Out South Florida conducted a survey of 335 people that found 62% of respondents felt less safe versus five years ago. But even so, 75% of respondents still felt somewhat safe or very safe in the South Florida city they currently live in.
Eighty-two percent of those who took part identify as gay. Respondents were able to submit comments as well, many of whom cited the political climate for their reasoning.
Another question asked if they were able to move would they: 43% said yes, 57%, no.
OutSFL recently reported on the 2024 LGBTQ+ State Safety Report Cards by SafeHome.org, which ranked Florida as the second-worst state for the queer community behind only South Dakota.
“In the second-worst spot for LGBTQ+ safety comes Florida, which has one of the worst legal environments and ranked dead last in participation rates for law enforcement agency crime reporting,” according to the report. “Last year, Florida was the 15th worst state in our ranking, but newer and harsher legislation contributed to its plummeting safety score.”
One person, who is gay and lives in Wilton Manors, doesn’t feel safe at all, and feels less safe than five years ago, saying: “I have seen more crazy homophobic people coming to Wilton Manors.”
Another respondent, who is gay and lives in Oakland Park, feels somewhat not safe and less safe than five years ago, saying, “The huge increase in homophobia and fascism, fueled and perpetuated by Republicans and Christian nationalists.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis was mentioned in the comments 34 times by individuals who felt less safe.
“The elections of [Donald] Trump and DeSantis that brought out the right-wing supremacists,” said one respondent, who is gay and lives in Pompano Beach, and who feels somewhat safe and less safe than five years ago.
Some individuals though feel safer than five years ago.
One person, who identifies as gay and lives in Wilton Manors, feels very safe and more safe than five years ago, saying, “Wilton Manors is a strong, supportive LGBTQ city.”
Another person, who identifies as gay and lives in Pompano Beach, also feels very safe saying, “I haven’t experienced any events that would cause me to feel otherwise.”
One respondent from Key West, who feels very safe and more safe than five years ago gave credit to DeSantis saying, “Strong Governor, strong police force, strong intolerance for criminal activity, strong prosecution and incarceration of criminals including deporting illegal alien parasites.”
The survey was conducted at the beginning of this year and sent out via OutSFL’s digital platforms.
