We appreciate our leader Edward Summers, Ph.D. standing up for our community against hate!
Executive Director @ Pridelines | Mental Health Counselor | Social Justice Soldier | LGBTQAI+ & Racial Equity Fighter | Educator | Author | Entrepreneur | Public Policy Expert | Higher Education & Nonprofit Consultant |
It’s deeply concerning to see VISIT FLORIDA under the leadership of CEO @Dana Young, remove the LGBTQ Visitor Guide from its website. This action, coupled with Young’s disheartening comments, presupposes that LGBTQ people don’t exist in Florida or contribute to its economy. Nothing could be further from the truth. The LGBTQ community plays a vital role in Florida’s economy. Not only do LGBTQ residents pay taxes on businesses, property, and other goods and services, but LGBTQ tourists also significantly contribute to the state’s economic health. In fact, LGBTQ travelers are known to spend more on travel than their non-LGBTQ counterparts, with an estimated global market value of $218 billion (Out Now Consulting, 2023). Florida, as a top travel destination, greatly benefits from this segment. Florida’s LGBTQ population is growing substantially, with over 4.6% of the state’s adult population identifying as LGBTQ, representing more than 914,000 individuals (Williams Institute, 2023). (To note, data is severely understated & underestimated.) The LGBTQAI+ community not only enriches the cultural fabric of our state but also has a considerable economic impact that cannot and should not be ignored. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." By erasing LGBTQ content, Visit Florida is undermining the contributions of a community that has a profound and positive impact on our state. This action sends a harmful message that undermines equality and inclusivity. Desmond Tutu famously stated, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." As a leader and advocate, I stand with the LGBTQ community in Florida and across the country. Discrimination has no place in our society, and actions like these must be called out and addressed. Florida should be a state where everyone feels welcome, safe, and celebrated for who they are. VISIT FLORIDA needs to restore the LGBTQ Visitor Guide pages immediately, refund businesses and organizations their membership fees, and apologize to our community. Discrimination and hate are not only morally wrong, but they’re also bad for business. We must continue to advocate for visibility, inclusion, and equality. Actions like these are a step backward, and we must hold organizations accountable for their roles in perpetuating discrimination. Let’s ensure that Florida remains a welcoming and vibrant destination for all. #LGBTQ #InclusionMatters #EqualityForAll #Florida