Anita Bryant

Anita Jane Bryant (March 25, 1940 – December 16, 2024) was an American singer and political activist, widely recognized for her controversial stance against gay rights. She first gained fame in the early 1960s with three Top 20 singles in the United States, showcasing her vocal talent. In 1958, she was crowned Miss Oklahoma, which helped to elevate her profile further. From 1969 to 1980, Bryant served as a prominent spokesperson for the Florida Citrus Commission, promoting orange juice across the nation.

Her career took a significant turn in the 1970s when she became a vocal opponent of the burgeoning gay rights movement. In 1977, she spearheaded the "Save Our Children" campaign aimed at overturning a Miami-Dade County ordinance that protected individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation. This campaign faced strong backlash from LGBTQ+ activists and their allies, leading to a nationwide boycott of the orange juice products she endorsed. Although her efforts succeeded in repealing the ordinance with a 69% majority vote on June 7, 1977, it severely tarnished her public image and resulted in the termination of her contract with the Florida Citrus Commission just three years later. Following her divorce from Bob Green, Bryant faced financial difficulties, culminating in two bankruptcy filings. Despite these challenges, she returned to her Oklahoma roots, where she established Anita Bryant Ministries International and engaged with various charitable organizations.