Tallahassee, Florida – As Florida gears up for its next legislative session, LGBTQ+ advocates brace themselves for new proposals akin to the recent string of bills targeting transgender rights. Over the last two years, the state has seen multiple legislative attempts to restrict LGBTQ+ freedoms, sparking intense reactions and fears among the community about what future sessions might hold.
The past two legislative cycles in Florida have introduced about 55 bills that critics label as anti-LGBTQ+, with a significant number focusing on issues related to gender identity. Although not all were enacted, those that succeeded have carved a significant impact on the lives of transgender individuals like Amy Lundberg, who at 50, has recently decided to transition.
Lundberg’s journey began just over two years ago with hormone therapy but quickly encompassed more. By November of 2023, she had undergone vocal feminization surgery at the University of Miami, an institution that soon after ceased providing such surgeries amid state funding controversies. Lundberg, who has also received breast augmentation and is contemplating further surgeries, laments the obstacles thrown in her path due to the statewide legislation.
These legislative actions have consequences for many beyond just surgical concerns. Recent laws now threaten healthcare providers with the loss of licenses if they offer gender-affirming care and prevent Medicaid coverage of such treatments. This policy adjustment sharply curtails the available medical personnel capable of providing specialized care, which previously involved a broader scope of healthcare workers including nursing staff.
Beyond healthcare, the legislative climate in Florida has grown increasingly hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community. Descriptions of transgender individuals as “mutants” and “demons” by state lawmakers underscore a contentious and dehumanizing debate. Furthermore, Florida has enacted legislation that includes an anti-drag bill imposing fines and threatening liquor licenses for venues that allow minors to attend performances deemed “sexually lewd.” Another critical blow was dealt by the expansion of the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, curtailing discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, currently under legal challenge.
In addition, the state has prohibited gender-neutral public bathrooms and criminalized the use of restrooms by transgender individuals that match their gender identity. The laws also enable medical providers to deny care based on religious beliefs. Despite these hurdles, the resilience within the transgender community remains pronounced, as individuals like Lundberg seek to navigate their transitions while advocating for more acceptance and legal protections.
For many like Lundberg, the restrictive laws feel deeply personal and difficult to comprehend. “Who I am hasn’t changed,” Lundberg reflects. “I’m a kinder, gentler person. I just can’t see why this has become such a politicized issue. It’s about being true to myself and better for those around me.”
As Florida prepares for another legislative session, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies are organizing and preparing for whatever might come next, hopeful yet vigilant in the face of continued adversities.
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