In 1977, Anita Bryant, who recently died, made the career mistake of a lifetime when she began an anti-gay campaign in Miami.
Her campaign failed for two important reasons. First, Bryant mistook the political strength of the gay movement across the U.S.
Secondly, her use of religion to promote a campaign of bigotry raised serious questions about her honesty. After being crowned Miss Oklahoma in 1958, Bryant spent the next two decades performing at state fairs, veterans’ events, religious and charity events, and churches.
She performed with Bob Hope’s U.S.O. tours and visited veterans’ hospitals. She promoted Christian living and Florida orange juice.