In response to the highly publicized removal of an LGBTQ travel section from Visitflorida.com, the state’s official tourism website, some states are now capitalizing on Florida’s missing links by enticing travelers to leave the Sunshine State in the dark for more inclusive-friendly destinations.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the first openly gay man elected governor in the U.S., added this post to social media amid the controversy :
Hello gay tourists! Since Florida doesn’t want you, come on over to explore what Colorado has to offer!
In Colorado, we really don’t care about who you date we just appreciate you supporting our economy and spending money in our great stores and restaurants. And you’ll have a gay old time!”
While Illinois went straight to the heart .
Lack of love in the Sunshine State?
Come to Illinois
Plan your LGBTQIA adventure. Take notes, Florida.”
“Kudos to them,” said Rachel Covello, creator and operator of outcoast.com, an LGBTQ travel blog .
“If the Sunshine State isn’t welcoming you, we will welcome you with open, inclusive arms. I think it’s a bold, smart marketing move,” she said about other states using Florida’s political policies to perpetuate, what critics describe as, anti-LGBTQ sentiments.