Queer Travelers Boycotting Florida? Here’s a More Impactful Approach

Calum McSwiggan is marking 20 pride events across all seven continents within 12 months. From his most recent report out of Florida — where they face anti-LGBT+ laws — he observes a tightly-knit community coming together.

Efforts to launch a boycott against the state Florida flood my social media feed. ‘Boycott Florida, no trips, no purchases,’ one woman writes, her message shared thousands of times. People from around the world are resisting the Sunshine State’s anti- LGBT+ legislation.

This prompted additional contemplation about my choice to incorporate Miami in my Year of Pride . None of the destinations I am visiting have been included without consideration.

The boycott has been gaining traction for several years, driven by a slate of laws that have scaled back LBGT+ freedoms. In 2022, Florida Governor Ron de Santis signed the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill , which prohibits discussions of LGBT+ issues in classrooms. A year later, Republicans enacted this measure. Bathroom Ban , essentially criminalizing transgender individuals from using single-sex facilities.

Sweeping LGBT+ book bans, attacks on drag performers, and a petition to make it illegal for Pride flags to be flown from government buildings have also made headlines. It’s making queer travellers think twice about visiting.

I get this, however, having spent time in Miami allowed me to view things from another angle.

Florida may have long voted red, but Miami Beach has remained defiantly blue, consistently voting Democrat through local, state, and national elections.

These aren’t just statistics; you can feel this liberal identity everywhere you go.

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Starting from the well-known Rainbow Beach Hut to the instantly recognizable pastel crosswalks, the city wears Pride colors throughout the year. Twist, Miami’s longest-standing LGBTQ+ bar, hoists two large rainbow banners above one of the most trafficked streets, whereas Palace is celebrated for hosting non-stop drag performances every day of the week.

Each evening, the throngs of visitors become so immense that they overflow onto Ocean Drive; it's unavoidable to explore this popular attraction without encountering LGBT+ individuals who are not just present but also enthusiastically feted.

While visiting, I took part in a street-naming ceremony for Matti Bower, the cherished activist behind Miami Beach Pride. Normally, it's unheard of to dedicate a street to someone currently alive, yet she received this honor without dispute.

Bower was the city’s inaugural female and initial Hispanic mayor, hailing from Cuba and proudly identifying as a Democrat. Honoring her with a named street is not only a victory for the LGBT+ community but also represents progress for various minority groups within Florida.

Miami Beach, alongside renowned gay-friendly destinations such as Key West and Fort Lauderdale, has traditionally served as a sanctuary for the LGBT+ community. However, with its strong focus on attracting LGBTQ travelers, the city depends significantly on their tourism dollars to sustain queer venues. It’s quite something to consider.

A boycott jeopardizes the income of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, particularly those who are already facing difficulties. This reality hits home as I visit the renowned 'ally-supportive' Axel Hotel.

Pride Around the World

Calum McSwiggan, the writer behind "Eat Gay Love," has embarked on an ambitious journey. In 2025, he aims to travel across all seven continents over 12 months, attending approximately 20 Pride events worldwide as part of his exploration into how the LGBT+ community is honored globally.

In an exclusive series, Calum will travel from the frigid landscapes of Antarctica to the jewel-toned streets of Mumbai , telling the story of Pride around the world .

Follow his journey on , both in print and across our social media platforms to discover how Pride is celebrated globally. Coming next? Thailand .

Thunder and lightning flash overhead as the DJ bops up and down by the side of the pool. It’s long served as a thriving hub for the LGBT+ community, but today, they are being forced to close their doors before Pride has even begun.

Despite the gloomy weather, people still come to pay their respects. Huddled beneath the awning, they gather to honor the legacy of this significant communal hub.

This isn’t the sole LGBT+ venue to shut down. Since I was here last time, two gay-themed swimming apparel shops have gone out of business. According to a recent report by Booking.com, 43% of LGBT+ travelers have decided against visiting a place because they found it unwelcoming towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

Currently, companies are facing challenges, however, this issue runs far deeper than just economic matters.

"Despite the government's political rhetoric often being aimed at the LGBT+ community, Miami Beach has a strong history of opposing such actions," says LGBT+ restaurant owner Egidio Guerreri. .

This backing traces back to the fight against Anita Bryant’s homophobia ‘Save Our Children’ movement in the 70s.

'Egidio states, "We shall remain unified forever, ensuring our voices are always heard; however, we also require backing from beyond our immediate surroundings."'

