Meet Michele Rayner, who could become Florida's first queer woman senator
The Democrat, who currently serves in Florida's House, will run for a safe blue state senate seat in 2026.
December 4, 2024
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michele rayner
Lesbian Florida Candidate Michele Rayner Ends Congressional Bid
In the Florida legislature, Rayner has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a critic of the state's "don't say gay" law. She'll now run for reelection for her state House seat.
May 16, 2022
Michele Rayner-Goolsby Aims to Be Florida's 1st Out Person in Congress
She is currently the only lesbian in the Florida legislature.Â
June 14, 2021
Shevrin Jones & Michele Rayner Make LGBTQ+ Election History in Florida
The Sunshine State elected its first out LGBTQ+ state senator and the first Black queer woman to the Florida legislature.
November 3, 2020
Out Florida Rep Seeks to Repeal State's Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
The ban may be unenforceable now, but things could change, so Rep. Michele Rayner wants to get it off the state's books.
January 4, 2021
Out Florida lawmaker defends bill banning kids from social media
LGBTQ+ advocates day the ban would harm queer youth's access to information, but state Rep. Michele Rayner says the harms outweigh the benefits of social media.
January 25, 2024
Florida House Passes 3 Bills to Restrict LGBTQ+ Rights
The bills targeted gender-affirming care, drag shows, and bathroom access for trans people.
April 19, 2023
'Thunderdome of Hate': Florida House Debates Slew of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills
Lawmakers debated bills restricting drag, bathroom access, and gender-affirming care.
April 18, 2023
Florida Lawmaker Fabian Basabe Opens Up About Being Cleared of Sexual Harassment Claims by Male Staffers
The Republican also talks about not wanting to be known as an LGBTQ+ lawmaker although Basabe, who is married to a woman, once said he was "a gay candidate."
November 17, 2023
Black LGBTQ+ Leaders Hosting Town Hall on Racism, Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate
The LGBTQ #Black Lives Matter Virtual Town Hall happens this evening.
June 3, 2020
Florida House Passes Trans-Exclusionary Sports Bill, Sends to Senate
Florida is advancing the bill amid threats of repercussions from the NCAA.
April 14, 2021
Florida 'Don't Say Gay' Just Passed in House After Emotional Debate
The state's House voted 69-47 in favor of the bill.Â
February 24, 2022
Kim Jackson & Torrey Harris Make LGBTQ+ History in Southern Elections
Georgia's Kim Jackson and Tennessee's Torrey Harris broke the rainbow ceiling.
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November 3, 2020
Trans candidates demand their seat at the table in the Florida legislature
Ashley Brundage, Nathan Bruemmer, and Vance Ahrens are all vying to be Florida's first transgender lawmakers.
October 28, 2024
Have LGBTQ+ rights in Florida reached a turning point? Advocates have hope
Activists showed up in numbers and stopped two bills being heard last week in Tallahassee. But Equality Florida says the fight is far from over.
March 23, 2025
LGBTQ+ Voices Fight Florida’s Oppression of Trans Youth
Hundreds of parents, children, and advocates gathered at the Florida Capitol on Monday to protest a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been proposed in the state.
March 14, 2023
Florida Politician Triumphs Over Homophobia to Win Primary
Shevrin Jones, targeted by antigay robotexts during the campaign, is poised to become Florida's first out state senator.
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August 19, 2020
DeSantis Press Secretary Spews 'Unbridled Hatred' of LGBTQ+ Community
Christina Pushaw conflated LGBTQ+ education with "grooming."
March 6, 2022
Florida's First Gay Latino Lawmaker, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Announces State Senate Run
Smith previously served in the state's house of representatives before losing his election in 2022.
April 7, 2023
As the 'Don't Say Gay' Law Goes Into Effect, LGBTQ+ Lives Are Erased
"This bill is a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, and it will have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ children in Florida."
July 1, 2022