Houston LGBTQ+ political group denounces Rep. Thierry’s anti-trans rhetoric

The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus strongly condemned State Rep. Shawn Thierry for his use of anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the race for House District 146. The Caucus criticized Thierry for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and inciting to violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

Thierry has been accused of escalating her anti-trans statements, including in a podcast where she claimed that her opponent, Lauren Ashley Simmons, supports the “genital mutilation” of children through gender-affirming care. Additionally, signs in the district proclaiming “no castration of black boys” and “no sterilization of black girls” have been linked to his campaign tactics, which the Caucus describes as fear-mongering and harmful.

The Caucus refuted these claims, emphasizing that gender-affirming care is a comprehensive treatment supported by major medical associations and is crucial to the well-being of trans youth. “Gender-affirming care does not constitute ‘genital mutilation,'” the Caucus said, emphasizing that such care includes a range of supports from therapy to medical interventions, all undertaken with parental and medical consent .

Amid these controversies, the Caucus reaffirms its support for Simmons, describing her as a proactive advocate for inclusiveness and community-centered leadership. Simmons, a union organizer, was praised for her commitment to fact-based discourse on misinformation and fear.

Joëlle Espeut, a member of the Caucus’ trans committee, expressed concern over the ongoing attacks: “This aggressive and relentless targeting is nothing but a reflection of blatant bigotry and hatred, as well as ‘opinions’ dangerous and ill-informed,” she said. Espeut called for a united stance against Thierry’s rhetoric and expressed strong support for Simmons, defending her as a candidate “for all.”

The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, established in 1975, is the South’s oldest civil rights organization focused exclusively on LGBTQ+ equality, making it a leading voice in the region for gay, lesbian, and lesbian rights. , bisexual and transgender.