On June 1, 2025, the first day of Pride Month, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) posted at least 14 tweets on X (formerly Twitter) targeting transgender individuals and the LGBTQ+ community. Her posts included statements such as:
- “You can chop it off, drug it up, and lie all day, but a man will never be a woman. Ever. XX.”
- ““Tr*ns women” are men.”
- “There’s no such thing as a ‘trans kid.'”
- “No child is born in the wrong body. Call “gender affirming care” for children what it is. Child a*buse.”
- “Our pride month is July.”
- “Puberty blockers. Double mastectomies. Castration. Stop experimenting on children.”
These tweets have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, who view them as harmful and misleading. Mace’s statements have been flagged for hateful conduct by the platform, highlighting the severity of her language.
Rep. Nancy Mace’s stance on transgender rights has undergone a significant transformation over recent years. In 2021, she co-sponsored the Fairness for All Act, which aimed to end discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, albeit with exemptions for religious institutions. Additionally, she expressed support for LGBTQ rights and equality, stating, “I strongly support LGBTQ rights and equality. No one should be discriminated against.” However, by late 2024, Mace introduced a resolution to ban transgender individuals from using restrooms that align with their gender identity in federal facilities, a move widely seen as targeting Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress.
This shift in position has raised questions about her motives, with some observers suggesting that Mace’s increasingly conservative stance on transgender issues may be an attempt to align more closely with former President Donald Trump and his base, possibly in pursuit of a future endorsement for a gubernatorial run in South Carolina.
Critics have also pointed out the hypocrisy in Mace’s actions, noting her history with diversity initiatives. Mace was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets program in 1999, during a time when her father, Emory Mace, served as the commandant of cadets. Many have argued that both nepotism and the very diversity efforts she now condemns facilitated her admission and success.
The LGBTQ+ community and its allies have expressed deep concern over Mace’s rhetoric, emphasizing the real-world consequences of such language. Transgender individuals already face heightened risks of discrimination, violence, and mental health challenges. When public figures use their platforms to spread harmful narratives, it exacerbates these issues and undermines efforts toward inclusion and understanding.
As Pride Month continues, it’s essential to uplift and support the transgender community, recognizing their resilience and contributions. While some may use this time to sow division, many more stand in solidarity, advocating for a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
