Pride and Resilience Shine in Florida, the Sunshine State
The aftermath of the Pulse shooting had sparked a sense of solidarity and activism among Florida's queer community, with many advocating for greater protections and acceptance. However, the state's subsequent shift towards more conservative policies has left many feeling disillusioned and vulnerable. Governor DeSantis's relentless pursuit of anti-queer legislation has created a culture of fear and intimidation, where individuals are hesitant to express themselves freely. The consequences of this hostile environment are far-reaching, with many queer students and faculty members feeling forced to leave institutions like New College in search of more welcoming and inclusive spaces. Despite these challenges, Jacobson remains resolute in their commitment to creating a safe and supportive community for queer students at New College, even as the college's transformation under DeSantis's oversight continues to unfold. As the state marks the somber anniversary of the Pulse shooting, queer Floridians are left to wonder what the future holds for their community and their place within the state they call home.
Florida's transformation into a hub for extreme right-wing legislation has been fueled by an influx of wealthy conservatives, diluting the voting power of those who oppose their agendas. As a result, the state has become a challenging environment for marginalized communities to navigate. The pervasive presence of guns in Florida, with the state ranking second only to Texas in terms of gun ownership, has desensitized residents to the threat of violence from a young age. This culture of gun violence has far-reaching implications, making neighborhoods feel unsafe and creating an atmosphere where violence can erupt anywhere, as seen in the devastating attack on Pulse nightclub in 2016.
The Pulse shooting, which occurred on June 12, 2016, during the club's weekly Latin Nights, resulted in the deaths of 49 people and injured 53, with a majority of the victims being Latine. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the targeted violence faced by queer and transgender Latines in Florida. The site of the former nightclub, where the remnants were demolished in March 2026, is set to become a public memorial, expected to be completed in 2027.
However, the process of creating a memorial has been contentious, with a group of survivors, family members of victims, activists, and scholars forming the Community Coalition Against a Pulse Museum (CCAPM) to oppose the onePULSE Foundation's plans for a private museum. The coalition has called for a tasteful and respectful public memorial, rather than a tourist attraction that charges admission and sells merchandise. They also seek to hold accountable the City of Orlando, the Orlando Police Department, and Pulse owner Barbara Poma for the unpermitted renovations and code violations that hindered the victims' escape.
In recent years, efforts have been made to connect campus struggles to the broader political landscape. A multistate campus tour, co-organized with the feminist magazine Lux, visited universities across Florida, including the University of Central Florida, Florida International University, and New College of Florida. The tour highlighted the importance of support from off-campus community grassroots organizers in strengthening student-led political action. Professors, such as Evan Lauteria, an assistant instructional professor in sociology at the University of Florida, are also grappling with the state's war on education, including the removal of Introduction to Sociology from the mandated core general education curriculum for freshman students.
Evan Lauteria emphasizes that the erosion of higher education in Florida is a direct threat to democracy and civic engagement, stating that attempts to suppress well-established research on issues like inequality and poverty undermine the entire citizenry. He believes that the push to remove sociology from the curriculum is closely tied to the Don't Say Gay and Stop WOKE bills, aiming to minimize critical thinking skills among the population.
As academics fight to preserve their curricula, local organizers are creating alternative spaces for community engagement and activism. The Walrus, a vegan restaurant in Jacksonville, serves as a hub for anarchist and Afrofuturist reading groups, drag shows, and mutual aid drives. Owner Alexander Eli, a trans person, faces security issues and tokenization but remains committed to creating a "radical queer vegan bar" that the city needs. Eli's mission is to provide a safe space where people can express themselves without fear of ostracism, highlighting the lack of nightlife options catering to sapphic and femme-presenting individuals.
Queer joy has become an act of resistance, with events like Masisi Radio and Dyke Nite creating spaces for underserved communities. Dyke Nite, founded less than two years ago, has hosted various events, including a lesbian arm-wrestling party and a kiss-in rally on Lesbian Visibility Day, featuring speakers from Central Florida Queers for Palestine and the Community Coalition Against a Pulse Museum. Co-founder Alexia Clarke emphasizes the importance of solidarity with grassroots movements in Florida, driven by her personal experience of clubbing at Pulse, which now feels like a haunting reminder of the past.
In Tallahassee, Common Ground Books operates as a queer and feminist bookstore, offering a wide range of literature, including best-selling nonfiction titles. Owner Alex Spencer notes that the store's proximity to the state Capitol and universities contributes to its popularity, but it also attracts a diverse clientele, including queer elders, young readers, and individuals seeking a safe space to explore their gender identity. The store provides free resources, such as contraceptives, Narcan, and informational cards about Constitutional rights, as well as hosting events like rallies and craft nights, making it a vital community hub.
