Singer Anita Bryant, Known for Anti-gay Stance, Passes Away at 84

Anita Bryant: Singer and Anti-Gay Crusader

Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma and popular singer, known for her outspoken opposition to gay rights, has passed away at the age of 84.

Early Life and Career

Bryant, a Barnsdell, Okla., native, began her singing career at a young age, winning the title of Miss Oklahoma in 1958. She rose to fame with hit singles like Till There Was You and Paper Roses.

By the late 1960s, she performed at prestigious events, sang at the White House, and became a spokesperson for Florida orange juice, gaining widespread recognition.

Anti-Gay Rights Crusade

In the late 1970s, Bryant shifted her focus to a controversial campaign against gay rights, successfully repealing an anti-discrimination ordinance in Florida's Miami-Dade County.

Her actions sparked a wave of criticism and backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, leading to boycotts and public ridicule on various TV shows.

Legacy and Later Years

Despite her previous success, Bryant's career suffered as a result of her anti-gay rights activism. She faced personal struggles, including a failed marriage and financial difficulties.

In her later years, she founded Anita Bryant Ministries International and continued to be a polarizing figure in the public eye until her passing.