Anita Bryant, 70's Anti-Gay Activist, Has Died

WCTV / State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Anita Bryant, who became the face of anti-gay activism in the 1970s, died December 16 at the age of 84.

Bryant was once a household name, first as a popular singer and as the ad spokesperson for the Florida Citrus. And then, in 1977, she became America's most well-known homophobe, demonizing gay people and fighting against their rights.

She became involved with anti-gay activism in 1977 when she became leader of the Save Our Children coalition and successfully fought against an anti-discrimination ordinance in Dade County, Florida, that included sexual orientation. During the campaign, she made remarks like, "Homosexuals cannot biologically reproduce children; therefore, they must recruit our children." Her efforts succeeded in repealing the anti-discrimination ordinance.

She would go on to lead and participate in other anti-gay campaigns around the country.

Bryant's remarks and activities galvanized and empowered the gay community. One notable effort was the successful 1977-1980 boycott of Florida Citrus products, where gay bars across North America stopped using orange juice. It was a simple but powerful way to send the message.

In May 1980, Bryant divorced her husband of almost 20 years, citing emotional abuse and suicidal thoughts. Also in 1980, the Florida Citrus Commission stopped using Bryant as a spokesperson. Also, her activism seems to have caused lost gigs and sponsorships. Some Christian fundamentalists rejected her after the divorce, costing her bookings at their venues and events.