Tennessee Republican Representative Andy Ogles took to X to share what many online viewed as openly anti-gay remarks. Unsurprisingly, the comment section wasted no time dragging him for it, though criticism of the post didn’t just come from the left. While many progressive users accused Ogles of blatant bigotry, even some conservatives and MAGA supporters appeared uncomfortable with the rhetoric, turning the replies into a rare bipartisan pile-on.
In the now-viral post, Ogles wrote, “Homosexuality has no place in America…” before adding, “Happy Nuclear Family Month.” The comment referenced Tennessee lawmakers‘ recent redesignation of June as “Nuclear Family Month.” The designation, signed into law by Republican Governor Bill Lee, defines a “nuclear family” as a household made up of one husband, one wife, and their children. Critics argue it intentionally excludes LGBTQ+ families during a month already widely recognized as Pride Month.
The Comment Section Sounds Off
The backlash to the tweet came quickly, though commenters approached the controversy from very different angles. One user wrote, “An elected official who publicly declares that millions of Americans have ‘no place in America’ has abandoned the basic responsibility of public service.” Another commenter was not holding back at all, writing “they’re saying you raised $23,000 on gofundme for a children’s burial garden in honor of your stillborn son but then pocketed the money, can you please explain? was your stillborn son gay”
Others kept their criticism brief and direct. “Stupid tweet by bigoted congressman,” one person commented. But not every response came from the political left. Some self-identified MAGA supporters pushed back on Ogles’ remarks, with one commenter writing, “MAGA welcomes all gays and lesbians,” while another added, “If you don’t understand what the MAGA movement is actually about by this point, that’s squarely on you.””
The Tennessean’s post reflects how divisive LGBTQ+ rights continue to be across the United States, particularly as multiple states continue introducing legislation surrounding LGBTQ-inclusive school curriculum, gender identity, and healthcare access for transgender Americans.
