Wed Sep 18 01:36:46 UTC 2024: ## LGBTQ+ Parenting Group Considers Leaving Florida Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Backlash

**Miami, Florida** – Men Having Babies (MHB), a non-profit organization that assists gay men in starting families through surrogacy, is considering pulling its annual conference out of Florida following a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ hate messages.

Since 2018, MHB has held its annual Surrogacy Conference & Expo in the Fort Lauderdale area. However, the group reported receiving a barrage of hateful comments on its social media platforms, prompting concerns about the safety and inclusivity of holding the event in the state.

“We’ve heard our share of hate speech and intolerance,” stated MHB Executive Director Poole-Dayan. “We see it in the reduction in registration numbers, fewer people from outside the state choosing to come to Florida, and even people in Florida wondering about their future here if they start a family. That’s what concerns us the most.”

This decision comes amidst a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Florida, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Laws such as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and the removal of LGBTQ+ travel resources from the official state website have raised concerns about Florida’s hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

MHB initially resisted calls to boycott Florida, wanting to continue supporting prospective gay parents in the state. However, the group now faces a stark reality, with a significant decline in conference registration numbers.

“We don’t usually shy away from challenges,” said Poole-Dayan. “But it is only if we know we can reach people. And if people don’t show up, how can we help?”

MHB provides critical financial support and guidance to gay prospective parents, facilitating over $1 million in assistance annually. The group’s potential departure from Florida would not only disadvantage LGBTQ+ families in the state but also hinder the organization’s ability to reach those who desperately need its services.

As MHB contemplates its future in Florida, the organization’s decision highlights the growing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the state and across the country. The future of MHB’s conference in Florida remains uncertain, with the group facing a difficult choice between supporting prospective parents in a state that appears increasingly hostile towards them and ensuring the safety and inclusivity of its event.

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