As the LGBTQ+ community in Florida continues to face challenges, individuals like Dara Britton are finding ways to create their own support networks and engage in activism. The presence of organizations like the Tallahassee Community Action Committee, led by Delilah Pierre, provides a framework for community-led initiatives and rallies against social injustices. Pierre's work builds upon the legacy of civil rights activists in Tallahassee, who paved the way for future generations of leaders.
The intersection of queer identity and community activism is particularly evident in the work of younger individuals, who are leveraging their experiences to drive change. For Britton, being part of a homeschooling co-op has provided a sense of belonging and connection with like-minded individuals. This collective support has enabled them to participate in protests and advocate for social justice causes, demonstrating the power of grassroots organizing.
In the face of book bans and restrictive legislation, the LGBTQ+ community in Florida is responding with resilience and creativity. By fostering connections and building upon existing networks, individuals are able to find solace and support in one another. This sense of community is crucial in the face of adversity, as Britton's message of hope and kindness underscores the importance of looking to others for support and solidarity.
As LGBTQ+ creators and activists continue to reimagine a queer utopic version of Florida, they are drawing upon the state's complex history and cultural landscape. By acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that exist, they are working to create a more inclusive and equitable society, one that values diversity and promotes social justice. Through their efforts, a new vision for Florida is emerging, one that prioritizes community, creativity, and collective action.
The documentary, Can't Stop Change: Queer Climate Stories from the Florida Frontlines, offers a powerful example of how collective action and community-led initiatives can drive change. By amplifying the voices of marginalized Floridians, the film highlights the importance of self-determination and grassroots organizing in the face of adversity. Valencia Gunder's message of empowerment and validation sets the tone for the film, which features 15 artists, educators, and organizers sharing their experiences and perspectives on climate justice.
V Starks, an associate producer and featured artist in the film, brings a unique perspective as a born-and-raised Floridian from Jacksonville. Starks's involvement in the film has challenged their own perceptions of their hometown and the state as a whole, highlighting the complexity and diversity of Florida's communities. The inclusion of Jacksonville in the extended cut of the documentary introduces viewers to characters like Paige Mahogany Parks, the founder of the Transgender Awareness Project, who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the violence faced by Black transgender women in the city.
Through their work on the film, Starks hopes to encourage audiences to think critically about queerness and its intersections with other social justice issues. By questioning and challenging dominant narratives, Starks believes that individuals can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. The film serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community-led initiatives, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, individuals can come together to drive change and create a better future for all. As Starks notes, "If we can question gender, we can question anything," highlighting the potential for radical transformation and social change.
Noella Williams, a culture writer, DJ, and organizer from Pensacola, Florida, now based in Brooklyn, New York, has covered a range of topics including Black culture, queer identity, and pop culture for publications such as Vox, UPROXX, Teen Vogue, and The Washington Post. Her work often explores the intersections of social justice and cultural expression, providing a unique perspective on the complex issues faced by marginalized communities. With a deep understanding of the Florida landscape and its diverse populations, Williams brings a nuanced voice to the conversation around climate justice and queer identity.
Florida's transformation into a hub for extreme right-wing legislation has been fueled by an influx of wealthy conservatives, diluting the voting power of those who oppose their agendas. As a result, the state has become a challenging environment for marginalized communities to navigate. The pervasive presence of guns in Florida, with the state ranking second only to Texas in terms of gun ownership, has desensitized residents to the threat of violence from a young age. This culture of gun violence has far-reaching implications, making neighborhoods feel unsafe and creating an atmosphere where violence can erupt anywhere, as seen in the devastating attack on Pulse nightclub in 2016.
The Pulse shooting, which occurred on June 12, 2016, during the club's weekly Latin Nights, resulted in the deaths of 49 people and injured 53, with a majority of the victims being Latine. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the targeted violence faced by queer and transgender Latines in Florida. The site of the former nightclub, where the remnants were demolished in March 2026, is set to become a public memorial, expected to be completed in 2027.
However, the process of creating a memorial has been contentious, with a group of survivors, family members of victims, activists, and scholars forming the Community Coalition Against a Pulse Museum (CCAPM) to oppose the onePULSE Foundation's plans for a private museum. The coalition has called for a tasteful and respectful public memorial, rather than a tourist attraction that charges admission and sells merchandise. They also seek to hold accountable the City of Orlando, the Orlando Police Department, and Pulse owner Barbara Poma for the unpermitted renovations and code violations that hindered the victims' escape.
In recent years, efforts have been made to connect campus struggles to the broader political landscape. A multistate campus tour, co-organized with the feminist magazine Lux, visited universities across Florida, including the University of Central Florida, Florida International University, and New College of Florida. The tour highlighted the importance of support from off-campus community grassroots organizers in strengthening student-led political action. Professors, such as Evan Lauteria, an assistant instructional professor in sociology at the University of Florida, are also grappling with the state's war on education, including the removal of Introduction to Sociology from the mandated core general education curriculum for freshman students.
