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.
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 said. “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 said. “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 claimed 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 promoted 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 passed a law 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.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Steele has been in pictures with Behn several times, wearing campaign gear, and has even appeared in campaign messaging. Behn also recently appeared on a podcast 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 disciplined for leading an anti-gun protest from the House floor.
Steele said that he supported Behn’s stance on transgender issues and that she helped him after he lost his right to vote.
“After having the privilege of shadowing her during this past legislative session, she became a true source of inspiration,” he said. “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.”
Steele has been quoted in the New York Times as saying drag is a “ministry” and performed 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.
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