Regina Joseph
Tallahassee Community Action Committee
tallycac@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tallahassee Activists Rally for LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City Status
Tallahassee, FL - On June 17, the Tallahassee District of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Florida State University Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), and the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC) organized a rally outside of the Leon County courthouse, demanding that Tallahassee be designated as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The rally aimed to prevent the Tallahassee Police Department from arresting individuals based on gender identity when using public restrooms. Organizers further advocated for drag performers to have equal access to all venues without facing discrimination. The event brought attention to various demands by the FRSO and other organizing groups that could impact Leon County Schools and the wider public.
Delilah Pierre, FRSO district organizer, and TCAC president, expressed, "They want to take away our right to exist in public. They want to reinforce gender 'norms' for everyone!" Activists also highlighted how these discriminatory measures had compelled LGBTQ+ individuals to consider leaving Florida.
Regina Joseph of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee stated, "I know there are a lot of people who want to leave Florida because they see the writing on the walls. They see how awful Ron DeSantis has been to queer people, how awful Ron DeSantis has been to African Americans, how awful he has been to unions, to women, to the environmental movement. He's attacked every single sector of life. But we aren't going to let that stop us."
Joel Nuñez of Students for a Democratic Society criticized Democrats and progressives for not fighting vigorously enough to prevent the passage of repressive bills, stating, "To allow this to happen when you are in a position to do something is unacceptable."
The LGBTQ+ campaign in Tallahassee encourages community members to attend the upcoming LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force gathering at City Hall on July 13 at 6 pm.
Campaign Demands:
City of Tallahassee:
Commitment from the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) to cease arresting civilians for LGBTQ+-targeted "crimes."
Guarantee individuals the right to use the bathroom aligning with their gender identity.
Allow drag queens to perform at venues of their choice without facing discrimination.
Leon County:
Commitment from the sheriff's office and courts to avoid targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ensure equal protection and treatment for LGBTQ+ civilians within the county.
Leon County Schools:
Disregard the "Don't say gay" policy and permit teachers to address LGBTQ+ topics and support their students' needs.
Implement non-discrimination policies protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment.
The Making Tallahassee a Sanctuary City for LGBTQ+ People campaign is an initiative focused on securing commitments from the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and Leon County Schools to protect and uphold the rights and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals. The campaign also seeks to include nondiscrimination clauses in social service organizations and develop an LGBTQ+ resolution from the city.
We propose the LGBTQ+ Sanctuary Initiative, modeled after successful initiatives in other cities like Kansas City and West Hollywood, California; This campaign aims to achieve tangible improvements in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, empower them to exercise their rights and promote equality and non-discrimination.
The campaign's success would be marked by the implementation of policies and commitments safeguarding LGBTQ+ individuals in Tallahassee from discrimination and arrests, the inclusion of nondiscrimination clauses in social service organizations, and the adoption of an LGBTQ+ resolution by the city and county. The campaign's duration will be determined by progress made, the level of support garnered, and the responsiveness of targeted entities.
By actively engaging constituents, targeting key opponents, and employing diverse tactics, the Making Tallahassee a Sanctuary City for LGBTQ+ People campaign aims to effect lasting change, ensuring equality, protection, and a safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community in Tallahassee.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Regina Joseph
Tallahassee Community Action Committee
tallycac@gmail.com
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