Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant tourism industry, has recently come under scrutiny for quietly removing the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its tourism marketing agency’s website. This move has sparked outrage among business owners who cater to Florida’s LGBTQ+ tourists, who see it as yet another attempt by state officials to erase the LGBTQ+ community.
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has been at the forefront of controversial policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. He championed a bill to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, supported a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and endorsed a law meant to keep children out of drag shows. These actions have left many feeling marginalized and excluded.
The removal of the “LGBTQ Travel” section from Visit Florida’s website, a public-private partnership between the state and the tourism industry, was first reported by NBC News. Despite the elimination of the section, a search query still pulls up some listings for LGBTQ+-friendly places. Representatives of Visit Florida have not responded to inquiries about the change, leaving many wondering about the agency’s motives.
Florida is a popular destination for tourists, with nearly 141 million visitors in 2023 contributing over $102 billion to the state’s economy. However, the recent actions taken by state officials have raised concerns about the inclusivity of the state. Keith Blackburn, who heads the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, expressed frustration over the change and its impact on promoting South Florida tourism.
Last year, several civil rights groups issued a travel advisory for Florida, citing policies that are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.” Despite these challenges, Blackburn emphasized that many Florida cities are inclusive, with gay elected officials and LGBTQ+-owned businesses that do not reflect the state government’s policies.
In conclusion, the removal of the “LGBTQ Travel” section from Visit Florida’s website has sparked controversy and raised questions about the state’s commitment to inclusivity. While Florida remains a popular tourist destination, the actions of state officials have created challenges for those promoting LGBTQ+ tourism in the state. It is essential for visitors to understand the complexities of the situation and recognize the inclusive communities within Florida that do not align with the state government’s policies.
