DeSantis Omits LGBTQ, Hispanic Groups in 2025 Proclamation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis omitted references to the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities in his 2025 Pulse Remembrance Day proclamation, departing from previous statements that recognized these groups as primary victims of the 2016 Orlando nightclub massacre. The omission has sparked criticism from survivors, lawmakers, and advocates, including State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf, who claim it reflects a broader effort by DeSantis to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language from state policy. DeSantis had previously amended a similar omission in 2019 after backlash, but his office has not responded to recent media inquiries. Despite the omission, LGBTQ and Hispanic communities remain central to the annual remembrance of the tragedy.