A CRISIS IN FLORIDA
Over the past two years, the state of Florida has enacted several laws that negatively impact the LGBTQ community and our families in the Sunshine State.
From banning transgender healthcare to removing books with positive representations of LGBTQ characters from libraries, banning transgender girls from playing sports, and making it illegal just to say “gay” or “trans” in schools, the state legislature has actively worked to make life exceedingly difficult for LGBTQ individuals while trying to actively erase us from society.
NCLR IS FIGHTING BACK.
Don't Say "Gay" or "Trans"
NCLR, along with lawyers from Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP, filed a complaint on March 31, 2022, on behalf of Equality Florida (EQFL), as well as students, parents, and a teacher, all of whom continue to face harmful repercussions resulting from the passage of the law. The complaint alleges that HB 1557 is unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution.
Transgender Healthcare
In April 2023, the FL State Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine implemented rules banning established medically necessary care for transgender adolescents and restricting healthcare for transgender adults. In May, Governor DeSantis signed SB 254, a law that codifies those rules.
Immediately after those rules were passed, NCLR, with our partners at GLAD, HRC, and Southern Legal Counsel, filed a complaint on behalf of several trans youths to block implementation and later added a challenge to SB 254 to that lawsuit.
On June 6, 2023, a Federal judge issued an order blocking the enforcement of those rules and SB 254 finding them to be unconstitutional. We have since amended our complaint to include healthcare for transgender adults.
Read more about our work to fight transgender healthcare bans in other states.
RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ FLORIDIANS
Organizations Providing LGBTQ Resources in Florida
EQUALITY FLORIDA
Equality Florida is Florida’s statewide civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.
CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY
The Campaign for Southern Equality is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every part of life. A South where your zip code doesn’t determine your rights. Where all of us are free to be who we truly are and love who we truly love. At this unprecedented time of anti-LGBTQ attacks – and as public support for LGBTQ equality across the South continues to grow – we invite you to join us in Meeting the Moment in the LGBTQ South.
TRANS IN THE SOUTH
More than 500,000 trans folks call the South home. Trans in the South contains lists of trans-friendly service providers – from doctors to attorneys to counselors – across the South. This resource guide helps people find the services they need to survive and thrive.
SOUTHERN TRANS YOUTH EMERGENCY PROJECT
The Campaign for Southern Equality has launched the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP), a new regional effort which provides rapid response support directly to the families of youth who are impacted by anti-transgender healthcare bans in the South.
LGBT+ CENTER ORLANDO
Provides a variety of support services, programs, and resources for the LGBTQ community in the Orlando area.
SUNSERVE (SOUTH FLORIDA)
Offers a wide range of social services, counseling, and support groups for LGBTQ individuals and their families.
PRIDELINES (MIAMI)
Offers comprehensive support programs, counseling, and resources for LGBTQ youth, young adults, and their families.
PRIDE COMMUNITY CENTER OF NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (GAINESVILLE)
Provides a safe space, support groups, and resources for the LGBTQ community in the Gainesville area.
COMPASS (PALM BEACH COUNTY)
Offers a wide range of services, including support groups, youth programs, and HIV/AIDS advocacy, for the LGBTQ community in Palm Beach County.
OUT MIAMI FOUNDATION
Engages and empowers LGBTQ individuals and allies through community events, philanthropy, and leadership development programs.
SAFE SCHOOLS SOUTH FLORIDA
Works to create safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ students through education, advocacy, and support.
TRANSSOCIAL (TAMPA BAY)
Provides resources, support groups, and educational programs specifically tailored to the transgender and gender non-conforming community in the Tampa Bay area.