Florida DOGE Threatens LGBTQ Programs

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS — LGBT Politics

TAMPA, FL — (September 15, 2025) — Florida LGBTQ Democrats are sounding the alarm that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ allies may be preparing a new wave of attacks on funding for community programs.

Related Coverage Links on JRL CHARTS:

• Get the Latest in LGBT Politics USA Exclusively on JRL CHARTS

• York Town Hall Demands Stronger Hate Crime Protections for LGBTQ Community

• Texas DEI Ban Sparks Backlash: LGBTQ Clubs & Teacher Take State to Court

• Trump Voters Regret: Layoffs, Farm Bankruptcies, and LGBTQ+ Businesses Crushed by Tariffs

State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) told attendees at the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus summer meeting in Tampa that the DeSantis administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by CFO Blaise Ingoglia, appears to be targeting local governments that provide grants tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

“I think you need to be prepared for what is coming,” Smith warned. “We should continue to push lawmakers to fund these programs. We cannot stop, even if Republicans are determined to strip resources from LGBTQ Floridians.”

Last month, 16 Orange County employees were subpoenaed as DOGE officials investigated DEI spending, climate projects, and procurement practices. Among the organizations flagged: the Zebra Coalition, Zebra Youth, and the Orlando Youth Alliance — all known for supporting LGBTQ youth. County leaders argued the programs were open to all residents, but critics fear the probe signals coming legislation that could ban cities and counties from funding LGBTQ nonprofits.

Smith drew a sharp parallel:

“If rainbow crosswalks honoring Pulse victims are fair game for this administration, don’t doubt they’ll come after shelter programs for LGBTQ youth next.”

Transgender Gun Rights Debate Emerges

In addition to funding concerns, Democratic lawmakers blasted reports that federal officials are weighing proposals to restrict transgender Americans’ right to own firearms after the Minneapolis Catholic Church shooting.

Smith denounced the floated plan as a “bigoted and transphobic attack,” contrasting it with Republican responses to crimes committed by white men.

“If it’s a Hispanic person, they want to build a wall. If it’s a Black person, they blame BLM. If it’s a trans person, they propose stripping constitutional rights. But when it’s a white male, suddenly the problem is video games and mental health.”

Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg) called the report “a distraction” meant to paralyze LGBTQ advocacy, while Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens) said Republicans were using the trans community as an “easy target” instead of investing in real mental health solutions.

Rep. Mitch Rosenwald (D-Oakland Park) joined the panel, which emphasized that LGBTQ legislators must remain vocal:

“Too often we’re told to stay quiet, but if we’re at the table, we better use every ounce of our being to fight back against this BS,” Smith said to applause.

Stay with JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics for breaking developments on Florida’s LGBTQ rights fight and national debates shaping equality.

Media Partners: For licensing inquiries, media usage rights, or republication requests, please visit our Contact Us page. All content © JRL CHARTS Media Network. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.