Anita Bryant, the controversial anti-LGBTQ activist, has died, but her legacy is set to be explored in an upcoming documentary. And we assume another pie in the face is coming. Bryant, once known as a singer and Miss Oklahoma, became infamous for leading the 1977 campaign to repeal a Dade County law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Preaching “God’s work,” she fueled fears about queer people in schools, galvanizing both opposition and a historic LGBTQ rights movement, especially in South Florida. Many credit the response to Anita Bryant launched advocacy group SAVE and the first pride event in Florida, Pride Fort Lauderdale.
Her actions sparked the first major queer boycott—against Florida orange juice—and led to the unforgettable moment when she was hit with a pie on live TV. Now, queer South Florida filmmaker Kareen Tabsch and producer Alex Fumero are bringing her story to the screen. Tabsch, known for The Last Resort, aims to explore Bryant’s impact and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights, especially as new threats emerge. Queer News Tonight will continue to follow this news.
