Loren Perkins, a self-proclaimed transgender activist, stirred up controversy last week when speaking at the Texas State Capitol, advocating for drag performances in children-oriented venues and depicting lawmakers as Nazis.
The tirade, which prompted a physical altercation, was caught on video and posted to TikTok — it now has more than 1,000,000 views.
In a speech that focused more on name-calling than supporting a point of view, Perkins compared Texas lawmakers to Nazis for opposing drag shows in family-oriented service buildings, such as libraries, community centers and schools.
Perkins ranted: “By manipulating the words of an ancient text and shoehorning it into legislation aimed at an at-risk minority population, you liken yourself to another group that gained popularity in Germany in the 1930s.”
In a not-so-subtle swipe, Perkins added: “When a small man with a smaller mustache stood before crowds and proclaimed himself superior to others — I see you here doing the same.”
When the allotted time for Perkins’ speech expired, a security officer approached the speaker but was blocked by an unidentified person. A brief shoving match ensued.
Seeking to justify exposing children to drag shows, Perkins said: “By hiding your bigotry behind children like cowards, you will find yourself on the wrong side of history.”
Perkins seemed to warn that pending legislation would lead to transgender people in Texas being arrested, imprisoned and killed.
“Some of the first imprisoned under the Nazi Party rule were homosexual and transgender people,” Perkins declared.
Without presenting evidence, Perkins added that proposed Texas legislation was a “veneer” designed to obscure the true goal of “marginalization and othering of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Perkins railed: “The bill is two seconds away from the outdated discriminatory three articles of laws of the 20th century and I will not stand for it. We will not stand for it.”
Though many in Texans stand with legislators who seem poised to restrict transgender presentations in family-oriented establishments, many on Twitter hailed Perkins as a social justice hero.
Event organizers, however, did not appreciate Perkins’ speech and, at one point, muted Perkins’ microphone as the activist ranted at lawmakers.
“If you wish to eradicate transgenderism from the public life as members of your party have said, you can pry that from my cold, dead hands,” Perkins shouted.
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