A Tennessee Democrat running for Congress called the Supreme Court decision to protect kids from transgender procedures a “gut punch” and has campaigned with a drag queen who urged parents to bring their kids to one of his shows. 
Aftyn Behn, a state representative currently running in the special election for former Rep. Mark Green’s seat in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, has consistently fought legislation protecting kids from irreversible transgender procedures. As part of this opposition, she has also promised to fight back against those who criticize the transgender community. 
“THESE COLORS DON’T BLEED. Remember, you come for my trans community, I come for you,” Behn posted on June 1 in a “Pride” month post alongside a photo of the transgender flag draped over her back.
<div class="image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-997087" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-12.28.29-PM.png" alt="" width="672" height="1043" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-12.28.29-PM.png 672w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-12.28.29-PM-193x300.png 193w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-12.28.29-PM-371x576.png 371w" sizes=" (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px" /></div>
Behn’s opponent is Matt Van Epps, a former official for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who won a crowded Republican primary after an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Van Epps has pledged to oppose gender procedures on kids and to codify a ban on taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries. 
Behn, who currently represents part of Nashville at the statehouse, condemned the Supreme Court in June when it upheld Tennessee’s right to ban those under the age of 18 from being put on puberty blockers or girls having their breasts removed if they identify as boys. 
“This 6-3 ruling only emboldens the far-right’s relentless attack on transgender rights, pushing us further into a dangerous future where politics — rather than science — dictates the lives of our most vulnerable,” she <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLC-HlAMGTn/">said</a>. “In Tennessee, this ruling adds fuel to the fire of the GOP’s war on trans youth.”
Before the landmark ruling, Behn blasted Vanderbilt University Medical Center for pausing transgender surgeries on minors in June 2023 after outcry from Republican officials. That came after Daily Wire host Matt Walsh released an investigation into VUMC’s transgender medical practices. 
“Trans youth are the most vulnerable among us, and we cannot let the Republicans succeed in their assaultive platform when it comes to LGBTQ rights,” Behn <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AftynBehn4TN/posts/pfbid024nHizxsjX7dKWAyvTcamzVWwDcHyMb1D3ySKkeZVkM3V2wWLRyWjYVcpDymHDzPzl">said</a>. “I will fight every day for your freedom to love who you want, to be yourself, and for a safe community that invests in your well-being.”
Behn has also opposed legislation that requires schools to tell parents if their child has decided to go by a different name or use pronouns different from their biological sex. 
“These are the most vulnerable kids in our state who are just trying to make it out of middle school alive,” she <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-transgender-student-bill-2d31c306628049a26fde2f47c90b8b11">claimed</a> during a debate on the bill. “And we are weaponizing their identities instead of actually passing bills that help Tennesseans.”
One of Behn’s close allies appears to be a Nashville-area drag queen going by the name “Vivica Steele,” who has encouraged parents to take their kids to drag shows. Back in August 2022, Steele <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vivicasteele/posts/pfbid0FBEpw7fcUmPrsy8DKCvMU8h3bph1GH4dBJTiC8VdkoPNve1tTHUeaduc1fbF7STyl">promoted</a> a drag brunch in Nashville, saying, “Come join us on the second floor as we do lots of Gay stuff!!!” and “bring ya kids!!!!”
That was before Tennessee <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/supreme-court-wont-hear-challenge-to-tennessee-law-protecting-kids-from-explicit-performances">passed a law</a> aimed at shielding kids from sexually explicit performances. 
Steele told The Daily Wire that he stands by his belief that children should be allowed to attend drag shows.
&#8220;I stand firm in my advocacy for allowing children to be present at drag shows. In all my years of experience, I have never witnessed a drag performance that has harmed, insulted, or endangered a child,&#8221; he said. &#8220;As a drag performer myself, I take great pride in creating shows that raise awareness, celebrate inclusivity, and bring communities together to support local organizations making a real difference.&#8221;
Steele has been in pictures with Behn several times, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPjVlNljQYq/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">wearing</a> campaign gear, and has even appeared in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQgupBSAV31/?hl=en">campaign messaging</a>. Behn also recently appeared on a <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/AcmeRadioLive/vivica-steele-36-the-queens-table-aftyn-behn/">podcast</a> hosted by Steele to discuss her campaign. A photo on his Facebook page shows Steele alongside state Rep. Justin Jones, another activist lawmaker who was once <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tennessee-gop-expels-democrat-following-state-capitol-storming">disciplined</a> for leading an anti-gun protest from the House floor. 
Steele said that he supported Behn&#8217;s stance on transgender issues and that she helped him after he lost his right to vote.
&#8220;After having the privilege of shadowing her during this past legislative session, she became a true source of inspiration,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It is Aftyn’s tenacity and grace that have laid the foundation for a supportive and encouraging relationship—one that continues to inspire me and countless Tennesseans today.&#8221;
Steele has been quoted in the New York Times as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/28/us/politics/tennessee-drag-pride-month.html">saying</a> drag is a “ministry” and <a href="https://theboot.com/we-will-always-be-concert-lineup-nashville/">performed</a> at an LGBTQ fundraiser in Nashville. 
If elected, Behn would represent a district that stretches from the Tennessee-Kentucky border down to Alabama. In 2024, Mark Green won the district with nearly 60% of the vote. Democrats are hopeful to capitalize on the generally low turnout in special elections to pull off an upset. 

<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Tennessee Congressional Candidate Backs Trans Procedures For Kids, Campaigns With Drag Queen

At James Talarico’s Church, Its Offensive To Respect God’s Pronouns — But Abortion’s OK.

The Federal Agency Nazi-Tattooed Graham Platner Wants Erased

Trump Reveals His ‘Permanent’ Plan For Next Attorney General

Razor-Thin Governor Primary Snaps Trump Endorsement Streak

Longtime ‘60 Minutes’ Anchor Fired After Attacks On New Leadership

Trump’s Effort To Purge DEI From Science Funding Could Be Locked Into Law

Original

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— Original —

Tennessee Congressional Candidate Backs Trans Procedures For Kids, Campaigns With Drag Queen