Protecting LGBTQ+ families
They say history repeats itself. We’re watching the idiom come true in real-time. 50 years ago, Anita Bryant led the “Save Our Children” campaign in Florida, spewing dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Now, from school boards to state houses, we’re seeing the same fear-mongering narratives resurface. This spring, the Florida Department of Education voted to expand the state’s now infamous “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” legislation to grades K-12, and the Florida legislature followed by passing a bill extending the law to eighth grade. The legislative session has been so harmful to LGBTQ+ families that our friends at Equality Florida have issued a travel advisory for any LGBTQ+ person considering stepping foot in the state.
And, it’s not just Florida. During this session, 45 similar “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” bills have been filed in more than a dozen states throughout the country.
Here’s the good news: 91% of the anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year failed because of the hard work of organizations like us and advocates like you. We’re determined to defeat 91%—or more—of this year’s too. That’s why we’re working hard to support state leaders in trying to defeat these bills by pointing out the harmful impact they have on students with LGBTQ+ parents, LGBTQ+ families, and non-LGBTQ+ students alike. In fact, we’re suing the state of Florida for the freedoms of LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Building Connection & Telling Our Story
At times like this, it’s more important than ever to harness the power of community-building and storytelling.
Family Week in Provincetown
This July, we welcomed nearly 700 families — 1,600 attendees from 35 states and 9 countries — to our annual Family Week in Provincetown, MA. The beloved and record-breaking event featured activities for the whole family, including empowering discussions with movement leaders, a book signing with Chasten Buttigieg, movie nights, beach parties, a deep sea-themed disco, and more!
The 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
Family Equality was honored to be a community partner at the historic 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, with our very own CEO, Stacey Stevenson, as a featured speaker! With advocates coming together from across movements, we re-committed to fighting for peace, equality, and justice for all.
Shining Through the Clouds
Amid hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country, LGBTQ+ families are leaning on LOVE, FAMILY, and FREEDOM more than ever. We’re sharing their stories in our new podcast, Shining Through the Clouds. Uncover their remarkable resilience by listening today!
The Road Ahead
As 2024 approaches, we’re setting our sights on what’s ahead: Fiercely protecting our families through policy work, storytelling, and building resilience in the community. But we need your help.
The dangerous policies and rhetoric coming from our elected officials has trickled down: School boards and political pundits are crafting harmful narratives about who our families are, LGBTQ+ centers have been vandalized, Pride parades are being targeted, and doctors providing gender-affirming care have been threatened. We’re fighting a well-funded anti-LGBTQ+ machine the likes of which we haven’t seen in years — and the only way we’re going to change the tide in the year ahead is if we all work together.