Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election, has a strong record of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and to no surprise, Donald Trump is upset about it.
As Minnesota Governor, Walz helped make the state a sanctuary for trans people seeking gender-affirming procedures and women seeking reproductive care. This protection has been beneficial for members of neighboring states like Iowa and Nebraska, which restrict health care for trans youth.
In April 2023, Walz notably signed a bill into law that bans conversion therapy in Minnesota. Conversion therapy is an extremely harmful counseling practice seeking to change a patient’s sexuality or gender identity. In actuality, the practice can have lasting negative effects on a patient’s mental health.
Before his tenure as state governor, Walz advocated for gay marriage and supported the Respect for Marriage Act back in 2011. He has also voted for multiple pro-LGBTQ+ bills, including an early version of the Equality Act.
Outside of politics, Walz was the advisor for Mankato West High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Walz is a big LGBTQ+ ally, and his involvement in the Harris campaign and potential administration will be beneficial and promising for the queer community.
So what does Trump have to say about all this?
Recently, the presidential candidate made an appearance on Fox & Friends to condemn Harris’ decision. In his interview, Trump claims the Democrat ticket will aim for communism and says Walz is “heavy into transgender.”
While Trump did not elaborate on what he meant by the statement, he’s likely referring to Walz’s prolific history of LGBTQ+ activism. Walz’s allyship seems to be a lightning rod of controversy for conservatives and a big talking point in Trump’s campaign against him.
Recently, Chaya Raichik from the “Libs of TikTok” account dubbed Walz “Tampon Tim” for signing a law requiring schools to provide students with free menstrual products. Conservatives believe this is pushing a trans agenda from Walz and Harris.
Image Courtesy of Tim Walz for Governor
