Many of my friends from afar often express pity for me because of my residence in Florida. Their sympathy ranges from a casual “No seasons — that’s a bummer” to “Ugh, I would rather DIE than live in the cesspool of Trump-loving madness that is Florida.”
The infamous “Florida Man” has become a global meme, conjuring images of a half-drunk, Confederate Flag-waving individual yelling about patriotism while riding an alligator in the polluted canals behind the local Walmart. It seems that some of the most outrageous anti-mask and anti-vaccine stories originate from here.
Florida’s Governor, Chris Harrison, signed anti-trans legislation on the first day of Pride Month this year. Just imagine being part of the same party as this grotesque figure. Recently, Florida also introduced a copycat abortion bill similar to Texas’s controversial legislation.
Although Florida is famous for its theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center, and its stunning beaches, it also suffers from underfunded schools and low teacher salaries. For the 2019-2020 school year, the average teacher salary in Florida was $49,102—ranking it third lowest among the states and the District of Columbia. Florida comes in at 42nd in school funding and 43rd in spending.
My friend, who is battling brain cancer, and his wife, who has autoimmune disorders, often feel discarded here. They see social media comments questioning the worth of their lives based on their health conditions. They even encounter suggestions to “just stay home!” as if they don’t need to leave for crucial medical treatments.
Another friend had to leave the state due to the extreme bullying their transgender child faced at school, with local authorities failing to provide any protection.
It does seem like Florida is overrun with selfish, hateful individuals.
Yet, amidst the noise, the number of progressives in Florida may surprise you. I’m involved in various progressive groups and communities where we identify as “Fliberals.”
We Are Fliberals, and We Are Many
The term “Fliberal” was coined by TikTok creator @fl.edition in October 2020, and since then, both the community and movement have significantly expanded. There are likely far more of us than anyone realizes.
Elections in Florida are often close—while the state tends to lean conservative, it’s still classified as a swing state. Out of the last seven presidential elections, four went Republican and three Democratic (thanks, Obama). Our voting patterns are increasingly leaning towards progressive values. Despite a long-standing Republican governor since 1998, our party identification is almost evenly split.
However, when people outside of Florida think of the state, they often picture it as dominated by bigotry and intolerance.
Loud and Aggressive Conservatives
Many conservatives in Florida are particularly loud and aggressive, unafraid to make threats. During a recent school board meeting concerning a mask mandate, one individual showed up with an American flag painted on his beard and was arrested for disorderly conduct. He had a history of violence and had even called for a “fight” on social media prior to the meeting.
Because these individuals are so boisterous and confrontational, it may seem like they vastly outnumber progressives. However, the school board ultimately passed the mask mandate twice, thanks to a surge of support from parents, educators, and health experts. Many Fliberals, including myself, were not causing scenes at the meeting; instead, we voiced our support through emails to the school board.
The Dirty Nature of Politics
Another reason Florida appears excessively conservative is due to the dirty nature of politics here. The population is roughly split, yet our political representation skews conservative. It’s challenging to persuade liberals to run for office, as they risk being publicly attacked, ridiculed, or worse. Our openly liberal school board member has faced threats and harassment from right-wing protesters, even while managing a young child.
These far-right individuals are not only loud but also volatile, often brandishing their firearms and proudly displaying their political affiliations. Their actions make it seem as though they are the majority, but many Fliberals are actively working behind the scenes. We support one another through aid groups and focus on educating newcomers about our goals. Every day, more frustrated former conservatives are joining our ranks as they witness unacceptable behavior from those they once identified with.
This article has been updated to attribute the term “Fliberal.”
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Summary:
This article explores the concept of “Fliberals,” a progressive community in Florida that often goes unnoticed amidst the state’s conservative reputation. Despite the loud and aggressive nature of some conservatives, many progressives are quietly working to make a difference. The political landscape in Florida is complex, revealing a split population where Fliberals are increasingly finding their voice.
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