LGBT SHOWDOWN

Dem Joe Saunders Challenges Gop Fabian Basabe

John Hayden

Voters in Miami Beach sent an LGBT Republican, Fabian Basabe, to represent them in Tallahassee. He promised to be a moderate who would support the LGBT community and women’s healthcare. But once he arrived at the state capital, he joined his Republican colleagues and voted against the people who sent him there in the first place.

If he runs for re-election next year, he may face a Democrat who is also LGBT but also has a record of respecting the wishes of his constituents. Joe Saunders has announced he’s running for the 106th district seat in 2024. Saunders is no stranger to the area and its politics. The native South Floridian served in the State House for two years in 2013-2015.

“Floridians are facing challenges like we’ve never seen before,” he said when announcing his campaign. “This session has been one of the most devastating for LGBTQ rights in Florida’s modern history, and Republicans have effectively banned abortion – all while ignoring the skyrocketing costs of living, housing, and healthcare. This legislature is broken and we need a new one.”

The GOP has also voted to erase LGBT existence, declaring all drag entertainment as “adult,” which would effectively ban them from the public and public appearances, restricted healthcare overall and for trans people, and expanded “Don’t Say Gay.” Besabe has done nothing to stop it.