Apopka group plans rally to fight regressive politics

In late 2009, the LGBTQ+ community in California was reeling. Thousands of Californians across the state mobilized in opposition in the wake of Proposition 8, a divisive ballot measure that banned marriage equality for same-sex couples. They met in Fresno, a conservative stronghold in the middle of their state, to send a message that equality would prevail in the face of rampant hatred. Her stand was not just a protest, but a powerful affirmation that love and human dignity are values ​​worth fighting for, no matter the odds. Just a few years later, the right to marry whoever you love was restored in the state of California.

Our state has become the battleground for a wave of regressive policies aimed at undermining the rights of our most vulnerable populations. Over the past six years, Floridians have watched their government put the most marginalized in its crosshairs. Under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his cronies, Florida's legislature dismantled public education at the expense of queer and BIPOC students, relaxed workplace protections for children, banned books, and even deployed the National Guard to terrorize Haitian asylum seekers in the South Florida. They waged war on communities over cheap political points instead of focusing on real issues like the climate crisis and the skyrocketing cost of living in Central Florida and across the state.

However, Floridians continue to have hope and we are ready to do the work necessary to make our dreams and aspirations come true. We will never stop fighting for Florida where everyone can belong and thrive. Just like Californians in 2009, we have the opportunity to fight back. We can show that Floridians are not divided by hate. We can stand together, united in our commitment to a future in which every person, regardless of race, citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation or economic status, can live in dignity and without fear.

On October 12, Floridians from far and wide will gather in Apopka for an event that carries the weight of history and the promise of a more equitable future. “Meet In The Middle” is more than just a rally; It is a clear call to all who believe in the power of unity in the face of oppression. In a spirit of solidarity, we will stand together against the tide of right-wing attacks and bigoted laws targeting immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, workers, the poor, and black and brown communities. The space we are building will encompass all movements for change in our state, including those on the front lines of climate action, LGBTQ+ equality, immigrant protection, BIPOC justice, workforce empowerment, Palestinian freedom, and much more.

Apopka is a city in central Florida and represents its beautiful diversity. Therefore, it is the perfect place to bring Floridians from all parts of our state together. We send the message that our strength lies not in our differences, but in our common struggle for liberation. Our destinies are interconnected and our shared commitment to justice for all is firm.

Your voice is in demand, whether from Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee or Key West. This is our moment to show the nation that Florida is not defined by voices of hate, but by the power of our collective love for our families and neighbors. We will not remain idle. We are ready to take action together.

The coalition hosting Meet In The Middle is at the forefront of the fight for a progressive future. We mobilized thousands of students to walk out of their classes in protest against the Don't Say Gay law. After passing the most anti-immigrant law in Florida history, we mobilized thousands of immigrants from their jobs. We mobilized thousands to occupy the Capitol and defeat some of the worst bills of the last legislative session. Now we are mobilizing thousands of Floridians to come together at The Middle for Hope.

We invite you to join us on October 12th in Apopka. Come stand in solidarity with your fellow Floridians, raise your voice for justice, and be part of a movement that will shape the future of our state. Together, we can ensure that Florida remains a place where the rights of all are respected, diversity is celebrated, and love and justice prevail.

For more information on how to participate, visit www.meetinthemiddlefl.com.

Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is executive director of the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka. Cameron Driggers is the founder and executive director of the Youth Action Fund.