Why Florida or Texas Won’t Be Seeing Me Anytime Soon

June 26, 2025

Ahh, summer is here – vacations, conferences, and family events – all the good stuff, right? But when it comes to Florida? Hard pass. Especially during Pride Month. As a gay man and business owner who works hard to create inclusive spaces, I can’t justify spending my time or money in a state whose political and legal systems are actively working against people like me.

And let’s be clear…boycotts aren’t new, nor are they exclusive to one side of the political aisle. They occur every day for various reasons. Some people boycott Target, Chick-fil-A, and Amazon, among others… wherever they choose. It’s not hypocrisy; it’s a matter of free will. We each have the right to decide where our money, time, and energy go. This is mine.

You see, it’s not just about politics or disagreements over policy. It’s about human rights and the dignity of every person. When laws are enacted that strip away protections or discriminate against individuals, it sends a chilling message that some are deemed less worthy of equality and respect than others. And right now, for LGBTQ+ individuals, Florida is not a safe place.

The Bigger Picture in 2025

More than 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed nationwide in 2025, a record-breaking and deeply unsettling figure. And it’s not just Florida. Texas (my home state) has enacted at least 5 major anti-LGBTQ+/anti-trans laws in 2025 alone, with over 100 bills passed that target trans youth and broader LGBTQ rights. It’s heartbreaking to watch.

This flood of harmful legislation has targeted everything from drag performances to basic healthcare access and, most viciously, transgender rights. And while Florida may not have passed a fresh wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws so far this year, the state is still very much living in the shadow of previous legislative sessions that scorched the landscape for queer and trans people. The damage is ongoing.

When Presence Is Resistance

I tweeted recently (in case you missed it—I get it, not everyone is still on Twitter 😉) that Pride isn’t just about glitter and parades, although I’ll never say no to a good sequin. Pride is about presence. It’s about showing up when the world tells you to sit down. It’s about being louder than shame, more persistent than fear. Together, supporting one another for who they are.

Some days, Pride is a celebration. On other days, it’s a matter of survival. And sometimes, it’s both at once.

In a recent conversation with Brian Streig, CPA, I was reminded that Pride is also about honoring the people in every stage of their journey: the kids still figuring it out, the elders who paved the way, the ones we lost too soon, and the rest of us in the middle doing the work. It’s about showing up—even when it’s hard, even when it’s scary, even when it’s exhausting. And even if you think your decision doesn’t make a difference, it does.

A Real-Life Wake-Up Call

Need an example of how dangerous these laws can be? Consider the recent arrest of Marcy Rheintgen, a transgender woman detained for using the women’s restroom at the Florida State Capitol. Her arrest is not an isolated event; it’s a direct consequence of policies designed to humiliate and endanger trans people.

This isn’t just theoretical.

Imagine being on a business trip or vacation in Florida and being unsure whether you’ll receive medical care if you need it or whether you’ll be misgendered, denied services, or even arrested for existing as yourself. Imagine wondering if your spouse will be allowed to visit you in the hospital or if your legal rights will be recognized. This is the reality for many LGBTQ+ folks in Florida right now.

The Cost of Discrimination

Some say, “Well, boycotting Florida won’t change anything.” Maybe. But to me, it’s about more than changing laws. It’s about making a statement. It’s about reclaiming my agency and choosing not to support systems that perpetuate discrimination and injustice. And I’m not alone. Every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. It’s about standing in solidarity with my community and saying, “Enough is enough.”

When I choose not to visit Florida or Texas, I’m not just making a statement. I’m protecting my peace. I’m also showing solidarity with the trans and queer people who can’t leave, who live with the consequences of these laws every single day.

The Human Toll

It’s not just about politics, it’s about people. The impact of discriminatory policies is written in the lives and mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. According to The Trevor Project: in Texas, 47% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide last year, including 56% of transgender and nonbinary youth. In Florida, that number was 45%, with 54% of trans and nonbinary youth affected. And these aren’t isolated stats, 16% of LGBTQ+ youth in both states actually attempted suicide in the past year.

The crisis doesn’t stop there. A staggering 68% of LGBTQ+ youth in Texas and 65% in Florida said they wanted mental health care but couldn’t get it. And 74% in both states reported experiencing discrimination based on their identity.

These aren’t just numbers, they’re a warning. They’re the reason we speak out. They’re our kids, our siblings, our colleagues, our neighbors. Our future. When laws and leaders send the message that LGBTQ+ people are less worthy of rights, care, or safety, that message doesn’t just hang in the air—it settles in, becomes internalized, and devastates lives.

So no, this isn’t just a disagreement about policy. This is about survival. And we have to do better.

A Better Way Forward

So what can we do? First, speak up. Share stories, raise awareness, and keep having hard conversations. Second, support LGBTQ+-affirming organizations and businesses, especially those in states where they’re under the most pressure. And finally, we can use our economic power. Be intentional about where you travel, where you spend, and where you show up.

Two places I’m proud to show up regularly?

🌈 Pride in Numbers Roundtable (hosted by Rebeccah Johnson), our ongoing Roundtable Labs group where LGBTQ+ accounting professionals and allies connect, support one another, and hold space for real conversations.

🌟 #TaxRetreat, an annual event that leads with values, celebrates community, and welcomes all. It’s inclusive, affirming, and just happens to have some killer merch this year (seriously—like this design). We’ll be in Denver, Colorado in July 18th & 19th if you’re interested in attending The Anti-Conference for bookkeepers, accountants, and tax pros.

As we head deeper into Pride Month, I want to remind you: your visibility matters. Your voice matters. And your dollars matter. We can choose to build a world that values equity, dignity, and love over fear and control.

A call to action

I may be just one voice, but I hope this reflection sparks others to think twice about where we invest our time, energy, and dollars—every small act of resistance matters. When we choose to support places and businesses that stand for equality, inclusivity, and respect, we’re helping build a world where everyone belongs.

This isn’t about left versus right or one politician versus another. It’s about basic human decency and the fundamental principle that every person deserves to live free from discrimination and harm. It’s about building a world where love and acceptance triumph over fear and intolerance.

– With pride, Richard