Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, a cisgender queer woman who has a beard, recently appeared on CNN to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, rather than focusing on her insights, some conservative figures and media outlets have resorted to transphobic insults and mockery of her appearance. Rosenberg, who is among the 5 to 10% of cis women in the U.S. who naturally have facial hair and choose not to shave, has become a target of ridicule based on her gender expression.
Chaya Raichik, who runs the LibsofTikTok account, derisively referred to Rosenberg as a “man pretending to be a woman” and questioned her rabbinical status. Similarly, conservative pundit Riley Gaines and Oli London, known for his controversial claim of being “trans-racial,” joined in the mockery. London inaccurately labeled Rosenberg as transgender and male, despite her identifying as a cisgender woman. He also falsely claimed she was connected to Jewish philanthropist George Soros, invoking a common antisemitic trope.
Outkick, a conservative sports site, continued this trend by misgendering Rosenberg, using he/him pronouns, and incorrectly describing her as transgender. These attacks are not isolated incidents, as conservative talk show host Megyn Kelly previously made similar remarks, calling Rosenberg “a man pretending to be a woman.”
Rosenberg, undeterred by these attacks, expressed pride in her identity as a queer, gender non-conforming femme woman. Her response highlights the challenges faced by individuals who defy conventional gender norms and the intolerance they often encounter. This situation raises important issues about gender inclusivity, the impact of public discourse on marginalized groups, and the need for respectful engagement with diverse identities.