Let’s talk about the donkey in the room. Transgender activist and model Rose Montoya unhooked the top of her dress and jiggled her breasts at the White House LGBTQ Pride event. WTF! (face palm) By the way, this was not a wardrobe malfunction. Admittedly, Rose lost her senses. Caught up in the moment, she bared her breasts, attributing it to her “trans joy,” she explained after the backlash. Seriously? As a cishet woman, I’ve missed out on several joyful opportunities to do this! Surprised by a birthday party? Received a diploma? Oh, no! I didn’t flash my breasts. To be fair, I’ve never been invited to a White House event, either.
When it comes to the White House, decorum is kind of a big deal…for everyone. And the Pride picnic on the South Lawn was meant to signal support for and be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. If one’s group or community is being honored, one should exhibit dignity and grace. I mean, for goodness sake, brand name politicians and families with children were present, too. When Rose intentionally chose to disrobe, it’s unlikely she considered how disrespectful it would be. It’s also unlikely she anticipated the impact her impromptu actions would have. Even though she offered an apology later, it’s quite a stretch to expect the average person to easily overlook this significant lapse in judgment (aka brain fart) without some type of reaction. And now, Rose is officially not welcome at the White House, reports CNN. Talk about a perfect example of “f*** around and find out.”
WHO AM I AND WHY AM I HERE?
As a precinct committee person for the Arizona Democratic Party, I’ve embraced the role of a local ally for marginalized communities. Together with countless other dedicated PCs around the state, I amplify efforts to protect people’s rights by educating voters and opposing unjust legislation. It’s truly infuriating when someone within a group—any group—ignores the big picture, fails to respect the challenges faced by their community, and undermines the efforts of its supporters. Yeah, it seems there’s always at least one clueless individual who mucks things up.
Despite my feelings of irritation, I tried to imagine the rare honor of being an invited guest at a White House event hosted by President Joe Biden. I made a genuine effort to understand what happened and approach it with empathy, but I fell short. As I delved deeper into the details of the incident, my initial reaction couldn’t be contained—I found myself shaking my head, rolling my eyes, and thinking, “Oh, great!” Rose’s actions crossed the line due to her unchecked emotions and a lack of common sense. In an instant, she sullied the integrity of the moment and empowered bigots to further question the legitimacy of the LGBTQ+ movement. I could only watch as the predictable tsunami of negative commentaries and deliberate misgendering flooded the right-wing media landscape. And here I am, contributing to the fracas while trying to make sense of it all.
FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY THROUGH OPEN DIALOGUE
Deserving or not, Rose is the scapegoat du jour for the right-wing claim that the LGBTQ+ community sexualizes every aspect of life, echoing the call to “protect the children” at all costs. It’s annoying to see this incident being used to perpetuate the very stereotypes we are trying to extinguish. It adds fuel to the LGBTQ-phobic fire and distorts the essence of the LGBTQ+ community.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s important to remember that every social movement experiences its fair share of ups and downs. Yes, one feels helpless when the actions of individuals overshadow the progress made by the collective. However, it’s essential to remember that the fleeting behavior of a few people does not define an entire community.
But let’s not simply shrug off this incident without a fair discussion. Let’s talk about it, openly and honestly. Presumably, Rose is engaging in reflection and remorse, and perhaps her actions will haunt her for a while. Right-wingers will soon find someone new to exploit. And the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters will persist in their efforts to foster a more inclusive society. Together, we can help pave the way for a future where the LGBTQ+ community can rise above the burden of isolated incidents and sensationalized reactions, and garner wider-spread acceptance, respect, and support.
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“When it comes to the White House, decorum is kind of a big deal…for everyone.”
Hmmm. After the Trumps, an ill mannered buffoon and his used-to-be porn model wife, it’s a stretch to think of the WH as a place where “behavior in keeping with good taste” matters a whole lot.
Anyhow, who cares?
Social media certainly exacerbates a lack of decorum. There’s no shortage of people who want to be noticed, to go viral. People are doing crazy stuff, and one of them got invited to the WH. Kind of stupid, yes, but I don’t think that the “legitimacy of the LGBTQ+ movement” suffered permanent damage.
I think behavior does matter in the Biden White House, as evidenced by their reaction. I was also thinking of people with a clue when I commented about respecting WH decorum. I will hold on to my optimism and idealism about people and their behavior in general. And neither the WH nor the LGBTQ+ movement suffered permanent damage, except in the eyes of those—who shall go unnamed—who can’t move on.
It was a bright and sunny day, suddenly two breasts popped out. Gasps galloped through out the garden. Somewhere the POTUS was sighing. Yeah, it was done in poor taste. However the last POTUS’ shenanigans were in poor taste also. It’s a tale of two White Houses. El fin