06/20/2026
Broward County Cuts Stonewall
Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library is not a lot of things, but it holds a lot of history and that means we have an obligation, in context, to inform and enlighten a local and national constituency that might not get this information any other way.
You all know that LGBTQ+ and DEI organizations have been attacked by governments across the nation with Florida being amongst the worst, when it isn't the worst. We have not been shy about sharing the loss of federal and state funding and some of you have offered a generous response to those cuts. That has pushed us to do more with less and meet our obligations to the community.
This week, Stonewall received confirmation that Broward County, one of the few "bubbles" of safety in a state filled with bubble poppers, will no longer support any entity the state might consider DEI. They will encourage groups to remove any reference to diversity in their bylaws, mission statements, or other materials. Stonewall and others will not do that. We all know other organizations that will. They will claim they cannot afford to lose those funds or risk governmental revenge. We understand, we cannot afford that either, yet there are things bigger than compromises that put neighbors, friends and family at risk.
Our local officials are pressed, but like those organizations are willing to hide who they are for expedience. Many officials are willing to do the same to protect themselves from the ire of the governor. For that reason, we, like many other Florida-based LGBTQ+ and DEI organizations, will be losing a major source of funding that will not be easily replaced.
This is our tax dollars, being sucked out of our community. We have not seen this exact situation before in the United States, not with the acquiescence of so many of our own elected officials who fear being removed and replaced by the governor.
As when we fought against AIDS, when we fought for Marriage Equality and when we struggled for equal rights in employment, housing, education and for adoption we must elect people who are brave enough to stand up for us in these trying times. Following unconstitutional laws and not standing up to them is not how we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country.
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