Pride at the Capitol
We’re in the Florida Capitol every single day of legislative session. Pride at the Capitol is your chance to join us on the front lines to share your story and fight back against attacks on our community.
2026 Legislative Session By The Numbers
0
out of 5 anti-LGBTQ bills stopped or neutralized
0
citizen lobbyists joined our 2-week Pride at the Capitol launch
0
committee appearances on priority LGBTQ bills
0
phone calls and emails sent to lawmakers
Sign up
Stay up-to-date with our latest Resistance Reports!
What's at Stake
Florida has long been used as a testing ground for anti-LGBTQ attacks. During the 2026 legislative session, Governor DeSantis and extremist lawmakers once again manufactured a slate of some of the most sweeping anti-LGBTQ bills in the country — continuing their relentless obsession with targeting transgender people and LGBTQ families. At the same time, the Florida Department of Health launched a cruel attack on public health by cutting funding for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), putting life-saving medication at risk for thousands of Floridians living with HIV.
But when we rang the alarm, the resistance came to Tallahassee. Because of relentless people power, we stopped or neutralized FOUR out of FIVE anti-LGBTQ bills in 2026 — including proposals that would have:
- Legalized harassment of transgender workers
- Threatened teachers, doctors, and parents with lawsuits and criminal penalties for supporting transgender youth, and
- Attempted to ban Pride flags from public spaces.
Alongside our partners and HIV advocates, we also helped secure crucial stopgap funding to protect ADAP — restoring access to HIV care for more than 10,000 people!
One dangerous bill did pass after a two-year fight — “Anti-Diversity in Local Government.” This sweeping legislation attempts to undermine how cities and counties celebrate and support the diverse communities they serve, particularly LGBTQ Floridians.
But it did not pass quietly or easily. The bill faced bipartisan opposition from local elected officials, lawmakers, and the public — forcing dozens of carve-outs, including protections for the Pulse Memorial in Orlando and the continued permitting of Pride festivals. Pride is NOT banned — even as cities and counties navigate new restrictions. Our fight isn’t over, as Equality Florida is now using the powerful legislative record from the Capitol to fight against censorship and overcompliance under the law.
These victories were only possible because thousands of Floridians stood on the front lines with us every single day.
Stay tuned for more information about our 2027 Pride at the Capitol campaign in the coming weeks.
When I first heard of Pride at the Capitol, I knew I had to show up for my son. As the father of a transgender boy, I feel responsible for using my voice in spaces he's not yet able to represent himself. I arrived in Tallahassee nervous of how my introverted nature and emotions would hold up, but I was amazed at how the support and encouragement of other advocates along with the preparation provided had me eagerly sharing my story with lawmakers as they debated bills that would directly impact families like mine. Through this advocacy, some of my feelings of hopelessness during the legislative session have been replaced with a sense of purpose, and I am forever grateful to Equality Florida for giving me this chance to be heard.
Being part of Pride at the Capitol made my heart warm. I met some amazing people—both parents of children in the LGBTQ+ community and those in the LGBTQ+ community. I felt as if I finally had a village and a safe place to land and advocate for my trans daughter. I also felt more in control, having opportunities to talk with legislators and help them to see that I am a mother of 3 children and my family is just like any other family. I just want all of my children to be safe and happy. I want them to feel seen and loved. Thank you Equality Florida for providing me the opportunity to be part of your family and to make a difference for my children and patients.
