Florida Republican challenges trans woman to public arm wrestling match when confronted over vote
When the Fort Lauderdale, Florida City Commission passed a resolution last week that condemned the state’s legislature over a proposed anti-transgender law designed to prevent transgender youth from playing school sports, Republican Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis voted against the measure.
Local business owner Carvelle Estriplet, a Black transgender woman who is appointed to the Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board, spoke at last night’s meeting to castigate the two councilors. Estriplet saved most of her fire for Moraitis and the fuming politician took her turn at the microphone to insult Estriplet by challenging her to an arm wrestling match.
Estriplet used her time at the podium to thank the councilors who had voted in favor of the resolution. She also took aim at Democratic Councilor Robert McKinzie who wasn’t present for the vote but had indicated that he opposed the measure. “Commissioner McKinzie, I just want to inform you that Black trans lives matter, as well,” she said to McKinzie, who is a Black man.
But then she rounded onto Moraitis, who had made repeated anti-LGBTQ comments about transgender youth playing school sports.
“It’s so hypocritical, Vice Mayor, that you champion yourself as a Christian,” she said. “You champion yourself that you are for women’s rights. You champion yourself that you want to help the underdog, but you’re being hypocritical.”
“Promoting hateful legislation, promoting ridicule, like issues that don’t exist? Use your Christian heart,” she said after recounting the number of trans women – most of whom have been women of color. “Use your Christian heart. You preach that you’re a person of faith. There’s no place for hate.”
“Being hypocritical? You can change that. You claim to be faithful. Follow through. Practice what you preach.”
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/05/florida-republican-challenges-trans-woman-public-arm-wrestling-match-confronted-vote/
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