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Florida LGBTQ group slammed for 'travel advisory' claiming DeSantis' policies 'hurt queer visitors'

'Nothing says 'we have your back' like persuading psychologically unstable teenagers that the environment they live in is even more hostile,' said Sapir

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: An LGBTQ group in Florida has caused a social uproar after issuing a "travel advisory" over recent laws imposed by Republican Gov Ron DeSantis and urged members of the queer community to avoid the Sunshine State claiming it's restricting their "health, safety, and freedom." 'Equality Florida' the campaign group is being widely slammed after claiming "extremist policies" of DeSantis, that aimed at restricting sex-reassignment treatments for trans children and teaching about sex, race, and gender in schools and colleges is making the state more dangerous for LGBTQ Americans to live, work and study.

DeSantis' office dismissed the bogus travel advisory as a "political stunt," and other critics have bashed Equality Florida, saying the civil rights group does not share the best interests of LGBTQ people, especially younger Floridians who struggled with their identity. They asserted the group is pushing teens to have irreversible genital reassignment surgery in the name of gender identity.

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'The 'extraordinary step' of issuing a travel warning'

"I'm sure this will do wonders for the mental health of youth in Florida," said Leor Sapir, a fellow of the Manhattan Institute, a conservative New York-based think tank. "Nothing says 'we have your back' like persuading psychologically unstable teenagers that the environment they live in is even more hostile and hopeless than they imagine it to be," reported Daily Mail. Moreover, Oli London, an influencer who is de-transitioning from a trans woman back to a man slammed the group for imposing woke agendas. "The group, which pushes for teens to have double mastectomies and genital reassignment surgery in the name of gender identity, is now advising all members of the LGBT community not to travel to Florida," London tweeted.

On Wednesday, April 12, Equality Florida said it was taking the "extraordinary step" of issuing a travel warning, stating the new policies are "hostile" to LGBTQ communities and may pose a "serious risk" for their health and safety of the visitors. Although travel advisories are usually issued by the US State Department or comparable departments in foreign governments, to make them aware of natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest, and other problems in a destination. This move comes after DeSantis who is running for Presidential 2024, signed policies that ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, claiming it is not an appropriate age.

Last year, the governor and his administration's Health Department campaigned against sex-reassignment treatments for minors and banned the care which advocates "gender-affirming." The prohibition was approved by two state boards and bans sex reassignment surgeries and puberty blockers for minors, asserting the treatments are experimental and risky for children. In response to the travel advisory, Equality Florida's executive director Nadine Smith said DeSantis' laws "strip away basic rights and freedoms." "It is most heartbreaking to hear from parents who are selling their homes and moving because school censorship, book bans and health care restrictions have made their home state less safe for their children," said Smith. "Whether you stay away, leave or remain, we ask that you join us in countering these relentless attacks."

'You’re being ridiculous!'

Internet users slammed the group claiming they have experienced worse homophobia in other states than Florida. One user tweeted, "Really? Personally, I never felt unsafe or unwelcome in Florida. There is a huge thriving LBGTQ community living there. We won’t be sent back in the closet and will not live in fear. Wrong message to send," adding, "I’ve experienced more homophobia on sets in Hollywood than in Florida. And been called a faggot by cops in New York." A third remarked, "Oh, brother. Many decades ago, there was mild risk almost anywhere in the USA. Not today. Real risk today exists in places like Saudi Arabia, maybe Russia, maybe China, maybe most of Africa, maybe parts of South America. One is utterly safe in Florida and most of the West. You’re being ridiculous." A user mocked, "I hear Chicago, Philly, and St. Louis have some real estate available for a good price." "I was hoping people would move to Florida and change it back to the paradise it once was," read a tweet. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online