Cameron Esposito responded to a transphobic tweet in the absolute best — and most productive — way possible
Today in “yessssss,” Cameron Esposito turned a transphobic tweet into cash for Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit that provides a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. How amazing is that?!
We’ve been seeing more and more people turning terrible, bad things into good, like Kal Penn, who turned racism into money for refugees. Now this is the world we want to live in.
According to LGBTQ Nation, it all started when former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee tweeted a super nasty, transphobic tweet.
Breaking news from Hollywood! Sen. Chuck Schumer cast in lead role for remake of "Boys Don't Cry."
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 5, 2017
The tweet was in response to Chuck Schumer holding back tears while discussing the travel ban, which reminded him of his own family members who died in the Holocaust. Like, excuse us? How are you going to mock someone for that? And it’s even worse, because the movie he’s referencing is about the horrible murder of Brandon Teena, a transgender person. Ugh.
First, Cameron Esposito responded with a joke meant to point out the toxicity of Huckabee’s tweet.
Hmm see Mike I believe trans actors should play trans roles.
But cool that u'd highlight LGBT folks' need for anti-hate legislation. https://t.co/7pvPYcFQ7X
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
But then she turned her frustration with the continued transphobia from politicians and, just, like, the world in general, into raising money, tweeting,
"Turn a heartless joke into a heartfelt action & donate to @Translifeline in Brandon Teena's memory. I am! http://www.translifeline.org/donate"
Turn a heartless joke into a heartfelt action & donate to @Translifeline in Brandon Teena's memory. I am! https://t.co/JxaGxjn82e
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
Her wife joined in to support the cause, like, aw.
My wife @cameronesposito has helped raise $3000 for @Translifeline in a little over an hour. Let's keep it going. https://t.co/HaGOxt0Nek
— river buddy butcher 🤠 (@rivbutcher) February 5, 2017
And the rest of the internet started supporting, too.
👍🏾 I'm in. pic.twitter.com/MIsFwCN2G4
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) February 5, 2017
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DONE! Thanks for leading the charge on positive action! pic.twitter.com/CMdxjjQXz3
— Emerson Collins (@ActuallyEmerson) February 5, 2017
Since then, Esposito’s fundraiser has made $13,000, which is seriously incredible.
