The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is set to host the largest LGBTQ+ conference in the world, which could potentially ignite controversy with Governor Ron DeSantis over LGBTQ rights, Newsweek reports.
The conference is scheduled for September 11-14 and is organized by Out & Equal, an advocacy group that campaigns for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace.
The summit is expected to attract approximately 5,000 attendees from various companies, including top-tier supporters such as Apple, Uber, Bank of America, and Walt Disney Company, which is listed as a titanium supporter on the organization’s website.
Other notable supporters include McDonald’s, IBM, Walmart, Google, and Visa, Newsweek notes.
Additionally, government entities such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of State are also set to have booths at the conference.
Out & Equal describes the summit as a place to network and share strategies that create inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees where they can thrive and be themselves.
The organization is renowned for its efforts in advancing LGBTQ+ ideology.
In February, DeSantis signed into law the “Parental Rights in Education” legislation, which prohibits any discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in Florida schools up to the fourth grade.
The legislation (HB 1557) has been criticized by opponents, who inaccurately refer to the legislation as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” That language does not exist in the bill.
