U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) made a controversial statement during a prayer call, claiming that America was “going to hell” because 25% of high school students identify as “something other than straight.” His remarks, which were based on a statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sparked widespread criticism and ignited a debate about the role of LGBTQ+ identity in American society.
Johnson’s Statement and Its Context
Johnson’s statement, as The New York Times reported, was part of a more prominent prayer call in which he expressed concerns about the country’s direction. He lamented that the United States was becoming “a nation that is so dark and depraved it almost seems irredeemable.” He then cited the CDC statistic, suggesting that the increasing number of LGBTQ+ youth was a sign of societal decline.
His Comments Were Heavily Condemnation
Johnson’s comments were met with swift and widespread condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocates, allies, and many others. Critics accused him of bigotry, prejudice, and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people. They argued that his statement was based on fear and ignorance rather than genuine concern for young people’s well-being.
Christian Values
Johnson denies that he is a bigot as he portrays himself as a tolerant and accepting Christian. This portrayal is, however, contradicted by his own words and actions. His anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies have created a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ people and have contributed to a climate of fear and discrimination.
“Reckless and Dangerous”
LGBTQ+ organizations, such as GLAAD (originally Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), condemned Johnson’s remarks, calling them “reckless and dangerous.” They pointed out that LGBTQ+ youth already face high rates of bullying, harassment, and suicide and that Johnson’s comments would only exacerbate these problems.
Johnson Defends His Position
In response to the backlash, Johnson defended his statement, maintaining that he was expressing his concern about the country’s future. He argued that the LGBTQ+ rights movement had become too powerful and was trying to impose its values on everyone else. Johnson’s defense did little to appease his critics, who accused him of doubling down on his bigotry. They argued that his comments were not based on genuine concern but rather on a desire to demonize and marginalize LGBTQ+ people.
A History of Derogatory Language
Across the past two decades, Johnson has repeatedly made disparaging and harmful remarks about the LGBTQ+ community. His statements have ranged from labeling homosexuality as “inherently unnatural” and a “dangerous lifestyle” to claiming that legalizing same-sex marriage would lead to people marrying their pets.
Problematic Views on Transgender
In a resurfaced 2016 interview with Louisiana news station 710 Keel, Johnson said his friends would have lied about their gender identity so they could “peep on naked girls in locker rooms and bathrooms.” He went on to say, “Gender identity, no one knows what that means, and even an effort to define it is going, it can cause problems.”
No Evidence of Privacy Violations
In reality, “A 2018 study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that allowing transgender individuals to use the public facilities that align with their gender identity would lead to an increase in privacy violations or criminal activity.” A study examining public records of criminal incidents in public restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms found that reports of assault, sex crimes, and voyeurism decreased following the passage of a bill allowing transgender individuals to use facilities aligned with their gender identity.
LGBTQ+ Rights in the United States
The debate over Johnson’s statement is part of a broader conversation about LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. While significant progress has been made in recent decades, LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination in many areas of life, including employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations.
Human Rights Concerns
President of the Human Rights Campaign Kelley Robinson says, “Johnson isn’t just wrong on the issues of LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, abortion, and gun safety — he’s been obsessed with restricting people’s freedoms, rolling back progress and harming marginalized people for literally decades. He’s unfit to lead the House, and the lawmakers who made him Speaker will have to face the voters who expected better.”
Mental Health Concerns
LGBTQ+ youth are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and violence. According to The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth, more than 40% of transgender and genderqueer youth have seriously contemplated thoughts of self harm in the past year.
Striving for Acceptance
As the country continues to grapple with issues of identity, acceptance, and belonging, it is crucial to remember that LGBTQ+ youth are not a threat to our society. GLAAD wants to spread the message, “Acceptance is the foundation for a more just and equitable world.” This quote highlights acceptance’s fundamental role in creating a society where all people can live openly and authentically.”
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