'That's precisely why it's crucial for global LGBTQ+ visitors to keep coming—by doing this, they're not only boosting our economy but also affirming their presence and visibility, demonstrating that we are definitely here to remain.'

Florida boasts the world’s largest cruise port along with some of its finest. biggest theme parks — While an LGBT+ boycott definitely conveys a strong message, it has little impact on the overall economy of the state. For smaller LGBT+ enterprises, however, this could be devastating.

Throughout Miami, there’s also an effort towards transgender inclusion. In a contest to select Mr & Mrs Miami Beach Pride, participants are encouraged to wear one of the hues from the six-striped Rainbow Flag. Nonetheless, Oscar Gonsalez walks onto the stage dressed in white instead.

Wearing an intricate headpiece and winged gown, he deliberately breaks the rules to wear one of the colours of the trans Pride flag instead. He explains, in Spanish, that his outfit is a tribute to his transgender sister. He’s crowned the winner shortly afterward. Rules be damned, Miami Beach consistently stands firm in its love and acceptance of every letter of the community.

Perhaps most importantly, drag performer Sacha Colby is invited to be Grand Marshal in the parade. With both the drag and trans communities under the attack of state legislation, it feels especially poignant that they also place a transgender drag queen to be the festival’s headline act.

‘Give it up for the dolls,’ she calls to the cheering crowd, using a term of endearment for transgender women.

She’s still dripping wet from dousing herself in water during her performance. ‘We’re still struggling, y’all. We still don’t have healthcare. We still don’t have human rights. We need to figure out how we can make everyone feel human. It’s just being human.’

These words have a soothing effect. Actually, the entire festival seems like a therapeutic experience for Florida’s LGBT+ community. Participants hold vibrant, colorful placards with messages written on them. ‘Just breathe’ and 'We shall overcome this.' A single lady cheerfully holds up a sign saying ' Dedicated mom to a transgender son .’

Instances of unity are where this city truly excels. Ironically, attempts to divide the community have only strengthened our bonds.

The event isn’t solely about politics. Hosting the Pride celebration on Miami Beach’s sandy shores creates an extraordinary ambiance. Attendees stroll around dressed in bikinis and swimsuits, exuding a palpable joy and liberty that perfectly aligns with Miami’s laid-back lifestyle.

To the rest of the world, it might appear that Florida isn’t an inviting destination nowadays. However, places such as Miami Beach serve as evidence to the opposite effect.

I can't decide if you should boycott – that choice is up to each individual. However, if you choose to go, I suggest spending freely at the LGBTQ+ venues across the state.

That goes for our allies too – stop by an LGBT+ owned restaurant, go to see a drag show and tip those performers generously. Florida may be red, but the people of Miami are blue through and through.

Travel guide to Miami Pride

Getting there

Virgin Atlantic offers return fares from London Heathrow from £412. Not only are they an inclusive airline, they’ve collaborated with organisations like Open For Business to highlight the economic impact of LGBT+ discrimination.

Where to stay:

Hotel Gaythering is now Miami’s only LGBT+ hotel. For other queer-friendly recommendations, the following have all completed Booking.com’s Travel Proud training:

– Moxy Miami South Beach (££)

– The Goodtime Hotel (£)

– Nobu (£££)

Activities to enjoy (other than Pride)

• Stroll or pedal alongside Miami Beach’s pedestrianized seaside walkway. Boasting over eight miles of scenic shoreline, you can explore it all using a Citibike starting at just $6.50.

• Head to Miami’s lively LGBTQ+ beach for swimming and sunbathing activities. Simply go to number 12. ^th Head out onto the street and search for the rainbow volleyball nets. For backing a nearby LGBT+ enterprise, consider buying swimwear at Outfair’s. online shop.

• Fit in an exercise session: Muscle Beach draws a large crowd from the LGBT+ community among both visitors and residents. For those who enjoy cardio over weightlifting, consider joining the Miami Gay Run Club every Wednesday. Everyone of all skill levels is invited.

Where to dine and quench your thirst?

• Bakalo: Nikos Nanou and Egidio Guerreri have transported their Mediterranean idea directly from the heart of Mykonos—a hub often referred to as a haven for LGBTQ+ culture—to bring you an authentic dining experience. As partners in love and entrepreneurship, stepping inside their quaint eatery makes one feel right at home.
• Established by acclaimed LGBT+ chef Yaniv Cohen, Jaffa serves up both kosher and plant-based options ranging from beef brisket to turmeric-roasted cauliflower.
• Castle: A visit to Miami isn’t complete without experiencing their famous drag brunch. Make sure you bring some cash because those performers truly deserve their tips.

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