Evan Lauteria emphasizes that the erosion of higher education in Florida is a direct threat to democracy and civic engagement, stating that attempts to suppress well-established research on issues like inequality and poverty undermine the entire citizenry. He believes that the push to remove sociology from the curriculum is closely tied to the Don't Say Gay and Stop WOKE bills, aiming to minimize critical thinking skills among the population.
As academics fight to preserve their curricula, local organizers are creating alternative spaces for community engagement and activism. The Walrus, a vegan restaurant in Jacksonville, serves as a hub for anarchist and Afrofuturist reading groups, drag shows, and mutual aid drives. Owner Alexander Eli, a trans person, faces security issues and tokenization but remains committed to creating a "radical queer vegan bar" that the city needs. Eli's mission is to provide a safe space where people can express themselves without fear of ostracism, highlighting the lack of nightlife options catering to sapphic and femme-presenting individuals.
Queer joy has become an act of resistance, with events like Masisi Radio and Dyke Nite creating spaces for underserved communities. Dyke Nite, founded less than two years ago, has hosted various events, including a lesbian arm-wrestling party and a kiss-in rally on Lesbian Visibility Day, featuring speakers from Central Florida Queers for Palestine and the Community Coalition Against a Pulse Museum. Co-founder Alexia Clarke emphasizes the importance of solidarity with grassroots movements in Florida, driven by her personal experience of clubbing at Pulse, which now feels like a haunting reminder of the past.
In Tallahassee, Common Ground Books operates as a queer and feminist bookstore, offering a wide range of literature, including best-selling nonfiction titles. Owner Alex Spencer notes that the store's proximity to the state Capitol and universities contributes to its popularity, but it also attracts a diverse clientele, including queer elders, young readers, and individuals seeking a safe space to explore their gender identity. The store provides free resources, such as contraceptives, Narcan, and informational cards about Constitutional rights, as well as hosting events like rallies and craft nights, making it a vital community hub.
As the LGBTQ+ community in Florida continues to face challenges, individuals like Dara Britton are finding ways to create their own support networks and engage in activism. The presence of organizations like the Tallahassee Community Action Committee, led by Delilah Pierre, provides a framework for community-led initiatives and rallies against social injustices. Pierre's work builds upon the legacy of civil rights activists in Tallahassee, who paved the way for future generations of leaders.
The intersection of queer identity and community activism is particularly evident in the work of younger individuals, who are leveraging their experiences to drive change. For Britton, being part of a homeschooling co-op has provided a sense of belonging and connection with like-minded individuals. This collective support has enabled them to participate in protests and advocate for social justice causes, demonstrating the power of grassroots organizing.
In the face of book bans and restrictive legislation, the LGBTQ+ community in Florida is responding with resilience and creativity. By fostering connections and building upon existing networks, individuals are able to find solace and support in one another. This sense of community is crucial in the face of adversity, as Britton's message of hope and kindness underscores the importance of looking to others for support and solidarity.
As LGBTQ+ creators and activists continue to reimagine a queer utopic version of Florida, they are drawing upon the state's complex history and cultural landscape. By acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that exist, they are working to create a more inclusive and equitable society, one that values diversity and promotes social justice. Through their efforts, a new vision for Florida is emerging, one that prioritizes community, creativity, and collective action.
The documentary, Can't Stop Change: Queer Climate Stories from the Florida Frontlines, offers a powerful example of how collective action and community-led initiatives can drive change. By amplifying the voices of marginalized Floridians, the film highlights the importance of self-determination and grassroots organizing in the face of adversity. Valencia Gunder's message of empowerment and validation sets the tone for the film, which features 15 artists, educators, and organizers sharing their experiences and perspectives on climate justice.
V Starks, an associate producer and featured artist in the film, brings a unique perspective as a born-and-raised Floridian from Jacksonville. Starks's involvement in the film has challenged their own perceptions of their hometown and the state as a whole, highlighting the complexity and diversity of Florida's communities. The inclusion of Jacksonville in the extended cut of the documentary introduces viewers to characters like Paige Mahogany Parks, the founder of the Transgender Awareness Project, who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the violence faced by Black transgender women in the city.
Through their work on the film, Starks hopes to encourage audiences to think critically about queerness and its intersections with other social justice issues. By questioning and challenging dominant narratives, Starks believes that individuals can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. The film serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community-led initiatives, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, individuals can come together to drive change and create a better future for all. As Starks notes, "If we can question gender, we can question anything," highlighting the potential for radical transformation and social change.
Noella Williams, a culture writer, DJ, and organizer from Pensacola, Florida, now based in Brooklyn, New York, has covered a range of topics including Black culture, queer identity, and pop culture for publications such as Vox, UPROXX, Teen Vogue, and The Washington Post. Her work often explores the intersections of social justice and cultural expression, providing a unique perspective on the complex issues faced by marginalized communities. With a deep understanding of the Florida landscape and its diverse populations, Williams brings a nuanced voice to the conversation around climate justice and queer identity.
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