization for Women fiercely condemns the end of DACA. We will never stop demanding safety for immigrant women and families; today is no exception.

Contact
M.E. Ficarra, press@now.org, 951-547-1241