Florida's Abolitionist Spark: A Beacon of Resistance in the Belly of the Beast

Against the Tide: Abolitionist Organizing in a Hostile Landscape

Florida, under the shadow of DeSantis's "anti-woke" crusade, presents a particularly daunting challenge for activists. With draconian laws like HB1 stifling protest and punitive policies criminalizing homelessness, it's a landscape where basic freedoms are under constant attack. Yet, even within this oppressive climate, a vibrant tapestry of resistance movements thrives, embodying a defiant spirit against environmental destruction, gentrification, xenophobia, and the ever-expanding prison-industrial complex.

A Convergence of Hope: The Florida Abolitionist Gathering

From February 28th to March 2nd, 2025, the historic Civic Media Center in Gainesville became a hub of radical energy, hosting the first Florida Abolitionist Gathering (FAG). Over two hundred abolitionists and anarchists, representing an intergenerational, queer and trans-led, multi-issue coalition, converged for a weekend of workshops, film screenings, passionate discussions, and direct action.

The gathering's acronym itself, FAG, underscored the central role of LGBTQ2S+ organizers and issues. Sessions on DIY HRT, queer content in prisons, and radical queer histories reflected a deep commitment to gender liberation within broader abolitionist struggles.

Intersectionality in Action: Bridging Struggles, Building Solidarity

The FAG's power lay in its intersectional approach, connecting the fight against mass incarceration with struggles for immigrant rights, environmental justice, Palestinian liberation, and reproductive freedom. This interconnected vision of liberation served as a powerful counter-narrative to Florida's regressive political climate.

One highlight was the screening of Can't Stop Change, a documentary weaving together stories of LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Florida engaged in climate justice activism, illustrating the inherent link between environmental and social justice.

Amplifying Voices from the Inside: The Power of Solidarity

One of the most impactful moments of the gathering was the panel discussion featuring Julius, a formerly incarcerated organizer instrumental in the 2016 national prison strike. Freshly released after 17 years, Julius’s testimony offered a powerful testament to the transformative power of inside/outside organizing.

"They might catch us individually," Julius declared, "but they can't beat all of us." His words resonated deeply, underscoring the critical role of outside support in protecting incarcerated organizers and achieving tangible victories.

Alongside Julius’s powerful testimony, the panel shared audio recordings from currently incarcerated organizers, serving as a poignant reminder of the thousands of voices still trapped behind bars.

From Grief to Resilience: Honoring Lost Comrades, Reigniting the Flame

A moving grief ritual provided space for collective mourning and remembrance. Participants shared names of departed comrades, symbolizing their return to the earth and their enduring legacy of resistance. The ritual served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the struggle, while simultaneously reinforcing the movement's capacity for renewal and resilience.

Direct Action and Mutual Aid: Putting Solidarity into Practice

Inspired by Julius’s call to action, participants rallied outside the Gainesville Work Camp, a prison recently reopened after activists successfully shut it down years prior. The demonstration served as a powerful statement of solidarity with incarcerated individuals and a rejection of prison labor exploitation.

Beyond direct action, the gathering mobilized resources for crucial mutual aid projects, including a water well in Gaza, extending its reach beyond prison walls and national borders. The FAG exemplified the true meaning of solidarity, demonstrating that meaningful change requires both challenging oppressive systems and directly supporting communities in need.

Beyond Bars: Reimagining Justice and Community Accountability

The FAG also fostered critical conversations about alternative approaches to justice. The workshop “Against Me Too: Against Survivor Politics” sparked intense dialogue on community accountability processes and the insidious creep of carceral logic into even radical spaces. These challenging conversations affirmed the ongoing work needed to dismantle patriarchy and create safer communities outside of state-sanctioned violence.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Fight for Total Liberation

The Florida Abolitionist Gathering wasn't just an event; it was a spark, illuminating the potential for radical transformation within a hostile landscape. It served as a powerful reminder that even in the "belly of the beast," hope persists, resistance flourishes, and the fight for total liberation continues.