Shocked and Devastated – But Not Powerless.
Shocked and Devastated – But Not Powerless
Today, we have a heavy heart – one that we know many share. The 2024 election results have left us shocked and devastated. What we in Florida have endured for years under a Republican supermajority is now set to play out on the national stage.
But as deeply as this outcome wounds us, we know that we’re not powerless. Thanks to the support of thousands, we’ve already made strides while resisting a deeply hostile government. We’ve proven that when we stand our ground and rally our community, we can achieve progress. We are resisting – and we will turn the tide.
Our LGBTQ+ community is no stranger to adversity. For decades, we have faced setbacks, fought through them, and found our resilience time and again. This fight is part of our identity, and together, we’ve shown that even the toughest challenges can’t stop us.
We had some heartbreaking losses here in Florida on Tuesday, including three State House races we poured our heart and soul into where our champions came within 1% of flipping a seat from red to blue. But even on such a hard day, there were also important victories.
One of the most powerful signs of change is in the growth of our political representation. This election year we have doubled the number of LGBTQ+ state legislators, including Equality Florida’s Senior Policy Advisor, Carlos Guillermo Smith, who is headed to the State Senate. Carlos and the entire LGBTQ+ Caucus will bring the voices and needs of our community to the Capitol and will be crucial allies as we work to block future attacks on our rights and freedoms.
And it’s not just in the Legislature where we’ve made headway. In the fight against extremist takeovers of Florida school boards, voters rejected DeSantis's culture wars and divisive agenda. This year, we delivered DeSantis and Moms for Liberty a string of humiliating school board defeats. Nearly two-thirds of DeSantis-backed school board candidates lost their races this year. Meanwhile, over 72% of Equality Florida Action PAC endorsed school board candidates won their elections.
This progress is proof of the power of resistance. We are turning the tide, even when it feels like everything is stacked against us. But we know that to keep moving forward, especially now, takes more than just hope – it takes resources, commitment, and a dedicated community of supporters like you who stand with us in the hardest moments.
As one donor shared with me in the wake of the election news, “I think we need Equality Florida now more than ever.”
We will keep organizing Floridians to demand dignity and protection in every corner of the state. We’re packing school board meetings, demanding that schools protect every student and respect every family, regardless of the governor’s agenda. This past year, we blocked 21 out of 22 anti-LGBTQ bills in legislative sessions – no small feat, given the right-wing majority we face.
And we’re well-versed in the fight that others are now preparing for. So, we’re sharing strategies and resources with partner organizations across the country to help others fight back against similar attacks in their own communities. The resistance we are building here is not only a shield for our community but a beacon of hope for all those who value justice and equality.
Together, we will continue standing up for our rights, defending our schools, fighting for life-saving healthcare access for transgender Floridians, and preparing the next generation of activists and allies.
