The campaign comes after Florida removed LGBTQ+ travel information from its tourism agency website amidst the state's continued crackdown on LGBTQ+ residents.
We really need federal protections in place, while it’s nice that Connecticut is trying to woo the LGBTQ+ community, the fact of the matter is that DeSantis and his ilk think that LGBTQ+ folks fleeing Florida is a good thing. Without federal protections and laws being slapped down in court we’re going to end up with a patchwork of conflicting attitudes across the country, when a state line could literally mean being beaten and harassed in the street we need federal clarity on the issue.
At some point, you'd think someone would wake up and say "hey, this is not good for business, this is not good for tourism dollars, which we rely on to an extent".
I agree that we need federal protections and not just friendly states. I'm thrilled, though, that CT is demonstrating how to be an LGBTQ+ friendly state, and therefore friendly to anyone who wants to visit or live in a sane state!
I just thought of this....I was watching an interview with Lady Gaga and she was asked about the rumor of her having a penis. She so calmly responded "why should it matter I don't care and my fans don't care." What if performers quit hosting concerts and events in hate filled states? Perhaps they already avoid them I don't know.
I can absolutely respect any artist who chose not to perform in a state like Florida, or Tennessee, or Texas, etc... because of their anti-LGBTQIA+ political climate BUT equally I think there's a strong argument (especially for Queer artists!) to continue performing in those states so as to not cut off those of our community who are unable to flee to safer states. For someone like that in the privileged position to 'fly the flag in enemy territory' to remind both friend and foe alike that we won't go quietly.
As an atheist I would give praying a try if I thought it would have a chance in high water of helping. What is alarming to me is that so many businesses continue to do business in Florida. I have to have a plan of action to keep my anger in check. I am going to see if I can contact some companies to express my anger (concern) at their lack of response.
I’m glad that Connecticut, like most of the New England states, is a relatively safe state for trans people to settle in. I hope such states can somehow maintain their protections if federal policies and court decisions get really hostile, say in the event of a GOP takeover of the Presidency and Congress.
Thank you for this great news!! I just sent an email to Anthony Anthony at Anthony.Anthony@ct.gov (Yup that's his real name) to say thank you for his initiative! I'd encourage everyone to do that! The sad news is FL just keeps on keepin' on with it's cruelty. I hope they vote in HUGE numbers for Harris/Waltz and Dems down the line this November to show they won't accept this nonsense!
Florida’s leaders are hurting themselves along with their ‘targets’. Brain drains…economic losses…suffering… I’m a PhD marine ecologist. My entire career was devoted to improving FL coastlines. But I’m trans and my three awesome kids felt unsafe in school. So we ‘escaped’ to Boston. Living in a welcoming state is Better, in every way!
This reporting is disappointing. There are advocates in Connecticut working for LGBTQ+ equality and this ad campaign from the Office of Tourism is troubling. The LGBTQ+ community was not consulted on it and there are factual errors in the press release. To the point that a statement was issued about it.
I think some republicans are intentionally creating hostile environments to demographic groups that lean blue to maintain power. It is another way for the politicians to pick their voters rather than the voters picking the politicians.
We really need federal protections in place, while it’s nice that Connecticut is trying to woo the LGBTQ+ community, the fact of the matter is that DeSantis and his ilk think that LGBTQ+ folks fleeing Florida is a good thing. Without federal protections and laws being slapped down in court we’re going to end up with a patchwork of conflicting attitudes across the country, when a state line could literally mean being beaten and harassed in the street we need federal clarity on the issue.
i second this, federal protections need to be put in place for LGBTQ+ individuals ASAP
Love my new home state! Moved in the summer of 2023-from Florida.
At some point, you'd think someone would wake up and say "hey, this is not good for business, this is not good for tourism dollars, which we rely on to an extent".
I agree that we need federal protections and not just friendly states. I'm thrilled, though, that CT is demonstrating how to be an LGBTQ+ friendly state, and therefore friendly to anyone who wants to visit or live in a sane state!
I just thought of this....I was watching an interview with Lady Gaga and she was asked about the rumor of her having a penis. She so calmly responded "why should it matter I don't care and my fans don't care." What if performers quit hosting concerts and events in hate filled states? Perhaps they already avoid them I don't know.
I can absolutely respect any artist who chose not to perform in a state like Florida, or Tennessee, or Texas, etc... because of their anti-LGBTQIA+ political climate BUT equally I think there's a strong argument (especially for Queer artists!) to continue performing in those states so as to not cut off those of our community who are unable to flee to safer states. For someone like that in the privileged position to 'fly the flag in enemy territory' to remind both friend and foe alike that we won't go quietly.
i’ve lived here my whole life and it’s incredibly boring (affectionate)
Not the vacation destination I was planning on but I do appreciate being recognized as a human being. Go Connecticut!
Good luck finding a house…
Yea, it's a problem that many "safe states" are unaffordable
As an atheist I would give praying a try if I thought it would have a chance in high water of helping. What is alarming to me is that so many businesses continue to do business in Florida. I have to have a plan of action to keep my anger in check. I am going to see if I can contact some companies to express my anger (concern) at their lack of response.
I’m glad that Connecticut, like most of the New England states, is a relatively safe state for trans people to settle in. I hope such states can somehow maintain their protections if federal policies and court decisions get really hostile, say in the event of a GOP takeover of the Presidency and Congress.
I left Tennessee 12 years ago for NYC. Pity that my ID here isn’t considered valid there. Not even my US Passport.
Thank you for this great news!! I just sent an email to Anthony Anthony at Anthony.Anthony@ct.gov (Yup that's his real name) to say thank you for his initiative! I'd encourage everyone to do that! The sad news is FL just keeps on keepin' on with it's cruelty. I hope they vote in HUGE numbers for Harris/Waltz and Dems down the line this November to show they won't accept this nonsense!
Erin, thank you for sharing our statement on X.
Florida’s leaders are hurting themselves along with their ‘targets’. Brain drains…economic losses…suffering… I’m a PhD marine ecologist. My entire career was devoted to improving FL coastlines. But I’m trans and my three awesome kids felt unsafe in school. So we ‘escaped’ to Boston. Living in a welcoming state is Better, in every way!
This reporting is disappointing. There are advocates in Connecticut working for LGBTQ+ equality and this ad campaign from the Office of Tourism is troubling. The LGBTQ+ community was not consulted on it and there are factual errors in the press release. To the point that a statement was issued about it.
https://outaccountabilityproject.org/joint-statement-of-equality-ct-and-out-accountability-project-on-connecticut-office-of-tourisms-lgbtq-marketing-campaign/
Furthermore, after being here at Yale, you heard first-hand many of our stories about what our kids have endured in the public school system.
I think some republicans are intentionally creating hostile environments to demographic groups that lean blue to maintain power. It is another way for the politicians to pick their voters rather than the voters picking the politicians.