Homophobic and transphobic remarks were prevalent during the first three days of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. At least a dozen speakers mentioned gender or sexuality negatively. Senator Ron Johnson and Representative Majorie Taylor Greene made anti-LGBTQ comments, while North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson faced criticism for calling homosexuality and transgenderism “filth.” Other speakers, like Rep. Matt Gaetz, criticized the concept of multiple genders. Despite this, some speakers, such as Richard Grenell, Lara Trump, and Amber Rose, tried to appeal to gay Americans by highlighting Trump’s inclusivity.
The increase in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric at the convention reflects a broader trend within the Republican Party. Many speakers singled out transgender and nonbinary individuals, and the lack of condemnation for these remarks underscores their acceptance within the party. The official GOP platform has shifted, removing explicit language defining marriage as between one man and one woman but including measures to ban transgender people from sports and transition-related surgeries.
The resurgence of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in conservative circles has coincided with the introduction of numerous anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures. Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, fueled further debate on LGBTQ issues in education. The Log Cabin Republicans have defended some of the rhetoric, arguing that it is focused on issues related to parental rights and gender identity, rather than being inherently homophobic.
Former President Trump, set to deliver a keynote speech at the convention, has a history of making anti-LGBTQ comments. It remains to be seen whether he will address LGBTQ issues in his speech. Overall, the convention’s rhetoric reflects a shift towards more extreme anti-LGBTQ sentiment within the Republican Party.
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