In a move to raise awareness about potential risks faced by minorities, immigrants, and gay travelers, the largest LGBTQ rights organization in the U.S., the Human Rights Campaign, has joined forces with other prominent civil rights organizations in issuing a travel advisory for the Sunshine State. While Florida remains a popular destination for tourists, the advisory aims to shed light on recently passed laws and policies that critics argue are hostile towards the LGBTQ community, impede abortion access, and allow concealed weapons without a permit.
While the Human Rights Campaign clarifies that it is not calling for a boycott or making a universal recommendation against visiting Florida, the organization urges those who do visit to actively voice their opposition to these perceived dangerous policies. Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, emphasized the importance of individuals who choose alternative destinations for work, education, or vacation to clearly articulate their reasons for not opting for Florida.
Joining the chorus of concern, the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, recently issued its own travel advisory highlighting the openly hostile nature of laws and policies championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers. Their advisory specifically cites concerns related to African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Florida, known for its vibrant tourism industry, attracted a staggering 137.5 million visitors last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. These travelers contributed significantly to the state’s economy, with visitor expenditures reaching $98.8 billion in 2019, supporting 1.6 million full-time and part-time jobs. The travel advisory serves as a reminder that while Florida offers many attractions, recent legislation has raised concerns about the protection and inclusion of marginalized communities.
As discussions surrounding these new laws and policies continue, the travel advisory serves as a call to action, encouraging dialogue and engagement to address the concerns and potential risks faced by LGBTQ individuals, minorities, and immigrants in Florida. It remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the Sunshine State’s tourism industry and its commitment to inclusivity and equality.