Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” Mayor Adams said.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” in five Florida cities.
The new legislation bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade — a targeted attack on the LGBTQ+ population, Adams said. New York City’s response is to double down on its commitment to preserving the right to free speech and building a city that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, Hizzoner added.
“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” Adams said. “Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City.”
Creative content for the billboards was designed in partnership with WPP companies, VMLY&R, GroupM, BCW, and H+K Strategies. All of the donated ad space was secured by Kinetic, a GroupM company. In total, there will be five unique pieces of creative art that will run across digital billboards and social media.
The outdoor campaign and activation will run in the following markets of Florida from April 4 through May 29, for a total of eight weeks — delivering an estimated 5 million impressions: Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach.
“Educators work every day to make New York City public schools safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “From what we teach, to how we care for young people, we create schools that affirm and lift up the students and honor who they are. Children bring the totality of who they are into our classrooms, and the cruel actions being taken across this country to attack LGBTQ+ children is contrary to everything we believe in as educators.”
“LGBTQ+ youth deserve the same things that all young people deserve: to be seen, to be heard, and to be respected,” said Kevin Jennings, CEO, Lambda Legal; and founder, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. “Schools and curriculums that are inclusive of all young people and their families literally save lives. We’re here with a welcoming, loud, and proud message to let LGBTQ+ young people know they are not alone.”
“Mayor Adams is making an excellent statement with these ads — in New York City, everyone is welcome,” added Daniel Dromm, LGBTQ+ activist; former chairman, City Council Committee on Finance. “As a New York City public school teacher for 25 years, I have news for Florida: Students are already saying gay. They see us on the news and on television shows. They know that LGBTQ+ people are their family, friends, and neighbors. These ads will reaffirm New York City’s commitment to creating an inclusive school environment, in sharp contrast to the discriminatory policies of Gov. DeSantis.”
