In a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention, Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene launched a vehement attack on transgender people, celebrating the re-nomination of Donald Trump as the GOP nominee for president. Her remarks signaled a shift away from recognizing transgender identities, stirring concern among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies.
Greene’s Speech: A Denial of Transgender Identities
“Let me state this clearly, there are only two genders,” Greene declared to cheers in Milwaukee. “And we are made in God’s image, amen. And we won’t shy away from speaking that simple truth ever.” Her comments, among the most incendiary of the evening, underscored the Republican Party’s adoption of a 2024 platform that, while softening some anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, prominently embraced anti-trans rhetoric.
Throughout the convention’s opening day, multiple speakers took swipes at the transgender community. Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, in his major speech, accused Democrats of promoting a “fringe agenda,” including allowing “biological males” to compete against girls and the “sexualization and indoctrination” of children. Michigan U.S. Rep. John James echoed this sentiment, alleging that “our daughters were sold on hope, and now they’re being forced on the playing fields and changing rooms of biological males.”
Contrary to the claims made by these GOP figures, there is no evidence that trans youth have an inherent advantage in sports over their cisgender peers. Transgender student-athletes have diverse body types, much like their cisgender counterparts. Genetics, training, and whether the student is on puberty blockers as part of their gender-affirming care all influence athletic performance.
The Broader Implications of Greene’s Remarks
Greene began her speech somberly, noting an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and mourning the loss of Corey Comperatore, a retired firefighter killed at the event. However, she quickly shifted to a rhetoric of accusations and bigotry, including a baseless claim that President Joe Biden scheduled transgender recognition for a Christian holiday. “They promised unity and delivered division. They promised peace and brought war,” Greene said of Democrats. “They promised normalcy and gave us Transgender Visibility Day on Easter Sunday.”
This statement not only misrepresents the facts—Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated on March 31, while Easter varies each year—but also highlights the lengths to which Greene will go to vilify the transgender community.
Greene concluded her speech with a rallying cry for Trump’s reelection, promising that he would “make America successful again” and restore the country to greatness. “He will make us wealthy again, and as God is my witness, he will finally give us the country we deserve, because Donald Trump is the leader America deserves.”
Reactions from the Transgender Community and Allies
Critics swiftly responded to Greene’s comments on social media, highlighting her lack of understanding about the differences between sex and gender. “Listening to Marjorie Taylor Greene speak about trans people and ‘only two genders’ is a reminder that the lack of understanding about the differences between sex and gender runs deep,” one user posted on X. Others pointed out the absurdity of conflating multiple celebrations on a single day, noting that people can observe both Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility if they choose.
Greene’s controversial comments extend beyond her convention speech. With her comments about Admiral Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender federal official to receive Senate confirmation, she sparked outrage in February. Levine, serving as the United States Assistant Secretary for Health, supports gender-affirming care and has the “highest support” from President Biden’s administration. Greene attacked Levine during Black History Month, posting on X, “Here is a man pretending to be a woman claiming the climate is hurting black Americans more than others. This is the Democrat Party. Mental illness on full display.”
In November, Greene introduced an amendment targeting Levine’s salary, equating it to Levine’s support for gender-affirming surgeries. “My amendment uses the Holman rule to reduce, no castrate, the salary of assistant secretary for health Richard Levine to $1, the same way he supports castrating children who suffer from gender dysphoria,” Greene declared. The amendment was rejected, but 170 Republican House members voted in favor.
Greene has also promoted the American College of Pediatricians, a SPLC-designated hate group known for opposing gender-affirming care for trans youth. This group, often confused with the reputable American Academy of Pediatrics, opposes LGBTQ+ rights and abortion. Greene shared a viral video from this group, claiming, “there are only TWO genders,” and used it to push her bill, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which aims to ban all gender-affirming care for trans youth and place restrictions on care for adults.
The mainstream American Academy of Pediatrics supports gender-affirming care for trans youth, issuing statements opposing discriminatory laws and emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive care to transgender individuals.
Greene’s history of sharing medical misinformation includes turning a congressional hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic into a spectacle, inviting known conspiracy theorists to testify about unfounded claims. Her persistent spread of false information and attacks on the transgender community highlight the urgent need for accurate information and support for transgender rights.
The Bottom Line
As the Republican National Convention continues, the transgender community and its allies must remain vigilant and resilient. Greene’s comments and the GOP platform indicate that there will be a difficult road ahead, but it is crucial to refute false information with the truth and to stand up for those who are suffering because of these damaging narratives. The transgender community deserves recognition, respect, and the same rights and protections as any other group. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and understanding society.
