On Thursday, March 13, Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a speaking event featuring Chloe Cole, a political activist who opposes gender-affirming care.
The event, which was titled “Exposing the Trans-Agenda: A Talk With a Detransitioner,” was held at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The speaking event’s title and guest garnered outrage from many University students, especially those who identify as transgender. Several counter-demonstrations were held on campus, and attended by students and community members in order to show support for the transgender community.
The University’s TPUSA chapter claimed on Instagram that the event was not an attack on the transgender community, and that their actions were protected under the First Amendment. GVPD officers were present at the talk, as TPUSA requested security. Photographers, including Lanthorn staff, were barred from entering the event.
The talk outlined the views of both Cole and TPUSA, which are that transgender people pose a threat to femininity, the government and children. During the talk’s Q&A section, Cole expressed opposition to gender-affirming care for all transgender individuals, including adults, and described being transgender as a “choice.” Several students who were in attendance felt Cole’s evidence was primarily based on personal anecdotes, and not factual information.
Cole has advocated for the passing of several laws that restrict youth gender-affirming care. Generally, for a child to receive gender-affirming services, they must have parental consent and undergo several psychological assessments to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Although regulations differ from state to state, most children have to be at least 15 years old to start hormone therapy, and at least 18 years old to undergo gender-affirming surgery. At the age of 13, Cole began her female-to-male transition but later regretted her decision after an LSD trip, during which she claims a female voice told her she was not a boy. Following that experience, Cole converted to Christianity and has since used her faith to oppose the transgender community, and to advocate against access to medical care.
“I think Cole’s story should be heard, but I don’t think that stories like that should be twisted and contorted to paint a bleak picture of what gender-affirming care is,” said GVSU student Ren Carlson. “In my humble opinion, the local chapter of Turning Point USA on campus is not treating me and the trans community with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves.”
Several students reported the TPUSA event to the Dean of Students Office through the University’s Campus Climate Concerns system, believing the event was offensive and harmful to the transgender community. In an Instagram statement, the Progressive Student Union at GVSU urged community members to submit reports in order to protest the speaking event. However, according to a University statement published by WZZM 13, free speech is protected at GVSU so long as it’s “lawful and non-disruptive.”
“As a public university, GVSU upholds the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly without viewpoint-based restrictions,” said the statement. “GVSU will not restrict anyone’s ability to use their voice in a lawful and non-disruptive manner that is in compliance with the Grounds and Facility Use Policy and all other applicable university policies.”
Several other campus political organizations began posting on social media in opposition. The GVSU College Democrats released a statement, acknowledging that an individual’s choice to detransition is valid, but that personal choices should not prevent others from accessing medical care. According to the National Institute for Health, roughly 1-8% of individuals choose to detransition, either temporarily or permanently. The main reasons for detransitioning include parental or societal pressure, as well as discrimination or oppression.
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at GVSU gave an impromptu presentation titled “Exposing the Anti-Trans Agenda” during the same time as TPUSA’s event. SDS’s event centered on transition access and resources, and featured conversations with transgender students who discussed their experiences.
“To go to their (TPUSA’s) events and debate with speakers like Chloe Cole, who is paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by far-right groups to advocate against trans healthcare, is to agree that their arguments are based on logic, which we know they aren’t,” said SDS Queer Activism Committee Chair and Financial Officer River Koehler.
A vigil in support of trans students was also held at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower that evening. The University’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center helped organize the event, and reserved the space for students to gather. GVPD officers were also lined up outside near the vigil.
According to the Williams Institute, transgender individuals are over four times more likely to be victims of violent crime compared to cisgender individuals. The vigil was held to honor those who have lost their lives to transphobic-related violence, such as Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man who was tortured and killed in February.
“People are obligated, especially cisgender people, to stand up for trans people,” said GVSU student Jayce Carr. “I do it not only for my trans girlfriend and trans brother, but for the countless other trans people that have been subject to discrimination and prejudice.”
