Recent commercial breaks during Sunday football have featured a barrage of ads attacking Vice President Kamala Harris for her support of the transgender community. One ad claims, “Kamala supports taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners,” while another contrasts her views with those of former President Trump.
Pro-Trump groups have invested millions in airing these ads, particularly during NFL games, as reported by CNN and ABC News. The messaging aligns with Trump’s previous criticisms of Harris regarding her stance on health care for transgender inmates.
Polling data from LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD and Ground Media indicates that these ads have not significantly influenced viewers’ voting preferences. However, they have had a detrimental effect on public perceptions of the trans community. Participants who viewed the ads reported decreased acceptance of transgender individuals. David Rochkind, CEO of Ground Media, condemned the ads as a cynical tactic that exploits trans identities to foster fear and division.
Healthcare Rights for Incarcerated Individuals
Harris has consistently advocated for medical care for transgender and nonbinary individuals in state custody, as highlighted in a 2019 ACLU questionnaire. Under current laws, incarcerated people are entitled to health care, including gender-affirming care, supported by major medical organizations.
In a recent Fox News interview, Harris emphasized her commitment to following the law, noting that Trump’s administration also provided gender-affirming treatments to some inmates. “It’s a bit ironic,” she remarked, referring to the criticisms from the Trump campaign.
The Lincoln Project has countered with ads that highlight this inconsistency, claiming Trump is “gaslighting America.”
Misinformation and Political Targeting
The transgender community has faced escalating attacks from far-right groups, resulting in numerous bills aimed at restricting health care access, bathroom usage, and participation in sports for transgender individuals. Imara Jones, CEO of TransLash Media, argued that the politicization of trans issues is not new and is part of a broader agenda by Christian Nationalists within the Republican Party.
She criticized the focus on health care for incarcerated individuals as a distraction from the real concerns faced by the trans community, such as safety, housing, and employment. Jones noted that these ads contribute to rising levels of suicidality and hate crimes among transgender individuals.
While the Harris campaign did not specifically address the ads, Harris affirmed her commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect in a recent NBC interview.
In response to the anti-trans messaging, GLAAD has initiated a storytelling campaign titled “Here We Are,” showcasing the narratives of everyday trans people.
The Stakes for LGBTQ Rights in the 2024 Election
As the 2024 election approaches, young voters—who are the most LGBTQ-inclusive generation—could significantly impact the outcome. GLAAD has documented over 220 instances of Trump’s actions against LGBTQ rights, including his opposition to transgender women in sports and misinformation about gender-affirming care for youth.
In contrast, Harris has over 65 documented actions supporting the LGBTQ community, including her early advocacy for same-sex marriage and her vocal opposition to anti-LGBTQ legislation.
