ORLANDO, Fla. — New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a new campaign denouncing Florida’s new Parental Rights in Educational Bill, what critics refer to as the “Don’t Say Gay” and invited Floridians to move to the Big Apple.
On Monday, Adams announced the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of the bill in five Florida cities.
According to a new release, the campaign reaffirms Adams’ commitment and unconditional support for the LGBTQ+ community.
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The new legislation bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade.
New York City’s response is to double down on its commitment to preserving the right to free speech and building a city that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the release.
The new campaign is making a direct call to Floridians who are under attack.
“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” said Adams. “Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City.”
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In total, there will be five unique piece of creative art that will run across digital billboards and social media.
“Educators work every day to make New York City public schools safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “From what we teach, to how we care for young people, we create schools that affirm and lift up the students and honor who they are. Children bring the totality of who they are into our classrooms, and the cruel actions being taken across this country to attack LGBTQ+ children is contrary to everything we believe in as educators.”
Along with the digital campaign, the outdoor campaign will run in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach from April 4 through May 29.
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“The New York City Anti-Violence Project stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community of Florida,” said Beverly Tillery, executive director, New York City Anti-Violence Project. “Attempting to silence and deny LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, the support they need is violence and can lead to poor mental health outcomes, interruptions in education, and youth homelessness. If you are an LGBTQ+ survivor of violence and need help, you can call or text our 24-hour, bilingual hotline for support and referrals: 212-714-1141.”
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