Statements & Press Releases

Press Release ∙
As DeSantis’ Censorship Agenda Escalates, Lawmakers Poised to Advance Sweeping Anti-DEI Bill and Two Additional Anti-LGBTQ Proposals
Equality Florida warned that Florida lawmakers were advancing the sweeping 'Anti-Diversity in Local Government' bill (HB 1001/SB 1134), which would bar cities from sponsoring Pride and recognizing Black History Month, alongside the 'Don't Say Gay or Trans at Work' and 'More Lawsuits for Teachers and Doctors' bills.
LGBTQ
Statement ∙
Equality Florida Condemns Trump’s Racist Attack On President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Equality Florida condemned President Trump for posting a racist video on Truth Social depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, calling it intentional white supremacy made worse by its timing during Black History Month and demanding elected officials speak out.
Barack Obama Equality Florida
Press Release ∙
Parents Call Out DeSantis and Lawmakers for Cruel Attacks on LGBTQ Children and Families
Parents, families, and advocates gathered at the Florida Capitol with Equality Florida to condemn anti-LGBTQ legislation including the 'More Lawsuits for Teachers and Doctors' bill, as the organization highlighted its Parenting with Pride program now serving nearly 4,000 families.
LGBTQ
Press Release ∙
Legislation Filed to Restore Freedom in Education, Healthcare
Florida lawmakers filed the 'Health Care Freedom Act' and 'Freedom to Learn Act' to roll back DeSantis-era policies, including the six-week abortion ban, restrictions on transgender care, the Stop WOKE Act, and 'Don't Say Gay or Trans' provisions.
Press Release ∙
Event Hosted by Robert Wennett & Mario Cader-Frech Raises $500,000 to Launch HIV Awareness Initiative
Philanthropists Robert Wennett and Mario Cader-Frech hosted a Miami Beach gathering on World AIDS Day that raised $500,000 to launch Equality Florida's new HIV Awareness Initiative, aimed at educating Floridians about advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and combating stigma.
Press Release ∙
Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith to Step Down After 28 Years to Lead Color Of Change
Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith is stepping down after 28 years to become President and CEO of Color Of Change in January 2026, with co-founder and Deputy Director Stratton Pollitzer named as the incoming CEO and Executive Director.
Equality Florida Nadine Smith
Statement ∙
Extremist Florida Lawmakers File Pride Flag Ban Bill Ahead of 2026 Legislative Session
Florida Representative David Borrero and Senator Clay Yarborough filed the first anti-LGBTQ bill of the 2026 session, a Pride Flag Ban (HB 347/SB 426) barring government buildings from displaying flags representing race, gender, or sexual orientation while protecting 'historical' flags including Confederate symbols.
Press Release ∙
Dogged by Scandal, Desperate DeSantis Uses DOGE List to Distract From $83 Million Crony Deal, $10 Million Charity Scandal, and $300 Million Detention Crisis
Equality Florida's Nadine Smith accused DeSantis of using a 'DOGE list' attacking city Pride sponsorships as wasteful spending to distract from his own scandals, including an $83 million land deal, the Hope Florida charity investigation, and the failed 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention camp.
Statement ∙
Defying DeSantis: Communities Show Their Rainbows as State Threatens Cities
Equality Florida's Nadine Smith condemned DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation for threatening to withhold emergency relief funding from cities unless they remove street art including rainbow crosswalks, urging communities to respond with defiant displays of visibility.
Statement ∙
Equality Florida Condemns DeSantis for Defacing Pulse Memorial; Calls on Floridians to #ShowYourRainbow in Response
Equality Florida condemned Governor DeSantis for ordering part of the Orlando Pulse memorial painted over, calling it an attempt to erase LGBTQ history, and urged Floridians to gather at the site and display rainbows using #ShowYourRainbow.
Equality Florida