Stonewall National Museum & Archives has cut ties with Visit Florida after the organization removed its LGBTQ Travel page. Robert Kesten, the executive director of the organization, stated that they were not represented within Visit Florida and had felt ignored in recent years. The removal of the page was the final straw for Stonewall, leading them to request a refund of their membership fee, which Visit Florida processed on September 5. This move could put pressure on Visit Florida to change its course and reconsider its decision.
Following the removal of the LGBTQ page, other states and destination marketing organizations have reacted to Visit Florida’s actions. Enjoy Illinois updated its website to emphasize inclusivity after the removal, while Colorado Governor Jared Polis invited LGBTQ travelers to explore Colorado since Florida seemed unwelcoming. Despite Visit Florida’s actions, other organizations such as the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Lauderdale, Visit Tampa Bay, and Visit Orlando continue to maintain their LGBTQ+ pages. Stacy Ritter, CEO and president of Visit Lauderdale, emphasized their commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors.
Visit Florida, which is a public-private partnership funded by the state legislature and private organizations, is currently seeking an increase in funding to $100 million from their current allocation of $80 million. In the second quarter of 2024, Florida saw 34.2 million visitors, representing a 1.7% increase from the previous year. However, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation in 2022 that banned discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools, leading to criticism from opponents who dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay” law. DeSantis has also stated that Visit Florida should not have separate pages for travelers based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The removal of the LGBTQ Travel page has raised concerns about Visit Florida’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The organization’s CEO and President Dana Young acknowledged the removal at a board meeting, stating that Visit Florida’s content must align with the state as a taxpayer-funded organization. However, the decision to remove the page has led to backlash from organizations like Stonewall National Museum & Archives and individuals like Governor Polis of Colorado. Visit Florida’s budget request for increased funding has also come under scrutiny in light of these recent events.
The controversy surrounding Visit Florida’s removal of the LGBTQ Travel page highlights the broader conversation about inclusivity and representation in tourism marketing. While some states and organizations have taken steps to emphasize inclusivity and diversity, others have faced criticism for perceived lack of support for the LGBTQ community. It remains to be seen how Visit Florida will respond to the pressure from Stonewall National Museum & Archives and other organizations that have expressed concerns about the organization’s actions. Ultimately, the future of LGBTQ+ travel marketing in Florida and beyond may be influenced by how these issues are addressed by tourism organizations and policymakers.
