Protesters took to the streets of Fort Lauderdale this weekend, targeting Tesla’s dealership as backlash grows against Elon Musk’s involvement in sweeping federal cuts and broadly the anti-LGBTQ actions being taken by the new administration. Maria Baker, whose daughter was furloughed from a USAID subcontractor, stood among the crowd.
She said, “Her career is ruined. There’s no job for her now.” The Sun Sentinel reported to Queer News Tonight that around 200 people waved American, pride and trans flags alongside signs reading “Tesla Loves Fascism!” and “Musk Be Gone.”
Some reports said estimates were that a mere 50 gay protestors participated in an event just 5 minutes from famous Wilton Drive. When Queer News Tonight Executive Producer, Al Ferguson reported the news there was a significant Facebook response. A post said the number was nearer 400 and many Facebook comments were about the number of cars honking in support.
One large Wilton Manors queer Facebook group discussed the lack of organization from democrats and LGBTQ activists in drawing attention to the first event of it’s kind in Wilton Manors. Protest organizer Jennifer Jones said, “People are really outraged. We feel like we don’t have a voice.” Many protesters, like breast cancer patient Lisa Yurkin, fear losing life-saving benefits. They’re trying to kill me.” Tiffany Post, 42, who has been paralyzed since 19 and relies on Medicaid, said, “I just literally need medical stuff.” While Musk defends the cuts as necessary, critics call them a “hostile takeover.”
For many, like Steve Eide, 77, the protest was cathartic. The message from the gayest place on earth, Wilton Manors, is clear – Silence isn’t an option. But as a first effort in the first month of the new Trump Administration, it is unclear if the event was a success or represents significant LGBTQ apathy.
