A recent article by Axios titled, “Why Florida is America’s least gay-friendly state,” rounded off a host of measures supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis, they claim has created a hostility environment against for those in the LGBTQ community
The article listed “the acts of transgressions” the Governor has put in place that has harmed those in the LGBT community.
As follows.
1. June is Pride month and instead of casting rainbows, a ban has been put up around bridges throughout the state will only light up in red, white and blue as the DeSantis administration calls it, “Freedom Summer.”
2.Ever since the passing of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, referred to by the media as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, DeSantis has tuned “Florida into a test kitchen for anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions,” said the Axios article.
3. Florida law prohibits biological men, transgender women and girls from participating in sports for female students. Trans people can’t use bathrooms at schools and government buildings that match their gender identity.
4. Books about LGBTQ+ characters have been pulled from school libraries.
5. Minors are barred from receiving gender-affirming healthcare, despite such treatment having support from every major medical group.
This was just a few of the talking points that Axios laid out to say that Florida is Anti-Gay.
The article even points out that a Human Rights Campaign Foundation survey conducted last fall found that 80% of transgender or nonbinary Floridians don’t want to stay.
THE LGBTQ HYPERBOLE
While LGBTQ groups bad mouth the sunshine state and Gov. DeSantis, in 2024, they have been actively promoting tourism and LGBT gatherings here in Florida.
A press release by MiamiandBeaches.com highlighted Rainbow Spring: “An event that is a famously diverse destination year-round, the LGBTQ+ welcome mat is out especially loud and proud this March through June. No matter when you decide to join us, we’ve put together special offers and all the information you need to get yourself to Miami Beach Rainbow Spring,” said the press release.
It also talked about how Expedia was [partnering with hotels to welcome those in the LGBTQ community.
In March of this year, the LGBTQ community promoted the Winter Party Festival. A weeklong LGBTQ+ celebration of music, dance and community.
“At Miami Beach Pride in early April, celebrate all things LGBTQ+ at events ranging from the highly anticipated Sunday parade to pool parties, a music festival and a gala. Discover the offerings of talented LGBTQ+ filmmakers at the OUTshine Film Festival in late April.”
Pride organizers are heavily promoting the state’s biggest Pride celebration in St. Petersburg later this month to gather around hundreds of thousands of people.
DeSantis says the calls too boycott Florida and the arguments that his agenda is hurting the state’s tourism are all hype.
For a group that says DeSantis’ policies are hostile towards the LGBT crowd, they sure are promoting Florida as a destination to party.
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