Over the weekend, a Pride Month celebration hosted by President Biden at the White House took an uncomfortable turn. Two transgender activists, a biological male and female, exhibited overt displays of their bare breasts during the event, drawing immediate ire on social media platforms. One of the activists involved, known as Rose Montoya, took to TikTok to share the provocative footage from the South Lawn with the White House prominently displayed in the background.
Montoya, known as an influencer on the platform, used the occasion to engage with President Biden personally, asserting “Trans rights are human rights.” The President reciprocated the sentiment by making an attempt to capture a selfie moment with Montoya and other attendees, unfortunately fumbling with the phone which was set to video mode.
The White House issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the behavior displayed during the event. “This behavior is inappropriate and disrespectful for any event at the White House. It is not reflective of the event we hosted to celebrate LGBTQI+ families or the other hundreds of guests who were in attendance. Individuals in the video will not be invited to future events,” the spokesperson conveyed.
The “Pride Month 2023” event, overseen by Biden, was adorned with rainbow banners and the “Progress Pride flag” as a symbol of solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Amidst a colorful ensemble of performers and speakers championing LGBTQ causes, the Pride community was hailed as “the bravest and most inspiring people” and an “example” for the US and the entire world.
First lady Jill Biden added her own words of encouragement during the event, noting the bravery of those in attendance. President Biden echoed these sentiments, crediting the LGBTQ community as “some of the bravest and most inspiring” people he has known. Despite these commendations, the controversial behavior of the two activists has ignited a debate about the appropriate conduct during such public celebrations.