In his bid to replace Rob Portman as United States Senator representing Ohio in 2022, Josh Mandel continues to employ transphobic rhetoric to appeal to Ohio voters.
A former Treasurer of Ohio, Mandel—who has repeatedly been embroiled in scandal—proudly touts himself as the “1st Statewide Official in Ohio to support President Trump.”
Just a few weeks ago, he likened parents supporting their child’s gender identity as child abuse:
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1463251062538833924
Earlier this year in March, Twitter removed a poll Mandel posted asking his followers who will commit more crimes if they came into the U.S.: “Muslim Terrorists” or “Mexican Gangbangers.” Two weeks later on April 2, Twitter left standing a poll posted by Mandel asking his followers to weigh in on trans-related issues in schools.
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1378024525560954893
Mandel has a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ positions. In 2012, nine of his own family members took out an ad in their local newspaper lambasting Mandel for his antigay views, which include opposing same-sex marriage, voting against non-discrimination protections to the LGBTQ+ community, and—despite having an LGBTQ+ veteran in his family—supporting the reinstatement of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Below is a sampling of Mandel’s most recent transphobic—and often racist—postings on social media, including a post from earlier today.
https://www.facebook.com/JoshMandel/posts/10159323292607220
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1388535746471071752
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1378486734166573064
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1377980881952980994
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1377735260977381381
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1377086553609109507
And one example of race-related material for good measure:
https://twitter.com/JoshMandelOhio/status/1377438954383757312
Ignite Action:
- Support organizations like TransOhio who are working to provide services, education, support, and advocacy, which promotes and improves the health, safety and life experience of the Ohio transgender individual and community.
- Do your research. Initiate dialogue about trans athletes AFTER you have read up on the important talking points you need to grasp before being challenged. The ACLU guide is a great place to start.
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