GLAAD criticizes Charlie Kirk after murder, accuses him of spreading ‘disinformation about LGBTQ people’

“Political violence is unacceptable and gun violence is an epidemic from coast to coast that needs urgent action. Reforms to reduce gun violence are supported by a majority of Americans. No one should have to fear for their lives because of who they are," a GLAAD spokesperson said in a statement to The Advocate. "It is also a demonstrable fact that Charlie Kirk spread infinite amounts of disinformation about LGBTQ people. Lies and vitriol about transgender people were a frequent part of his rhetoric and events. We need leaders and all those with platforms to prioritize safety over disinformation, irresponsible politics, and profit.”

GLAAD further said that the nonprofit “stressed the extent to which Kirk and Turning Point USA promoted anti-LGBTQ+ narratives.” GLAAD also highlighted Turning Point USA’s college campus campaigns featuring speakers such as Riley Gaines, Chloe Cole, and Pastor Junsun Yoo, saying the group regularly spoke against transgender people.

Throughout his political activism, Kirk had been vocally opposed to a number of far-left gender beliefs, including transgender procedures for minors.

GLAAD’s statement drew backlash online, with critics saying it was in poor taste following Kirk’s death. Detransitioner Chloe Cole commented on X, writing, “I want you to read this statement [GLAAD] put out so you all understand that it isn’t just a fringe group on the left that is justifying the murder of Charlie Kirk. This is a multi-million dollar institution that accused Charlie of spreading lies and vitriol through [Riley Gaines], Pastor Junsun Yoo, and I.”

“Naming the 3 of us in this statement is putting a target on our backs and It normalizes the violence that took place in Utah,” Cole added. “They do not care if we die because they think we are nazis. This is the reality of a large amount of the democrat party in America.”