The self-proclaimed anti-LGBTQ+ organization Gays Against Groomers (GAG) recently organized a rally at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin, home of the Green Bay Packers. However, the event proved to be a feeble display of their influence, with only twelve attendees. This paltry turnout underscores the diminishing significance of GAG, a group marked by internal conflicts as its leaders vie to align with their chosen Republican presidential nominee.
GAG’s Opposition to LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
Founded in Wisconsin by political operative Jaimee Michell, GAG asserts its opposition to what they describe as the “sexualization and indoctrination of children.” This primarily involves their opposition to transgender-inclusive social policies, LGBTQ+ content in schools, and all-ages drag performances. Their efforts to ban gender-affirming care for minors in the state faced a roadblock when Assembly Bill 465 passed both legislative chambers but now awaits a potential veto from Democrat Governor Tony Evers.
Legislators’ Presence and Controversial Sign
Three state lawmakers supportive of the stringent legislation attended the GAG rally, including John Macco, Nate Gustafson, and Joy Goeben, all of whom are Republicans. Goeben held a sign in the sparse crowd that read, “Groom dogs, not kids,” alluding to a highly problematic accusation directed at LGBTQ+ people and allies, which conflates them with child sex abuse perpetrators, making it difficult to address actual child sex abuse.
Criticism and Divisions
GAG has faced criticism from various quarters, with the Anti-Defamation League labeling them as amplifiers of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric online. Media Matters published a report dispelling the notion that GAG is a grassroots organization, revealing the political ties of its founders, Michell and David Leatherwood. The Southern Poverty Law Center has also criticized GAG as a propagator of anti-trans rhetoric.
Recent divisions within GAG saw Leatherwood resigning from the organization after Michell shifted her support from Donald Trump to Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida. This split followed controversy involving a Wisconsin school district obtaining a restraining order against GAG’s Wisconsin chapter leader, Jose “Rocky” Rodriguez, who had harassed members of the Pulaski Community School District.
Social Media Suspension
In recent weeks, GAG faced suspensions from both Instagram and Facebook, though they were reinstated shortly afterward. Parent company Meta offered no clear explanation for these suspensions and subsequent reinstatements.
In summary, the underwhelming turnout at the GAG rally in Wisconsin highlights the diminishing influence of the organization, while internal divisions and controversies continue to shape its trajectory within the broader LGBTQ+ discourse.