**Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Receives Praise from LGBTQ+ Miami Resident**
Since Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ bill in May of this year, some members of the state’s LGBTQ+ community are packing up and relocating to parts of the country where they feel safer and enjoy unrestricted access to healthcare. However, one of the Sunshine State’s most high-profile LGBTQ+ residents, Keith Rabois, has nothing but praise for DeSantis and his policies.
**Support for DeSantis from a Prominent LGBTQ+ Resident**
Keith Rabois, a general partner at venture capital firm Founders Fund, expressed his support for Gov. DeSantis at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference in Deer Valley, Utah. Rabois, along with his husband Jacob Helberg, who is an author and Stanford University senior adviser, live in Miami. Rabois stated, “We think what he’s doing in Florida is the recipe that should be copied in every state. Period, without exception.”
**Miami’s Push to Become an Entrepreneurship Hub**
Rabois made these comments at a discussion alongside Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, where they talked about Miami’s goal of becoming a hub for entrepreneurship. As some tech companies move their headquarters away from Silicon Valley, Miami offers lower taxes and more affordable rents. PitchBook’s data shows that funding for companies in Miami has nearly quadrupled in the past three years.
**Mayor Suarez’s Stance on DeSantis’ Policies**
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who is also running for the Republican presidential nomination, expressed support for DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” law but criticized some of DeSantis’ policies. He mentioned DeSantis’ legal battle with The Walt Disney Co. and how it negatively affects the state. However, he wants to differentiate himself from DeSantis’ politics and emphasized Miami’s welcoming nature to all companies.
**The Impact on Tech Companies and Workers**
As workers consider relocating due to hybrid work arrangements, the clash between conservative and progressive policies becomes more apparent. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince highlighted how Utah’s “exclusionary” culture hinders the state’s efforts to become a tech hub. However, Rabois argues that DeSantis’ policies don’t dissuade companies and top talent from setting up in Miami. He claims that gay and lesbian tech workers feel safer in Miami compared to cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City.
**Miami’s Appeal for Safety and Security**
Rabois stated that Miami’s safety and security are appealing factors for individuals and families looking to move. He contrasts it with the crime rates and issues faced by the Bay Area. Rabois believes that a safe environment is crucial for building families and successful companies.
By expressing his support for Gov. DeSantis and his policies, Keith Rabois stands in contrast to members of the LGBTQ+ community who have chosen to leave Florida in response to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, while supportive of the “Don’t Say Gay” law, wants to distance himself from DeSantis’ overall politics and aims to make Miami an inclusive hub for entrepreneurship. As tech companies consider alternative locations, Miami’s appeal lies in its welcoming nature and comparatively safe environment.
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