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Florida

News from within the borders of Florida and the fight for LGBT equality there. As of 2013, Florida legistlators have still not stuck down's the state's sodomy laws, though they remain unenforceable since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas. The state also voted to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions in 2008. Florida is infamous as the home of the Save the Children campaign helmed by Anita Bryant, which led to the prohibition of same-sex couples from adopting children in 1977.

Florida Republican wants to ban Pride flags in public buildings

Randy Fine has previously introduced bills restricting drag show attendance and gender-affirming care for children.

Judge denies 'Stand Your Ground' claim from Florida man accused of homophobic murder

Gerald Declan Radford claimed self-defense after the death of gay man John Walter Lay in a Tampa dog park.

Moms For Liberty co-founder elevated as vice chair for Florida Ethics Commission

That's despite the GOP-controlled Florida Senate declining to take up Tina Descovich's confirmation earlier this year.

Trans inmates in Florida claim prison officials conducted breast checks, forced haircuts in lawsuit: report

The new policies from Florida prison officials come in response to SB245, which bans gender-affirming care for minors and the use of state funds on any gender-affirming prescriptions or surgical procedures.

Ron DeSantis may be tapped by Donald Trump to head Defense Department

As Pete Hegseth sinks, the Florida governor and his anti-LGBTQ+ record may fill the void.

Meet Michele Rayner, who could become Florida's first queer woman senator

The Democrat, who currently serves in Florida's House, will run for a safe blue state senate seat in 2026.

Donald Trump stuns Washington by nominating Matt Gaetz as U.S. attorney general

The far-right Florida congressman has been the subject of several federal investigations.

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Democrat Nate Douglas says it's time Orlando voters kick a homophobe out of Florida's legislature

"Right now, we’re seeing a large push for authoritarianism, where we have the state government telling people how they can live their lives, who they can love, how they can express themselves," says out Florida House candidate Nate Douglas.

Florida judge chastises Ron DeSantis for threatening abortion ad: 'It's the First Amendment, stupid'

"The government cannot excuse its indirect censorship of political speech simply by declaring the disfavored speech is 'false,'" the judge wrote.

Pete Buttigieg defends Biden’s Hurricane Milton response & blasts Trump’s dangerous relief misinformation

The transportation secretary has appeared on television networks to provide truthful information after the spread of unprecedented lies.

A queer pro-Palestine protester was shoved by a police officer. Now she's been charged (exclusive)

The protester shoved by an Orlando police officer in a viral clip tells The Advocate what happened at the Queers for Palestine rally, and what comes next.

New court filings point to Matt Gaetz allegedly attending drug-fueled party with 17-year-old girl

The Florida congressman’s headaches surrounding sex trafficking allegations continue.

Matt Gaetz defends Trump’s lies and disinformation on transgender surgeries after the debate

Trump has falsely claimed trans youth are getting surgeries in schools.

This Orlando team is headed to the Gay Softball World Series — and they need your help (exclusive)

Dan Lanini, shortstop on the Orlando Onslaught, tells The Advocate about his team's first-ever appearance in the Gay Softball World Series.

Florida man kills husband after 'very bad argument,' calls 911 on himself: police

George Bereska Jr. was arrested Tuesday evening after telling a 911 dispatcher that he shot his husband.

Trump calls Kamala Harris & Tim Walz ‘heavy into the transgender world’ at unhinged press conference

It was more of a greatest-hits repeat of Donald Trump's campaign rallies.

Miss Bouvèé has something to say about Florida's drag bans

This drag performer reflects on the lasting impact the state's anti-drag bans have had a year after they were put into motion.

David Duke's godchild comes out as transgender in new memoir about leaving white nationalism

R. Derek Black, the former poster child for white nationalism, shares their journey of gender identity and ideological transformation in their upcoming book.