In a rather unexpected move on one of his possibly last days in Congress, Representative George Santos, an openly LGBTQ+ member of the Republican Party hailing from New York, decided to strike a pose next to the infamous transphobic sign belonging to Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Santos, wearing a tie that reads “Full of Lies,” stood beside the divisive signage and posted a video on social media, saying, “Hey boys and girls, trust the science. Two genders!”
The sign in question had been erected by Greene outside her congressional office in early 2021 as a direct challenge to then-Representative Marie Newman of Illinois, who is the mother of a transgender child. Since its installation, the sign has been a target of theft and vandalism multiple times, sparking Greene’s frustration and accusations that the Department of Justice was not doing enough to protect her display.
Santos’ choice to align himself with Greene and participate in this particular photo-op raised eyebrows, given his prior support for various anti-LGBTQ+ legislations, particularly those that targeted transgender equality. It’s worth noting that scientific consensus does not assert the existence of only two genders, making Santos’ proclamation a misrepresentation of current scientific understanding.
A Campy Gesture in Front of Hate
The photo of Santos making a peace sign in front of the controversial sign quickly made its rounds on the internet, drawing sharp criticism and ridicule. Many found the juxtaposition of Santos’ actions with the transphobic message rather campy and took to social media to express their amusement and disapproval.
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to advocate for inclusivity and equality, moments like these serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by its members, even within the political landscape.
Twitter user Claire Penis (@ZeroSuitCamus) summed up the sentiment with humor, stating, “I literally cannot stop laughing.” The incident stands as a testament to the complex dynamics and controversies within the realm of LGBTQ+ politics in the United States.