Several Florida cities have long been top U.S. destinations for LGBTQ+ tourists, but maybe not for long.
Many were shocked this week when travelers learned that Florida's tourism marketing agency quietly removed the “ LGBTQ Travel” section from its website sometime in the past few months. Popular areas include Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and St. Petersburg.
Business owners who cater to Florida's LGBTQ+ tourists said the move marks the latest attempt by officials in the state to erase the LGBTQ+ community. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis previously championed a bill to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, and supported a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, as well as a law meant to keep children out of drag shows.
“It's just disgusting to see this,” said Keith Blackburn, who heads the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “They seem to want to erase us.” The change to Visit Florida's website was first reported by NBC News, which noted a search query still pulls up some listings for LGBTQ+-friendly places despite the elimination of the section.
John Lai, who chairs Visit Florida's board, didn't respond to an email seeking comment on Tuesday. Dana Young, Visit Florida's CEO and president, didn't respond to a voicemail message Wednesday, and neither did the agency's public relations director. Visit Florida is a public-private partnership between the state of Florida and the state's tourism industry.
The sta.