Friday, August 30, 2024 Florida , a state renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ tourism hubs such as Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and St. Petersburg, has recently made a controversial move by quietly removing the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its official tourism website, Visit Florida. This decision has sparked widespread concern among business owners and community leaders who view it as another step by state officials to marginalize the LGBTQ+ community.
A Surprising Move in a Popular LGBTQ+ Destination The removal of the LGBTQ+ travel information from Visit Florida’s website, which went largely unnoticed until recently, has raised questions about the state’s commitment to inclusivity. The website previously highlighted Florida’s appeal to LGBTQ+ travelers, noting the state’s welcoming beaches, warm weather, and diverse activities that have long made it a top destination for LGBTQ+ tourists. Keith Blackburn, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating, “It’s just disgusting to see this.
They seem to want to erase us. ” Blackburn and others believe this move is part of a broader trend in Florida to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, following a series of legislative actions that have been widely criticized as discriminatory. Legislative Actions Fuel Concerns Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has been at the forefront of several policies that have caused alarm within the LGB.