Black LGBTQ+/SGL Civil Rights Group Praises Florida Democrats for Pulling Leadership Gala from Disney World
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National Black Justice Coalition Says Disney Must Do More to Stop Florida’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
FLORIDA — Statement from David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, on the decision by Florida Democrats to pull their biggest annual fundraiser from Disney World, citing Disney’s failure to speak out against a GOP anti-LGBTQ+ bill in the State:
“Florida Democrats did the right thing in moving the Leadership Blue Gala, the party’s biggest annual fundraiser event from Disney World, where it’s been held for over a decade.
“Disney funded the Florida Republicans behind the heinous “Don’t Say Gay–or Trans” bill. When challenged to speak out against this legislation they did nothing.
“Disney is one of the largest employers in Florida and has staff in several legislative districts. Disney could have used its power, influence, and funds to support employees and customers whose families and school teachers have been targeted by this legislation. All children should be able to talk freely about their parents, families, and important parts of who they are in the world. Kids should be supported by competent and compassionate educators and youth workers equipped to deliver culturally and developmentally appropriate curricula about diverse human experiences; this should be especially true in the public schools they’re required to attend, by law. Instead, Disney backed politicians chose to stand against inclusion of all children and families.
“We celebrate the steadfast leadership of Good Trouble Network leaders like Florida Senator Shevrin Jones and Florida Representative Michele Rayner-Goolsby, who advocated against the Florida Democratic Party holding a fundraiser at Disney while the company continues to dither in its support of LGBTQ+ rights and lives.”
“We hope this action by the Florida Democratic Party sends a clear message to other businesses and event planners – businesses should not be rewarded with your dollars, until the company takes a real stand against the Republican-sponsored “Don’t Say Gay–or Trans” bill. Disney is not exempt.”
