LGBTQ families and educators in Florida speak up

GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, and Equality Florida are releasing video of LGBTQ families and educators in Florida speaking out about returning to school with new laws in effect targeting them.

Thanks to the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, LGBTQ-related conversations are being banned in classrooms and books are removed being from shelves. Emboldened by the bill’s passage, state leaders are now targeting gender affirming healthcare for transgender youth, despite the fact that every major medical association supports it as safe and in many cases lifesaving for them.

GLAAD’s recent poll of LGBTQ and ally voters in Florida finds that  71% believe the laws’ intent is to attack LGBTQ people; while 70% say the laws are emotionally damaging to children.

The poll also shows 77% of respondents strongly agree that it’s more important than ever to vote, especially since human rights for women and LGBTQ Floridians are being taken away by elected state officials; and that 67% are “extremely motivated” to vote in the midterm elections.

77% of LGBTQ and ally voters have an unfavorable opinion of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The 2018 gubernatorial race was decided by 32,463 votes out of 8+ million. LGBTQ and ally voters are positioned to make a decisive difference in Florida’s election this fall.

“Florida’s LGBTQ and ally voters must send an unmistakable message that they are not going back in the closet or back in time,” said GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis. “Discriminatory, defamatory and dangerous rhetoric and behavior must stop now.”

“It is imperative that Floridians use the power of their votes to hold Governor DeSantis and his allies accountable for the hate they unleashed on our state,” said Equality Florida Press Secretary, Brandon Wolf.

4.6% of Floridians are LGBTQ; 24% of LGBTQ Floridians are raising children. The time to act is now.

Visit Equality Florida and GLAAD for more information.