Anita Bryant, singer and notorious anti-gay crusader, dead at age 84
Anita Bryant, a former beauty queen and successful singer, passed away at the age of 84 in her home in Edmond, Okla. Bryant, who was crowned Miss Oklahoma in 1958, rose to fame with hit singles such as “Till There Was You” and “Paper Roses.”
Throughout her career, Bryant performed at prestigious events such as the White House and national political conventions. She also served as a spokesperson for Florida orange juice, becoming a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
However, in the late 1970s, Bryant took a controversial turn when she became a vocal opponent of gay rights. She led a campaign to repeal an anti-discrimination ordinance in Miami-Dade County, Florida, arguing that it violated both state and God’s laws.
Bryant’s stance against homosexuality drew criticism from the LGBTQ+ community and led to public confrontations, such as a pie being thrown at her during a press conference in Iowa. Despite her efforts, the backlash against her views resulted in boycotts of products she endorsed and the loss of lucrative contracts.
As a result, Bryant’s career suffered, leading to financial difficulties and personal challenges. She later focused on her religious beliefs and founded Anita Bryant Ministries International. Bryant’s legacy is a complex one, marked by both her achievements in entertainment and her controversial stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
She is survived by her children, stepdaughters, and grandchildren. Bryant’s passing marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in her life, leaving behind a complicated legacy that continues to spark debate and reflection on the intersection of fame, activism, and personal beliefs.
