In a recent video shared on Twitter, right-wing pastor Robin Bullock, co-founder of the Alabama-based Church International, has stirred controversy by spreading a baseless claim that schools are accommodating students who identify as “furries” by allowing them to use litter boxes in bathrooms. However, there is absolutely no evidence to support this unfounded allegation. Bullock addressed a congregation, expressing concern about turning the school system into an animal shelter and referring to confused students who identify as cats or dogs.
The claim made by Bullock has been widely discredited by fact-checkers and school districts, denouncing it as a hoax. Such stories are believed to be a deliberate attempt to bias public opinion against transgender individuals and inclusive school policies that promote authenticity and self-acceptance. While there have been instances of conservatives perpetuating these falsehoods, the reality is that they serve as a means to ridicule transgender identities rather than reflect any factual occurrences.
One of the earliest stories emerged from Michigan activist Lisa Hansen, who opposed federal regulations allowing transgender students to use restrooms aligning with their gender identities. Hansen falsely asserted that a school’s unisex restroom was outfitted with a litter box for students identifying as cats. School officials had to refute this claim and communicate the truth to parents. Similarly, an Oregon school district superintendent had to debunk a similar lie after a social media user alleged that furries were being leashed and petted by other students.
Despite repeated debunking, the false narrative has persisted, with right-wing figures like Nebraska Senator Bruce Bostelman perpetuating the claim during a televised debate. Bostelman falsely alleged that student “furries” interacted with teachers through meowing and barking, even asserting that one student defecated on a classroom floor after being denied a litter box. Eventually, Bostelman admitted that the story was untrue. The spread of this hoax has extended to online anti-LGBTQ+ activists, such as Chaya Raichik of LibsofTikTok, and figures like Christian hate pastor Aaron Thompson and anti-LGBTQ televangelist Andrew Wommack.
While the claim continues to circulate, it is essential to note that there is no evidence to support the existence of “furries” disrupting classrooms or schools formally recognizing them as a distinct identity. The promotion of such falsehoods serves only to undermine transgender inclusivity and propagate misinformation that harms the LGBTQ+ community.
The Pink Times aims to provide accurate and informed news to our readers, highlighting important issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community while debunking baseless claims like the one discussed above.
