(Tallahassee, FL and New York, NY) – A new poll of LGBTQ and ally voters in Florida released today shows high motivation to vote in the upcoming midterm elections, with deep concern about elected officials stripping human rights for LGBTQ people and women. The research shows LGBTQ and ally voters are positioned to make a decisive difference in Florida’s future.
Equality Florida, the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ community, and GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, are also releasing video of LGBTQ Floridians and families speaking out about the impact of new laws and policies on their lives.
VIDEO: LGBTQ families and educators speak out about the impact of anti-LGBTQ legislation as the new school year approaches.
DOWNLOAD newsroom resources for use in your stories and newscasts: package videos, scripts, interviews, stills, graphics.
DATA: GLAAD Poll details.
Highlights of GLAAD’s Poll of LGBTQ and Ally Voters:
- 77% strongly agree it’s more important now than ever to vote as basic human rights for women and LGBTQ Floridians are being taken away by elected state officials
- 67% are “extremely motivated” to vote
- Top issues: restoring abortion rights (47%), gun safety (31%), housing costs and inflation (22% each), protecting LGBTQ equality (19%)
- 71% say Florida’s “Don’t Say LGBTQ” law now in effect was designed to attack LGBTQ people. 70% strongly agree anti-LGBTQ bills are emotionally damaging to LGBTQ children and parents
- 77% have an unfavorable opinion of Gov. Ron DeSantis
Florida’s gubernatorial race in 2018 was decided by 32,463 votes out of 8+ million. LGBTQ and ally voters could make a decisive difference if the governor’s race this year is similarly close.
“Florida’s LGBTQ and ally voters must send an unmistakable message that they are not going back in the closet or back in time,” said GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis. “Discriminatory, defamatory and dangerous rhetoric and behavior must stop now.”
“Pro-equality voters are deeply concerned about Governor DeSantis’ assaults on civil liberties and his censorship agenda,” said Equality Florida Press Secretary, Brandon Wolf. ”It is imperative that Floridians use the power of their votes to hold Governor DeSantis and his allies accountable for the hate they unleashed on our state.”
4.6% of Floridians are LGBTQ; 24% of LGBTQ Floridians are raising children. Florida ranks 3rd in the nation for same-sex couples.
GLAAD’s Florida LGBTQ and Ally Voters Poll was conducted by Pathfinder Opinion Research from July 5-12. Read the pollster memo.
ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS: Equality Florida and GLAAD via press@glaad.org
About Equality Florida:
Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Visit eqfl.org or follow Equality Florida on Facebook and Twitter.
