Please place the above item on the February 1, 2023 City Commission Meeting Agenda as a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee.

Under the current political climate, legislative attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community have become all too common across the United States. Here in Florida, our LGBTQIA+ youth have been specifically targeted with the passage of damaging laws such as HB 1557/SB 1834, otherwise called the Don’t Say Gay Bill, and SB 1024 that bars transgender youth from participating in pubic school-sanctioned sports.

It is because of this troubling trend that we must act quickly and compassionately to protect our children regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. Through a unanimously passed motion from the Miami Beach Youth Commission, it is in their view that the City of Miami Beach support the identification of a safe space within the City for LGBTQIA+ youth to be able to speak openly about issues of concern and participate in monthly sessions where guest speakers provide useful information and resources to positively impact their lives.

I would like the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee to consider this motion and assist in making this very crucial community resource come to fruition.

Miami Beach has been a haven for the queer community for generations. It is fitting that Miami Beach extends its inclusivity, acceptance, and protection to our LGBTQIA+ youth.