Kayla Denker, a transgender woman from Colorado, was fired from her federal job on April 14 after posting a viral video loading an AR-15 long gun. The video gained traction when conservative extremists began calling for the eradication of “transgenderism,” with Denker posting the video in response, emphasizing that she is ready to defend herself against transphobic attacks. However, Denker claims that she was sacked because of a double standard where right-wingers can pose with guns, but transgender women cannot.
While the video might initially take some viewers aback, Denker says she didn’t do anything wrong because she didn’t threaten anyone. Her only intent was to warn those who would harm her that she would defend herself. However, the right-wing extremists who started sharing the video online portrayed Denker as a violent threat, even claiming that she was threatening violence on a “Transgender Day of Vengeance,” an event that never occurred.
Denker claims that she is being held to a new standard because of her transgender identity, stating that she has seen government workers in various agencies, including the Forest Service, that have made similar posts to hers – usually conservative white cis men – without any repercussions. She believes that her firing is a violation of her First and Second Amendment rights, with the government restricting her speech and her right to own a firearm.
Transgender people are much more likely to be the victims of a violent crime than the perpetrator of one, according to studies. Denker believes that the right-wing is painting trans people as terrorists, and she is being scapegoated. She argues that the Biden administration should show its support for transgender people, who are facing discrimination and violence from the right. Denker has started a GoFundMe campaign to help while she decides on her next steps.