As students in Florida return to class, school officials are figuring out how the implementation of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill will affect students and their ability to do their job. The new laws are banning LGBTQ-related conversation in class, books are removed from shelves and state leaders are targeting gender-affirming healthcare, despite the fact that every major medical association supports it as safe and lifesaving for transgender youth.
While targeting LGBTQ youth might make Gov. DeSantis popular in certain circles, the LGBTQ community and its allies are undoubtedly an integral part of the Florida electorate. GLAAD conducted a poll among LGBTQ and ally voters in Florida and found that 71% believe the laws’ intent is to attack LGBTQ people; 70% say the laws are emotionally damaging to children.
The poll also revealed that 77% strongly agree that it’s more important than ever to vote, as human rights for women and LGBTQ Floridians are being taken away by elected state officials. 67% are “extremely motivated” to vote in the midterm elections and 77% of LGBTQ and ally voters have an unfavorable opinion of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2018 gubernatorial race was decided by 32,463 votes out of 8+ million. LGBTQ and ally voters are positioned to make a decisive difference in Florida’s election this fall as 4.6% of Floridians identify as LGBTQ.
Source: Glaad