Connecticut’s new marketing campaign urging queer Floridians to visit and even move to our state, while well intentioned, is tone deaf to the realities of the LGBTQ+ communities in both states. Being welcoming and inclusive means so much more than LGBTQ-owned businesses, great bars, and fun Pride events.
Connecticut’s position as a leader in the progress of LGBTQ+ rights is the result of nearly a half century of tireless activism by queer people and their allies across our state. We are concerned that a public relations campaign targeting people living in another state, if not done correctly, undermines the sense of urgency many LGBTQ+ people feel in making change in Connecticut. We must make our schools safer, address pervasive barriers to accessing gender affirming care, support LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, end our state’s HIV epidemic, and address the violence and harassment Connecticut LGBTQ+ residents are experiencing.
The characterization in the state’s press release of queer life in CT, as a place where queer people can be guaranteed safety, affordable housing, and equity in education seems more aspirational than indicative of the lived experiences of many people in the state as well.
The state does not in fact guarantee LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum nor is comprehensive sex education mandated; the past year has seen multiple attempts to ban LGBTQ+ books in school; and transgender students continue to be targeted and denied equal access to education at an alarming rate.
Families from other states who move here to protect their children arrive to discover overburdened community-based organizations and hostile school climates, despite the state’s nondiscrimination and safe school statues. There is no oversight of these policies and schools are encouraged to develop curriculum that aligns with “community values.” This local control harms Connecticut’s most vulnerable students. Furthermore, access to gender affirming care is limited and difficult to navigate.
It is increasingly apparent that we are falling short of being the safe harbor to which we aspire. It is urgent for LGBTQ+ organizations and clinical providers to be adequately resourced by the state to meet the changing needs of LGBTQ+ people and welcome our growing numbers.
A true expression of care for LGBTQ+ community would be an investment in safe schools, access to health care, and our safety.
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