Anita Jane Bryant was born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Her early years were marked by humble beginnings in a small Midwestern town. Despite limited resources, she displayed an innate musical talent that would later define much of her public life. As a child, Bryant’s voice gained recognition, and she began singing in church and at local events. By the time she was a teenager, her talent had garnered widespread acclaim, earning her appearances on local television programs and the attention of talent scouts. In 1958, Anita Bryant became Miss Oklahoma, a title that served as a stepping stone for her national exposure. She competed in the Miss America pageant and was named second runner-up. Her beauty, poise, and captivating voice caught the attention of audiences and opened doors for her burgeoning career in the entertainment industry. Shortly after her pageant success, Bryant signed with Carlton Records and released her first single. By the early 1960s, her career as a pop singer was in full swing. She recorded several Top 40 hits, including “Paper Roses,” a song that resonated with listeners and became one of her signature pieces. Her rendition of “Till There Was You” also gained widespread popularity and showcased her vocal versatility. As her musical career flourished, Bryant expanded her presence beyond singing. She became a beloved figure in American homes through her role as the spokesperson for the Florida Citrus Commission. From 1969 to 1980, Bryant’s sunny personality and wholesome image helped her popularize the slogan, “A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.” Her commercials were broadcast nationwide, making her a household name and securing her position as an enduring cultural icon. In addition to her career in music and advertising, Anita Bryant embodied a specific image of American values during a transformative era in the country’s social landscape. However, her image as an entertainer and spokesperson took a significant turn in the late 1970s when she became involved in a national campaign against gay rights. Bryant’s activism began in 1977 when she spearheaded the “Save Our Children” campaign, which sought to repeal an ordinance in Miami-Dade County that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. Her campaign argued that protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community posed a threat to traditional family values and the welfare of children. She used her platform and public persona to rally support for her cause, framing the campaign in deeply religious terms. The campaign succeeded in repealing the ordinance, but it also sparked a national backlash. Bryant’s activism placed her at the center of one of the most polarizing debates in American society. LGBTQ+ activists and their allies organized protests and boycotts against products she endorsed, including Florida orange juice. The boycotts gained traction, and Bryant became a focal point for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her opposition t...