I was asked by my department head if I was interested in being the faculty representative at the big women in computing conference in Orlando. I replied that as a trans woman it's now “functionally illegal" for me to go to Florida. As in technically not illegal, but impossible to do so in a way that both complies with the law and is safe. Shocked that it's come to this. #Transgender #Florida
@fullyabstract FWIW, Orlando is not Tallahassee.
Our town is inclusive and covered in pride flags. I have a progress pride flag waving over my front door right now, just east of downtown Orlando, and the touristy areas are even more welcoming.
We voted against this bullshit. Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are the resistance. We have a trans population here and LGBTQ outreach organizations and a killer pride parade. You definitely should not feel unsafe in these cities (at least no more so than any other city).
That said, I understand if you still don't want to.
@LouisIngenthron @fullyabstract the whole state is unsafe
@voron @fullyabstract Demonstrably untrue. I, and many other LGBTQ people, live here perfectly safely.
I'm fairly certain the people who were around the Pulse nightclub at the time of the mass shooting would object to your assertion that Orlando is a safe place.
@EverydayMoggie @voron @fullyabstract I both attended and performed at Pulse several times prior to the shooting.
The community's reaction to that event, and their continued outpouring of solidarity and support to this day, bolsters my argument.
And, fwiw, the LGBTQ folks around here still turn up to gay clubs every night just fine. We aren't scared.
Besides, if your standard is "no lunatics commit unprovoked lone-wolf violence", then I don't think a single city in this entire country would qualify as "safe".
@LouisIngenthron @EverydayMoggie @fullyabstract I wish you well, but Florida is a Nope. Will work hard with sister district etc, but travel, tourist etc? Nope