Sunny Florida’s Dark Cloud Over Gays – But The Spirit Of Pride Shines Through
As Pride Month begins, Florida looks different. The rainbow lights that once lit up bridges are now red, white, and blue. It’s part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Freedom Summer” plan, which bans rainbow lights this year.
Since the “Don’t Say Gay” law made news, DeSantis has used Florida to test anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. These laws have spread to other states too.
Key Restrictions in Florida
- Trans women and girls can’t play in female sports
- Trans people can’t use bathrooms that match their gender in schools and government buildings
- LGBTQIA+ books have been taken out of school libraries
- Trans minors can’t get gender-affirming healthcare, even though doctors support it
- Trans adults have a harder time getting transition-related healthcare and insurance coverage
- Trans people can’t change their driver’s licenses to match their gender
A survey by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation last fall found that 80 per cent of transgender or non-binary Floridians don’t want to stay in the state. Many have relocated to more accepting states, while others turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to fund their moves.
A Ray of Hope
But LGBTQIA+ advocates are more hopeful than before. Judges have blocked some of DeSantis’ plans, like laws against drag shows and teachers using pronouns that match their gender. The Florida Legislature also seemed less interested in culture-war bills this year. Out of 22 bills that were bad for LGBTQIA+ Floridians, only one passed.
Carlos Guillermo Smith from Equality Florida says this is because of “intense collective opposition” from advocates. “LGBTQIA+ Floridians are proud, resilient, and determined to keep going despite the governor’s attacks,” he says.
DeSantis’ office says warnings about Florida being anti-LGBTQIA+ are stunts. They often point to record tourism in the state.
St. Pete Pride, Florida’s biggest Pride event, is happening now. The parade on June 22 is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of people, showing that the community’s spirit is still strong.
