In late August, without explanation, Visit Florida, the state's official tourism website, removed the LGBTQ travel section from its website. The move came as a shock to the LGBTQ community, which was already leery of traveling to the state after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state legislature enacted a series of anti-LGBT policies.
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Before it was removed from the Visit Florida website, the LGBTQ travel section promoted the state as:
There’s a sense of freedom to Florida’s beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities — a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance.
When the state removed the section, no one knew why or who ordered its removal. However, now we are getting more clarity on the situation.
Visit Florida CEO and President Dana Young told reporters that as a taxpayer-funded organization, Visit Florida must “align with the state.”
Dana Young said:
Visit Florida, our marketing strategy and our materials, our content must align with the state. Florida has always been and will continue to be a very, very welcoming state.
That is evidenced by the incredible tourism numbers that we presented last week and at this board meeting and Visit Florida is committed to continue that message of being welcome to everyone forward as we move through the next year and through the next many years in our partnership with the state of Florida,
Young did not elaborate any further on why the section that gave LGBTQ travel information was removed. After Young's comments, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was asked about the controversy at a press conference. Governor DeSantis said:
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We're open to all. But we're not going to be segregating people by these different characteristics. That's not how we've done business and any of the things that we've done.
Despite what DeSantis said, there are pages on the Visit Florida website for African American and Hispanic travelers.
Dana Young was appointed the Visit Florida CEO in 2019, the same year DeSantis took office. Before her appointment, she was in the Florida State Senate, losing her re-election bid in 2018.
When asked about this controversy, Keith Blackburn, who heads the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, told the Orlando Sentinel:
It’s just disgusting to see this. They seem to want to erase us. It’s difficult when these kinds of stories come out, and the state does these things, and we hear people calling for a boycott.
On one level, it’s embarrassing to have to explain why people should come to South Florida and our destination when the state is doing these things.
The Human Rights Campaign issued a travel advisory to the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. The nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group told its members not to visit Florida because of the “devastating impacts of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community.”
Based on Young and DeSantis' comments, it does not appear that the LGBTQ travel information section will return to the Visit Florida website soon.
Do you think removing an LGBTQ travel section from the Visit Florida website ‘aligns with the state?'
I feel that the LBTGQ COMMUNITY SHOULD AVOID Florida taking all of the money we spend here to other states. There are other port of calls for cruises. Airlines to go everywhere.
I think sexual orientation has nothing to do with expectations from any state to promote tourism. You want to visit, that’s your choice. I don’t expect the red carpet rolled out for me when visiting other states.
I do not feel that the LBGTQ, Hispanic, Blacks, etc (Ethnic nor race) should be referred to except for ID purposes (i.e. looking for a criminal, kidnapped or missing person). How do we ever expect to be equally treated if the Government and other entities continue to make groups “Specialized”? If your “Specialized” groups continue to make waves or be in the NEWS for functions, unique to you, then you are the ones that are causing the separations and discontintment.
Imo certain people say they don’t have equality; but what they really want is to be treated like they’re special. Why should we point out that a particular group of people are accepted to a place, where all are welcome!! Tied of all the divisive, political BS
I’m reposting Doris’ comments because they are absolutely correct. “I do not feel that the LBGTQ, Hispanic, Blacks, etc (Ethnic nor race) should be referred to except for ID purposes (i.e. looking for a criminal, kidnapped or missing person). How do we ever expect to be equally treated if the Government and other entities continue to make groups “Specialized”? If your “Specialized” groups continue to make waves or be in the NEWS for functions, unique to you, then you are the ones that are causing the separations and discontentment.”
Despite what DeSantis said, there are pages on the Visit Florida website for African American and Hispanic travelers.
LBGTQ is now a ethnic group?
It must really suck being “normalized,” instead of screaming “look at me I’m (pick your own alphabet soup).
I’m sure there are African Americans and Hispanics in the alphabet group. Are they angry that they don’t get fireworks when they cross into the state.?
You were never killed or severely beaten for just trying to live like everyone else. There is a reason for checking for acceptance
The State Government needs to pull back acknowledging one group over another! We all need to get off our high horses and realize that we are all human, and all deserve the same rights. Our governments represent us as a whole not one group or another. And if they continue to promote differences in people then they are in the wrong because the are suppose to be representing all of us. All of us are responsible for the mess we find ourselves in these days because we can’t accept each other for who they are. Our governments can’t be, (shouldn’t be) taxed with trying to enforce or provoke moral law. No one is better then someone else. We are all just humans. When you go down a path the wrong way, it’s hard to stop and go back, and admit you were wrong. Our governments have to back off, and neutralize their positions. We have to get back to the center.
I think Disney blew it when they hired a transgenered man with a beard to promote the brand. I have no problem with Gays….. you can’t help who you fall in love with. But I would not want to have to explain a transgenered man to my kid at Disney.
I think everyone has a right if of legal age to do/act as they want
I just don’t think any group to constantly try to Ram their beliefs or agendas on anyone. The more it’s broadcasted the more people hat It
Why must any one particular group be singled out!? What is wrong with welcoming everyone without going into naming them! To me I find this divisive! If ALL are welcome then leave it at that
The alphabet people should not have any special considerations. Otherwise every special group will want the same treatment. Alphabet people should see psychiatrists due to the fact that they are sick people and don’t understand that there are ONLY TWO GENDERS, MALE AND FEMALE. And no other explanation is needed. Apparently they don’t understand science.