(WKRG) – For the first time in 24 years, the state of Florida passed an anti-LGBTQ + law.
Equality Florida is the state’s largest LGBTQ + civil rights organization, and the state has been pushed back since the recent Florida Education Act banning transgender women from participating in high school or college sports.
“I can tell you that in Florida, girls play girls ‘sports and boys play boys’ sports, and that’s what we’re doing and making sure that becomes a reality,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
However, for organizations like Equality Florida, this is a bill that prevents any progression.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s often two steps up and one step back,” said Gina Duncan, director of transgender equality for Equality Florida.
In the past decade, only 11 transgender athletes have gone through the process of participating in sports in the entire state of Florida.
“What makes this bill so harmful is that starting this July, with the signing of this law, these transgender athletes will be kicked out of the teams they have participated in these years.” The friendships, the teamwork, the camaraderie that they have have built up with their teams … They are excluded, they are segregated. “
However, others believe that signing the bill will ensure everyone has a fair chance.
Governor Ron DeSantis summoned a Connecticut High School athlete to share her own personal experience of competing against transgender athletes.
Selina Soule said: “I only missed two places to move up to the next level of the competition on the 55-meter run. Two spots captured by biological males. These two biological males would dominate the field, leaving us girls third and beyond. “
Duncan tells WKRG that this was not the case at all in the state of Florida.
“None of the billing sponsors have ever cited a single issue involving a transgender athlete in the state of Florida. Not even in the state of Florida, ”said Duncan.
The addition of the bill’s signature sends a skewed message that pushes the community back even further.
“If we find out where someone knows a transgender … has a transgender boyfriend, a transgender relative, a transgender child, their perspective will certainly change and they will better understand that transgender people are like everyone else.”
You have fought the bill and will move on as much as possible.
More information about Equality Florida can be found here.
Comments are closed.