In recent events at a restaurant in San Francisco, Lilly Contino, a well-known trans influencer, found herself at the center of a distressing situation when she was falsely accused of “inappropriate” behavior with a child while live streaming. The incident unfolded in real-time, witnessed by viewers on TikTok, as a transphobic individual attempted to have her thrown out of the establishment.
As captured in a viral video, the owner of the tea shop, Amy Denebeim Dean, intervened and revealed a text message she had received from an anonymous troll, aiming to disrupt Contino’s livestream. However, upon inspection, it became apparent that there was no truth to the accusation. “No child has been in here,” the owner asserted, debunking the false claim.
Contino, who describes herself as a “professional transgender person,” frequently engages in restaurant live streams from various eateries in San Francisco. She believes that these streams allow her audience to connect with her on a personal level, bridging gaps of understanding. Unfortunately, this open-door policy also attracts unwarranted attention from internet trolls.
In another incident earlier this year, Contino was confronted by a TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) during a live stream at a Cheesecake Factory, where she faced derogatory remarks and threats. The recent trolling at Crown & Crumpet was not an isolated event, as she was also approached by a waiter claiming to have her brother on the phone, only to hang up when questioned about the caller’s identity.
These incidents highlight the ongoing harassment faced by trans individuals in the United States. Contino expresses her concern over being made the scapegoat for broader societal issues, and she believes that the situation is only worsening with time. As the LGBTQ community continues to face such challenges, awareness and support become crucial elements in combating prejudice and creating a more inclusive society.