Anita Bryant, anti-gay rights crusader, dead at 84

Anita Bryant, former beauty queen, singer, and anti-gay activist, died on December 16 at 84 in Edmond, Oklahoma. Known for hits like “Paper Roses” and “Till There Was You,” she performed at the Super Bowl, cohosted the Orange Bowl Parade, and was a spokesperson for Florida orange juice and Coca-Cola. In the 1970s, she led the controversial “Save Our Children” campaign opposing LGBTQ+ rights, sparking national debates. Her efforts were countered by Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist, who successfully fought similar measures in California. Her activism, including being pied by a protester in 1977, is featured in the biopic Milk.