Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker condemned Kansas state Representative Cheryl Helmer’s transphobic attack against Representative Stephanie Byers and called on Representative Helmer to immediately resign.
“We unequivocally condemn Representative Helmer’s ugly transphobic attack against Representative Byers, a trans woman and fierce advocate for the marginalized communities who are too often the target of hate. We call on Representative Helmer to take accountability for her hateful words and actions and immediately resign. Absent that, we call on Speaker Ron Ryckman and senior leadership to take immediate disciplinary action against Representative Helmer to ensure public accountability. This is unprofessional behavior toward a colleague and should have been sanctioned by leadership already.
“Every person has a responsibility to stand up and fight the insidious wave of anti-trans attacks currently sweeping our communities. Transphobia has no place in Kansas or anywhere else in our country, let alone in the highest halls of power. When political leaders further anti-LGBTQ propaganda without consequences, those leaders unwilling to speak out and demand accountability empower hate and bigotry. Such inaction has real and dire consequences for everyone in our society, particularly trans youth.
“Any attack against a person because of their gender identity is morally reprehensible and demands decisive sanction. Justice must be served swiftly and publicly.”
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