GOP's Anti-Trans "Kamala They/Them" Ads Resurface For Midterms

Michael

3 min read

Post on Aug 11, 2025

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GOP's Anti-Trans "Kamala They/Them" Ads Resurface for Midterms: A Divisive Strategy?

The 2024 midterm elections are heating up, and with them, a resurgence of controversial political advertising. Recently, several Republican campaigns have been accused of reviving and amplifying anti-transgender ads featuring Vice President Kamala Harris, using the pronouns "they/them" in a deliberately misgendering and inflammatory manner. This tactic, widely condemned by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and many Democrats, raises critical questions about the role of divisive rhetoric in modern political discourse.

The ads, which originally circulated during the 2022 election cycle, have been re-shared and amplified across social media platforms and in targeted online advertising campaigns. They often feature distorted images of Harris alongside text incorrectly using "they/them" pronouns, aiming to exploit anxieties and prejudices surrounding gender identity. This strategy, critics argue, is not only disrespectful and harmful but also strategically cynical, aimed at mobilizing a specific segment of the electorate.

The Controversy and its Fallout:

The use of "they/them" pronouns in this context is viewed by many as a deliberate attempt to misgender and dehumanize Harris. It directly contradicts the established understanding and respect for an individual's self-identified gender. This tactic leverages existing transphobia and misinformation to appeal to a segment of the population who are already skeptical of Harris and the Democratic Party.

• Misinformation and its Impact: The ads contribute to the spread of misinformation about transgender individuals and issues. This is particularly damaging as it fuels prejudice and discrimination against a vulnerable community.
• Political Strategy and its Ethics: Many political analysts question the ethical implications of using such divisive tactics. While political campaigns often employ aggressive strategies, this particular approach is being criticized for its overtly harmful nature.
• Public Reaction and Backlash: The ads have faced significant backlash from LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from the platforms hosting the advertisements.

The Larger Context: Anti-Trans Legislation and the Political Climate

The resurgence of these ads comes at a time when anti-transgender legislation is sweeping across several states. This political climate fosters an environment where such hateful rhetoric can easily gain traction, further marginalizing transgender individuals and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The connection between the ads and this broader political landscape cannot be ignored.

This is not simply a matter of political campaigning; it's a reflection of the deeply polarized political climate and the increasing use of inflammatory tactics to win votes. We've seen similar strategies used in the past, targeting other minority groups, often with devastating consequences.

Moving Forward: Addressing Misinformation and Promoting Inclusion

Combating this type of misinformation requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Increased Media Literacy: Educating the public on how to identify and critically analyze political advertising is crucial in preventing the spread of misinformation.
• Platform Accountability: Social media platforms must take greater responsibility for the content they host and actively work to remove harmful and misleading advertisements.
• Political Accountability: Holding politicians accountable for the language they use and the messages they promote is essential in fostering a more inclusive and respectful political environment.

The resurfacing of these anti-trans ads underscores the urgent need for more responsible and ethical political discourse. The stakes are high, not only for Vice President Harris, but for the transgender community and the future of political debate in America. The question remains: will this divisive tactic prove successful for the GOP, or will the backlash ultimately outweigh any potential electoral gains? Only time will tell.