GOP Re-airs Anti-Trans "Kamala Is They/Them" Ads Ahead Of Midterms

Michael

3 min read

Post on Aug 11, 2025

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GOP Re-airs Anti-Trans "Kamala is They/Them" Ads Ahead of Midterms: A Divisive Strategy?

The midterm elections are fast approaching, and the political landscape is heating up. One particularly contentious tactic employed by the Republican party is the re-airing of controversial advertisements targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, using the pronoun "they/them" in a deliberately misgendering and inflammatory manner. This strategy, widely criticized as transphobic and divisive, aims to galvanize the Republican base while potentially alienating moderate voters. But is it a winning strategy, or a risky gamble that could backfire spectacularly?

The Ads and the Backlash:

The ads, which initially surfaced earlier this year, feature images of Vice President Harris alongside text declaring "Kamala is They/Them." The deliberate misgendering of Harris, a cisgender woman, is intended to create a negative association with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, for Republican voters. The re-emergence of these ads just before the midterms signals a calculated attempt to exploit existing anxieties and prejudices. The strategy has already sparked widespread condemnation from LGBTQ+ rights organizations and Democratic politicians, who accuse the GOP of using hateful rhetoric to divide the electorate.

A Deeper Dive into the Strategy:

The Republican party's deployment of these ads reveals a multifaceted approach to campaigning:

• Targeting the Base: By using inflammatory language and targeting a perceived weakness of the Democratic party, the GOP hopes to energize its core supporters and increase voter turnout among conservatives.
• Culture War Politics: The ads directly engage in culture war politics, utilizing divisive social issues to rally support and distract from other potentially more pressing concerns.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: The ads contribute to the spread of misinformation regarding gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and prejudice.

The Potential Risks:

While the strategy might resonate with a segment of the electorate, it carries significant risks:

• Alienating Moderate Voters: The openly transphobic nature of the ads could alienate moderate voters who may be uncomfortable with such divisive rhetoric.
• Backlash from Corporations and Businesses: Many corporations are increasingly prioritizing inclusivity and social responsibility. The use of such ads could lead to boycotts and strained relationships with businesses.
• Legal Challenges: While unlikely to be directly illegal, the ads could face scrutiny for potential violations of advertising standards or for contributing to a hostile environment.

Looking Ahead:

The effectiveness of the GOP's strategy remains to be seen. While it may succeed in energizing their base, the potential for alienating moderate voters and incurring a significant backlash is considerable. The midterms will be a critical test of whether this type of divisive campaigning ultimately proves successful or ultimately backfires. The ensuing debate surrounding the ads highlights the increasingly polarized nature of American politics and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. This situation underscores the crucial need for critical media literacy and responsible political discourse in the lead-up to this pivotal election.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the upcoming midterms and the political strategies being employed by both parties. Engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold differing political views. Learn more about LGBTQ+ rights and issues at [link to relevant LGBTQ+ organization website].