Today, those Florida cities have continued to blossom as LGBTQ+ enclaves in a state and country that still holds conflicting attitudes towards the gay community. Later that year, the United States Supreme Court once again expanded marriage rights across America. As LGBTQ+ political organizing around the AIDS crisis continued to fight for equality in all areas of life, Florida expanded marriage to same-sex couples in 2015. In the 1990’s and 2000’s gay communities saw a resurgance in Florida cities like Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
Public perception still took decades to overcome years of anti-gay propoganda in Florida and all over the United States. In 1971 Florida struck down a statute judging homosexuality as a “crime against nature” but upheld an anti-sodomy law. This culture war was largely political, but local officials sought to shut down gay bars and businesses in Miami and other Florida cities.īy the late 1960’s gay rights groups were organizing all over the United States, including Florida. Miami was Florida’s largest gay scene for decades, despite existing largely underground, but by the 1950’s efforts were made to marginalize and target homosexuals.
The history of gay rights in Florida has largely mirrored the difficult march towards equality that existed all over the United States.
Here is everything I learned about gay Fort Lauderdale and how to enjoy this perfect LGBTQ+ destinations on your own gay travels. While I was always jealous of their move for the year round perfect weather and incredible gay community, I took many opportunities to visit them in their new hometown. Included in that group are two of my good friends from Philadelphia who moved to Fort Lauderdale ten years ago. It’s a close-knit community of LGBTQ+ residents, seasonal residents and tourists that all get along splendidly. When it comes to gay Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors is the section of the city to see and to be seen. The miles of soft sandy beaches and clear water are the perfect way to spend your day before heading into the vibrant nightlife of Fort Lauderdale’s gay scene. For LGBTQ+ travelers, gay Fort Lauderdale is among the best travel destinations in the region. Without question, Southern Florida is one of America’s most popular travel destinations.