Happy Pride Month from all of us here at Progress Florida! As we close out this month of reflection, community events, and celebrating the great strides made for equality in our state and nation, we’re also confronted with the reality of continuing attacks on Florida’s LGBTQ community. With the “Don’t’ Say Gay Bill” going into effect tomorrow along with several other states proposing the same bill (this year alone over 300 anti-LGBTQ bills have surfaced in 36 legislatures across the country) the fight for equality continues.
Which is why now more than ever it is important to learn about these issues including how you can make a difference. Please see below for a partial list of Florida based allies in the fight for equality that you can donate to, learn from, or volunteer for:
Equality Florida– Through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building, they are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Equality Florida fights for transgender rights, HIV prevention and education, reproductive freedom, and gun violence reform.
South Florida Afro Pride Federation– Provides an array of programs to service LGBTQ Black and brown folks. This includes mental health services, HIV prevention and education, and cultural arts programs that include the annual Afro Pride Music & Cultural Arts Festival.
Prism– A LGBTQ youth centered organization. They provide LGBTQ youth with education and the support they need to be happy and healthy. Prism’s educational programs include sexual health, LGBTQ history, and information on free and low-cost STI resources.
TranQuility– Their mission is to improve the quality of lives for transgender and gender non-conforming folks in North Central Florida. TranQuility provides education on how to be an ally to transgender and gender non-confirming people and collaborate with other local organizations with a similar goal.
There are many other LGBTQ organizations in the state of Florida that you can support and learn from as well. These are just a few of the amazing organizations to engage with. Pride is more than just a month, it’s a movement.
Happy Pride!
