Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s current lieutenant governor and Republican candidate for governor, has been embroiled in controversy over alleged comments posted on an adult site. An investigation by CNN has linked Robinson to a series of posts, reportedly made over a decade ago, that are contradictory to his public stance against the LGBTQ community. The allegations suggest that Robinson posted remarks about enjoying trans pornography and referred to himself as a “Black Nazi,” despite his staunch anti-trans rhetoric in political speeches.
Publicly, Robinson has been known for his inflammatory language against the LGBTQ community, calling transgender individuals “filth” and advocating for the arrest of trans people who use public restrooms aligned with their gender identity. These views have sparked significant backlash from civil rights groups, especially within the LGBTQ community, who see Robinson’s comments as an attack on the already marginalized trans population.
While Robinson denies the allegations, dismissing them as “tabloid trash,” the LGBTQ community in North Carolina views this situation as another instance of a public figure using their platform to push harmful narratives while privately exhibiting behavior that contradicts their public persona. The discrepancy between his private and public statements highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and protection for trans individuals in a politically hostile environment.
Robinson’s continued participation in the race has also raised questions within his party, with some Republicans expressing concerns over the severity of the accusations. As LGBTQ rights continue to be a divisive issue in American politics, Robinson’s case demonstrates the complexities of addressing both public rhetoric and personal conduct, particularly when the two diverge.