A white Republican councilman in Indiana has sparked outrage after jokingly declaring himself a lesbian woman of color in a Facebook post made earlier this month.
Delaware County Councilman Ryan Webb wrote that he considers himself an Indian American woman, saying he finally feels comfortable sharing his ‘true authentic self’ – but many have not played into the farce.
‘It is with great relief that I announce to everyone that I identify as a woman and not just any woman but as a woman of color as well. I guess this would make me gay/lesbian as well, since I am attracted to women,’ he wrote in a post.
The announcement sparked outrage from people calling Webb ‘pathetic’ and for his perceived mockery of LGBT groups as well as marginalized groups.
‘His words not only embarrass himself, but you, the county council,’ said Charlize Jamieson, a transgender resident. Other members have now called him out for inciting hate against transgender people – and demanded his resignation.
Webb, a staunch Republican, first shared his ‘true self’ with the world on April 12.
‘Whew, that felt good to finally get that out there and start living life as my true self. I’m excited to bring some diversity to the county council,’ he wrote.
‘Until today we didn’t have any females of color or LGBTQIAPC+++ on the council. I’m glad that now we do!’ he continued.
Webb wrote that he will still go by ‘Ryan’ or ‘Councilman Webb’ and keep his pronouns to be ‘he/him.’
That, however ‘will in no way diminish my true identity as a woman of color,’ he said.
‘I’m excited to be a vocal partner of the LGBTQIAPC+++ movement. Who knows just how far we can take things, but I’m just glad that this is now possible so ANYONE can be ANYTHING or ANYONE they want,’ his inflammatory post continued.
At the bottom of his initial statement, he also included several emojis including the American flag, the LGBT flag, a winking face, and a flexed arm muscle.
In a later edit, he doubled down on his statements by declaring himself the first lesbian woman of color in the county council’s history.
‘It has come to my attention that I am more than likely the very first lesbian woman of color in the history of Delaware County to ever serve on the Delaware county council. I am honored to be the one to shatter that glass ceiling. #GirlPower,’ he wrote.
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