A coalition of organizations serving families and parents in Florida has come together to launch Equality Florida’s new statewide program, Parenting With Pride. The goal is to create a hub of resources for queer families to know their rights, to have access to support and resources, and to combat harmful laws that affect them in the state. Launched at the beginning of the school year, the program is poised to significantly impact Florida’s classrooms as new laws and policies are implemented. Laws and policies, such as the expansion of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’s controversial “don’t say gay” law, attacks on Advanced Placement classes and Black history classes, limiting access to restrooms and lockers for transgender and nonbinary students, escalating bans on books, limiting families’ rights to ensure their children’s pronouns, among others, have led to a state of uncertainty due to the broad interpretations of the law. Because of the relentless policy barrage, families are seeking more information and resources than ever before. The Parenting with Pride program will help these families receive support, gain knowledge and skills, and increase their advocacy skills. The program will offer required tools to everyone from those ready to speak at school board meetings to those prepared to advocate for their children’s rights at the state legislature.
