Florida Stonewall museum demands refund after removal from state tourism site

Tension has arisen between state authorities and a prominent LGBTQ+ history museum in South Florida after a dedicated section from the state’s official tourism website aimed at LGBTQ+ travellers was removed.

The museum in question, the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library, is situated at 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. As one of the largest repositories of LGBTQ+ archives globally, this institution relies heavily on the visibility provided through platforms like Visit Florida to attract tourists and generate donations, which are pivotal to its operations as a small non-profit organisation.

Robert Kesten, the executive director of the museum, has publicly voiced his frustration over the state’s decision to take down the page. Kesten expressed his concerns about the financial and symbolic implications of this action, emphasising that the removal discredits a community that significantly contributes to Florida’s tourism industry. He stated, “There is no reason to discredit a group of people that drive a tremendous amount of tourist dollars into the state.” Kesten further demanded a refund for the membership fee paid to Visit Florida, an official apology, and the reinstatement of the removed pages.

In a recent news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the state’s stance on the matter. DeSantis articulated the state’s broader philosophy on tourism, stating, “Our view as a state is we’re the best place to visit, we’re open to all, but we’re not going to be segregating people.” This statement hints at a policy approach that avoids creating specific marketing for distinct demographic groups.

However, this move has sparked a debate, especially when juxtaposed with the fact that Visit Florida’s website continues to feature pages aimed at marketing to specific groups, including Latinos and African-Americans. This disparity raises questions about the consistency and rationale behind the state’s decision to remove the LGBTQ+ section while maintaining other targeted pages.

Efforts to obtain a response from the CEO of Visit Florida regarding whether the museum will receive a refund or if there will be any formal apology have been unsuccessful thus far, as no response has been provided.

The recent developments have placed a spotlight on the intersection of state policy and the promotion of inclusivity in tourism marketing, prompting a broader discussion on how best to represent and serve diverse communities within Florida’s vibrant tourism landscape.