We’ve done it again. We’ve won in Florida. 

For LGBTQ+ Floridians, the Florida legislative session is known as the 60 most dangerous days of the year, as some of our lawmakers propose bills targeting our rights and freedoms. Last year,  Keshet and Equality Florida, along with all our supporters, stopped 21 out of 22 anti-LGBTQ bills. And this year, together, we achieved what we once thought was impossible: We defeated every anti-LGBTQ+ bill filed this year! We stopped bills that included a Pride Flag ban, a Don’t Say Gay or Trans at Work bill, and two bills that targeted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.

On March 18,  the day after my wedding, I flew to Tallahassee with Jon Cohen, Keshet’s Director of Community Mobilization, and Tracey Labgold, Keshet’s Florida Education and Training Manager. This was my first legislative session and my first time meeting lawmakers in person. I was inspired by all of the LGBTQ+ Floridians and allies who showed up to take action for LGBTQ+ rights. I found myself looking around and feeling a sense of community as I walked through the confusing hallways of the Capitol building, passing other groups of LGBTQ+ people and allies there to fight for our rights. Throughout those two days, I could see our democracy at work as advocates met with legislators, spoke in committee hearings, and shared their stories. Keshet’s value of Chutzpah (audacity) directly reflects how I feel about the brave people who showed up to take action. This wasn’t the honeymoon I was expecting after my wedding, but I am so proud of our community’s work in the pursuit of Tzedek (justice). 

This win didn’t happen by itself. It was achieved by the thousands of Florida advocates like you who showed up in person and virtually, to meet with lawmakers, attend committee hearings, and contact your representatives by email, phone, and mail. Keshet is proud to have led a group of LGBTQ+ Jews and allies in Tallahassee in partnership with Equality Florida, Interfaith Alliance, and other advocacy organizations for Pride at the Capitol. Over 300 advocates showed up in total! 

Thank you to everyone who made this monumental victory possible. We invite you to join us as we continue to work to protect LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide throughout the year. Please reach out to our community mobilization team to bring action to your community. With our Jewish values guiding us, we can and will win.