Some people have a deep, deep hatred of trans folks, and that hatred can lead to isolation, violence, and literal death for some of the most structurally, chronically marginalized people in our nation. As Daily Kos continues to highlight, elected officials have been stomping down on trans youth—particularly when it comes to trans girls participating in girls’ sports—for the past year. Disturbingly, Republican governors have already signed anti-trans legislation into law this year, but the exclusionary rhetoric doesn’t come only from people with a ton of power.
Hateful rhetoric also comes from people who are “ordinary” community members, like folks who serve on local school boards. One example comes to us from outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where a man identified as Andy McGuire, who serves as a school board member for Velma-Alma Public Schools, took to TikTok to give what he called a “public service announcement” about parents who support trans youth, as reported by The Oklahoman. This video contains disturbing language and implications of suicide, so please tread lightly if you keep reading.
“It's going to be a shock, I understand ... There are only two genders,” McGuire, posting under the TikTok username @savagegent77, says in the video, in what appears to be an address to parents who support trans youth. “Let me repeat, there are only two genders. So, if in your sick, twisted mind you got some other thought process going on about girls and boys, do us all a favor, find the busiest street that you can find, take your a-- out, lay down on the centerline, and do the world a favor.”
If you’re reading that and thinking, Is this guy seriously encouraging parents who support trans youth to die by suicide …? I’d say yes, that’s exactly what he seems to be doing. (At the time of writing, the account cannot be found on TikTok.)
The Duncan Banner reached out to Raymond Rice, who serves as the Velma-Alma district’s superintendent, about the video. Rice told the outlet McGuire’s statements are not affiliated with the district and said he wasn’t “going to speak to it,” as McGuire is a private individual and not representing the school district.
“He is protected by the First Amendment,” Rice told the outlet. “Other than that, I will not speak about it.”
The outlet also contacted McGuire, who didn’t deny it’s his video. In corresponding with Banner staff over Facebook Messenger, McGuire confirmed he shared the statement to his TikTok. He said he was not speaking on behalf of the school district but as a private citizen.
“The things I share on my personal social media accounts are just that … personal,” McGuire told the outlet in part. “I’m thankful to live in a country where my freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment (SIC).”
It’s unclear whether the video will be discussed at a future school board meeting or not. But what is clear is exclusionary, discriminatory speech is actively harmful and dangerous. It’s also clear that people’s viewpoints do shape decisions that impact others—including trans folks and, for that matter, allies of trans folks. Trans youth are getting flak across the nation for simply existing; whether they want to play sports, receive safe, age-appropriate health care, or update their birth certificates, Republicans are eager to demonize their will to live as themselves every chance they get.
Sure, people can say (almost) anything they want. Sure, people’s views don’t represent their employer or associated groups. And, just as surely, people can also face consequences for their speech and actions, especially when it’s explicitly derogatory, disturbing, and frankly, spewing violent ideology.
I hope no trans folks have to watch that video, and especially not those who live in that area or attend or work at those schools. On the flip side, however, I hope allies will step up and demand action and accountability, because this is absolutely unacceptable.
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