Florida promotes self as gay tourist destination - morning after marriage amendment passes

The morning after 62 percent of Florida voters voted yes on the constitutional ban on gay marriages and domestic partnerships, I got this mailing on behalf of Visit Florida, the public-private group that promotes Florida tourism.

Here's the mailing:

Fort Lauderdale Flair

See why this South Florida city, is a relaxing beach destination, sophisticated and artsy urban retreat and international gay hotspot, all rolled into one. Read the Article

Event Calendar

Dec. 31, 2008-Jan. 1, 2009 Red High Heel Shoe Drop
Gather on Duval Street in Key West to ring in the New Year with the annual lowering of the red high heel shoe, fireworks, dancing, street parties and more. More info

Feb. 25-March 2, 2009 Winter Party Festival, South Beach
Join more than 10,000 guests at nightly dance parties, cocktail receptions, art exhibits, a fashion show, pool party and more with proceeds to benefit the LGBT community. More info

Comments

[Sue]

Comparing Florida tourism and Florida politics is like comparing apples to oranges. The Florida government doesn't control the attitudes and beliefs of the people who live there. It is merely a reflection of its residents. The fact that our state tourism division has stepped beyond the backwards thinking of the people who live here is to be commended. As a gay Florida resident, you and I both know that the southeast destinations ARE gay hotspots. Hurray for VISIT FLORIDA's courage.

[Steve Rothaus]

Sue, I agree South Florida is a great gay tourist destination. But, I found it ironic to receive that email the morning after the marriage vote.

[Marla R. Stevens]

Some tourist destination -- maybe if you're single and think associating with an overwhelming majority populous that thinks you're substantially-less-than-human scum worthy of fewer rights than a child molester marrying into a family that contains his next target or a mass murderer awaiting execution on death row is big vacation fun or, if you're civilly married or have a domestic partnership and think vacationing where your basic rights as a couple, your couples-based insurance and couples legal documents have no standing in court is a scintillating adrenaline rush better than a Space Mountain ride ... but, if you're a sane, fiscally responsible gay person or couple not interested in unduly risking your rights or enriching those who've stolen them from you, you'll go elsewhere -- tourist or resident. Florida is now one of the worst Hate States in the U.S. Enter or remain at your own peril.

[Dan]

I know my husband and I plan to keep our hard earned gay dollars within beautiful, truely gay friendly, Massachusetts and Connecticut until the rest of the Americas should catch up.