In this week’s OutSFL, I’m raising the red flag and waving it high for everyone to take notice: The Republican-Fasçists in Tallahassee are targeting our community once again. HB 1379 would make it a second degree felony to hire someone under 21 to work in “Strip” clubs. This isn’t just dancers. Bartenders, servers, and other support staff would also need to be 21+. The reason sounds noble: protect young people human trafficking. But it’s really just a poorly-veiled excuse to stop behavior old white men and One Million Moms don’t like. The bill singles out strip clubs as a breeding ground to lure vulnerable people. But these are already well-regulated businesses. The fasçists may think they’re targeting venue owners, but Charles Horton, owner of LeBoy in Fort Lauderdale, told me he’ll be fine, it’s the young adults he worries over, telling me, “We always have plenty of dancers. What it affects is job choices for 18-21 year olds. The dancers work when they want. They enjoy the atmosphere.” Florida Republicans have made it a habit to tell people, parents, their children, and other adults what they can and cannot do with their bodies. In recent years, they’ve restricted care for trans kids, trans adults, reproductive care, drag entertainment, enacted ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ banned books for K-12 students and banned courses for college students. HB 1379 has already passed one House committee and I will be keeping an eye on its progress. #Queer Up Out South Florida