florida

climate change

florida

first person

Just Checking In

I went through my mental catalogue of friends back in LA and sent my check-in texts. Almost all of them did the exact same for me this past fall during…

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Jan 14, 2025

#affiliatemarketing

florida

travel

We Took a Gay Literary Road Trip Through Central Florida, and You Should Too!

As Florida now leads the nation in book bans, putting together a little Florida road trip travel guide oriented around independent bookstores feels meaningful. There’s more to this place than…

Kristen Arnett —

Jan 7, 2025

florida

reproductive health

politics + activism

Despite Majority Support, Abortion Rights Failed in Florida Due to a Stupid Rule — That’s Bad for Everyone

Due to a 2006 rule that requires a 60% approval rating for constitutional amendments in Florida, the abortion rights amendment did not pass despite majority support. This outcome is bad…

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Nov 6, 2024

florida

first person

I Got My Driver’s License Last Week, Just Like We Always Talked About

Or: A Love Letter to You and to the Moon (Who Does Not Wish To Be Photographed at This Time)

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Oct 30, 2024

florida

first person

Playing Gay ‘Survivor’ in Florida Reminded Me of the Power of Play

Out-gay, Out-slay, and Out-sport are the three pillars of OUTVIVOR, a Survivor-inspired weekend birthed by OUT Sports, an Orlando queer sports league started by John Teixeira in 2018. 

Em Win —

Oct 17, 2024

florida

music

Las Nubes’ Music Celebrates Queer South Florida in the Face of Attacks on LGBTQ Artists

Living as a queer and trans artist in Florida has become extremely difficult. Not only are queer and trans people constantly under attack through legislative actions against gender-affirming care, drag…

Stef Rubino —

Jul 15, 2024

florida

politics + activism

Florida’s Latest Ruling Against “Don’t Say Gay” Law Isn’t Enough

While the ruling does help make working in schools for teachers and going to school for students just slightly easier, the material realities for trans people in Florida continue to…

Stef Rubino —

Mar 21, 2024

florida

society + culture

A New Author-Owned Bookstore Centering Banned Books Is Coming to Central Florida

One bookstore isn’t going to change everything, but it’s a significant reminder there are people fighting for this place and especially for its arts and culture spaces.

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Jan 10, 2024

featured

florida

politics + activism

This Bookstore Is Giving Banned Books Back to the Florida Community They Were Removed From

A school district in Florida expunged thousands of LGBTQ and BIPOC kids books. This radical anarchist bookstore is giving them back.

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Jan 2, 2024

florida

politics + activism

Florida Teachers Fight Anti-LGBTQ Policies As the State Punishes Schools That Dare To Resist

All of DeSantis’ efforts to silence and oppressively legislate students and educators in the state are connected and should be confronted simultaneously.

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Dec 15, 2023

also.also.also

florida

society + culture

Also.Also.Also: Why Florida High School Students Walking Out Over Trans Sport Bans Matters

Educator and student dissent speaks to the Florida legislature’s failure to represent its people.

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Nov 30, 2023

florida

politics + activism

Don’t Say Gay Was Never About Children — But We Already Knew That

With new proposed legislation, Florida is ushering in a new Lavender Scare.

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya —

Nov 28, 2023