Equality Florida

06/03/2026

Just two months after Pulse, we launched our Safe & Healthy Schools program to do everything we can to prevent bigotry from taking root in our young people’s hearts and minds.

Since then, we’ve trained 40,000​+ education professionals — including teachers, principals, and school-based mental health staff — equipping them with the tools to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools. We’ve also helped more than 10 school districts reinstate LGBTQ+ support guides, impacting 65% of Florida students.

But our work isn’t done. Every child, including every LGBTQ+ child, deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported at school.

by showing up for LGBTQ+ youth every single day.

———————————————

Spanish Translation:

Apenas dos meses después de Pulse, lanzamos nuestro programa Escuelas Seguras y Saludables para hacer todo lo posible para evitar que el odio y los prejuicios se arraiguen en la mente y el corazón de nuestra juventud.

Desde entonces, hemos capacitado a más de 40,000 profesionales de la educación, incluidos maestros, directores escolares, y personal de salud mental en las escuelas, brindándoles las herramientas necesarias para crear entornos educativos seguros, acogedores e inclusivos. También hemos ayudado a más de 10 distritos escolares a restablecer guías de apoyo para estudiantes LGBTQ+, impactando al 65% del estudiantado de Florida.

Pero nuestro trabajo aún no ha terminado. Todas las niñas, niños y jóvenes, incluidos quienes forman parte de la comunidad LGBTQ+, merecen sentirse seguros, valorados y apoyados en la escuela.
apoyando y acompañando a la juventud LGBTQ+ todos los días.

06/03/2026

Join us in congratulating our very own Amelia Burgos, Equality Florida’s Orlando Development Leader, on being recognized with the Emerging Leader Award at The Center Orlando’s 14th Annual Diversity Awards! 🎉

This well-deserved honor celebrates Amelia’s dedication to building community, advancing equality, and creating meaningful impact throughout Central Florida. We are incredibly proud to have her on our team and grateful for the passion, leadership, and heart she brings to this work every day.

We also extend our congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, trailblazers, community champions, and changemakers recognized by The Center. Your leadership and commitment help make Central Florida a stronger, more inclusive place for everyone.

For 14 years, The Center’s Diversity Awards have highlighted individuals and organizations making a difference in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. In a time when many of our rights and freedoms continue to face challenges, celebrating those who lead with courage, compassion, and determination is more important than ever.

Please join us in congratulating Amelia and all of this year’s outstanding award recipients! 👏🏳️‍🌈

06/02/2026

In the days after the Pulse shooting, Equality Florida made two promises​. First, we would do everything possible to support the survivors and the families grieving loved ones lost in the deadliest anti-LGBTQ hate crime in U.S. history.

Together, our community helped fulfill that first promise. More than 120,000 people across 120 countries contributed over $9.5 million to the Pulse Victims Fund, and every ​penny raised​, including interest earned​, went directly to survivors and victims’ families.

It was an extraordinary act of solidarity, compassion, and community—​something our country desperately needs now.

Use and share how you’re honoring the 49. Volunteering with LGBTQ+ or gun safety organizations in your community is a great place to start.
_______________

En los días posteriores a la masacre en Pulse, Equality Florida hizo dos promesas. La primera fue hacer todo lo posible para apoyar a las personas sobrevivientes y a las familias que lloraban la pérdida de sus seres queridos en el crimen de odio anti-LGBTQ más mortífero en la historia de Estados Unidos.

Juntos, nuestra comunidad ayudó a cumplir esa primera promesa. Más de 120,000 personas en 120 países contribuyeron más de $9.5 millones al Fondo para las Víctimas de Pulse, y cada centavo recaudado, incluidos los intereses generados, fue destinado directamente a las personas sobrevivientes y a las familias de las víctimas.

Fue un acto extraordinario de solidaridad, compasión y comunidad, algo que nuestro país necesita desesperadamente hoy.

Usa el hashtag y comparte cómo estás honrando a las 49 víctimas.

Ser voluntario con organizaciones LGBTQ+ o de prevención de la violencia armada en tu comunidad es un excelente lugar para comenzar.

06/02/2026

This year marks 10 years since the ​Pulse Nightclub shooting, one of the darkest days in our community’s history.

Over the next 10 days, we invite you to join us as we remember the 49 lives taken, reflect on the power of community, and recommit to the work of ​creating real, long-lasting change.

Follow along for ways to take action​. And join us in using on June 12​th ​to share what you’re doing to help uproot anti-LGBTQ hatred and bigotry and create a safer, more inclusive future for all.

06/01/2026

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We’re kicking off Pride Month with so much to celebrate. This year, our community came together to stop 4 out of 5 anti-LGBTQ bills and protect access to lifesaving HIV care for thousands of Floridians.

That’s the power of showing up. And together, we’re proving that Florida is worth fighting for.

But Pride has always been more than a celebration. It’s a protest. It’s resistance. It’s community. And there is still so much work ahead.

Follow along all month long for Pride events, stories, and ways to take action.

05/31/2026

Equality Florida Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer recently spoke with John Pacenti of the USA TODAY Network Florida about the broader implications of efforts to restrict LGBTQ visibility and expression in public spaces.

"This is bigger than a rainbow fence or crosswalk. This is about individuals pushing back against government overreach and censorship," Maurer said. "State leaders are picking fights over picket fences and rainbow crosswalks to distract from scandals and the growing strain on Floridians trying to get by, but there are real consequences to this playing politics. LGBTQ Floridians, like all people, should be free to express support for their communities, families, and identities without fear that doing so will automatically invite controversy or government attention."

Read more:

Coley Sohn and Linda Bagley-Sohn repainted 12 pickets at their Key West home as a 'silent protest.' Now they have to pay the price - $250 a day.

05/29/2026

Brandon's message as he returns to Equality Florida: Florida is worth fighting for. The future we all deserve is worth fighting for.

Read more here: https://watermarkoutnews.com/2026/05/18/brandon-wolf-returns-to-equality-florida-to-lead-national-lgbtq-strategy/

05/29/2026

Our Legacy of Equality Society is a group of generous and forward-thinking Equality Florida supporters who have made a long-range commitment to the success of our mission to bring full equality to Florida’s LGBTQ community. Their gifts will benefit the next generations of LGBTQ people, whose equality battles are yet to be known. To learn more about the Legacy of Equality Society, please visit eqfl.org/legacy.

05/28/2026

Yet another example of the harmful uncertainty and confusion created by Governor DeSantis’s new “Anti-Diversity in Local Government” law.

Communities should not be left to question whether vague and overbroad laws require censoring holidays and cultural celebrations. Local government support for events like Haitian Heritage Month and Haitian Flag Day matters deeply to Floridians who local leaders are trying to serve.

“This kind of uncertainty has a chilling effect on communities and local officials alike,” said Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director at Equality Florida. “Celebrating culture and heritage adds to the richness of our communities and is a proven economic driver for our communities. It should never become a source of fear and confusion for the people working to bring communities together.”

05/28/2026

📖 Episode 3: Pride in Our Stories
Your story matters — and it has power.

Join this free virtual conversation as we explore how lived experience can be used to advocate, connect, and lead. Learn how to share your story with intention, set boundaries, and decide what feels right for you and your family. Because your voice can create change — in your community and beyond.

📅 Wednesday, June 3 @ 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT

All are welcome. Register today HERE: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7317739379092/WN_kQVGGLtERGeaLVfmwDuOhw #/registration