Florida LGBTQ+ community outraged over new controversial laws

A bill that would limit which bathrooms transgender people can use moved one step closer to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk. The Florida House passed a bill that would require people to use the public bathroom of their sex at birth. That would apply to areas like educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or any place deemed public under law including lodging, restaurants or gas stations. The bill is now headed to the Florida Senate. Lawmakers who approved it said this is about protection and safety. However, advocates from the LGBTQ community said they fear of the bill's repercussions, including 18-year-old Samuel Vanmiddlesworth from the Tampa Bay area. "I'm not hurting anyone," Middlesworth said. "Trans people aren't hurting anyone by being themselves." Middlesworth, who identifies as non-binary and transmasculine, said he would be forced to use the women's restroom. A place he hasn't been to in years before his transition, he said. Vanmiddlesworth said he's afraid enough using the men's restroom due to factors like his appearance and voice, but fears how he'll also be treated under the new bill. "I feel unwanted in the state I grew up in," Middlesworth said. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/politics/lgbtq-florida-transgender-bathroom-bill/67-8c377326-efd3-49f3-9665-1a223569da6c ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay