Erika Rose Runs for Florida Legislature to Uplift LGBTQ+ Voices
Table of Contents
Anti-LGBTQ+ Climate in Florida
Erika Rose's Background
Florida House Campaign
Goals as a Legislator
Conclusion
Anti-LGBTQ+ Climate in Florida
In recent years, Florida has seen a surge of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric, putting the state at the forefront of America's divisive culture wars. Discriminatory policies like the "Don't Say Gay" law and barriers to gender-affirming healthcare have harmed Florida's queer and trans communities.
Erika Rose's Background
Michael Travis, better known by his drag persona Erika Rose, aims to shift the dangerous anti-queer climate in Florida through political change. Travis is a prominent drag performer in Key West, FL. He files taxes under his legal name but lives life as Erika Rose.
Florida House Campaign
Rose filed to run against Republican incumbent Rep. Jim Mooney for Florida House District 120 in 2022. If elected, Rose would likely be the first openly performing drag queen in the Florida legislature. His campaign centers uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and issues sidelined by Florida's rightwing leaders.
Goals as a Legislator
Rose hopes to be a vocal advocate for Florida's marginalized queer communities as a legislator. His priorities include overturning discriminatory laws, strengthening LGBTQ+ protections, supporting transgender rights, and funding HIV/AIDS programs. Rose aims to create a more just, equitable Florida through his barrier-breaking campaign.
Conclusion
Erika Rose's run for office is a bold response to Florida's escalating attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. As an openly queer legislator, he would provide sorely needed representation and advocacy in the Florida House. Rose's candidacy speaks to the power of LGBTQ+ visibility in driving social change.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!