Caitlyn Jenner, a Republican candidate in the recall election for California Governor, has been making the rounds in conservative circles to convince Californians to vote for her in the gubernatorial race.
Jenner's recent appearances on Fox News and at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) come amid a wave of Republican state legislature proposals to deny trans kids gender-affirming care, access to bathrooms, and participation in sports.
While some Republicans have supported Jenner's conservative ideas, the transphobia of certain CPAC attendees leapt out as she exited the conference.
One attendee badgered her as she left, referring to her by her deadname, as well as calling her a "sick freak" and a transphobic slur once she'd exited the building.
Watch below.
Caitlyn Jenner heckled out of CPAC 2021 https://t.co/tMW05T1Gmg— 🇺🇸🌊 Kal-El of Krypton 🏳️🌈🌽 (@🇺🇸🌊 Kal-El of Krypton 🏳️🌈🌽) 1626008728.0
One of the conservatives to come to Jenner's defense was far-right commentator Tomi Lahren, who's become famous for her incendiary remarks on issues like Black Lives Matter and the Second Amendment.
Lahren rightly called the heckling "despicable."
Hearing how some “conservatives” treated @Caitlyn_Jenner at CPAC makes my blood boil. There’s no room for your hate… https://t.co/ESawGBDf7W— Tomi Lahren (@Tomi Lahren) 1626063278.0
But Lahren has repeatedly commented on trans issues before, often in opposition to treating trans people with human dignity, as well as respect and recognition of their identities.
People pointed out that Lahren helped create the conditions that prompted the CPAC attendee to heckle Jenner, including the false suggestion that trans children are undergoing gender confirmation surgeries.
Tomi Lahren can’t even keep her hatred consistent. https://t.co/eHvVghzKZx— Tony Posnanski (@Tony Posnanski) 1626091494.0
@TomiLahren @Caitlyn_Jenner This you? https://t.co/U9erltdYrY— Yepconomist (@Yepconomist) 1626070311.0
@TomiLahren @Caitlyn_Jenner Noted anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ pundit Tomi Lahren is somehow stunned that the right is… https://t.co/gdD3YGtwdb— David Badash (@David Badash) 1626107016.0
@TomiLahren @Caitlyn_Jenner Step 1: Spread transphobic hate to Republicans. Step 2: Act shocked when Republicans a… https://t.co/LzODKTl2Rb— Dakota Johnson & Johnson (@Dakota Johnson & Johnson) 1626106140.0
@TomiLahren @Caitlyn_Jenner But tomi....you're transphobic as well.... these are your ppl...so!? https://t.co/gnkB7aRps1— Agustin (@Agustin) 1626099629.0
@TomiLahren Tomi pretending to be shocked at transphobia in the conservative community is the funniest thing https://t.co/kRm7VRE5Xj— jonny jon jon butter shabadoo (@jonny jon jon butter shabadoo) 1626095130.0
Conservatives responded to Lahren's tweet by parroting the same transphobic rhetoric and disinformation that she previously amplified.
Tomi Lahren is an example of a “conservative” who doesn’t know what fundamental principles she’s conserving. Young… https://t.co/5xm5bxb9TZ— Jenna Ellis (@Jenna Ellis) 1626106105.0
If you honestly believe this is "just about her policy" You're an idiot And you NOR the party can read the room… https://t.co/fW2hhh7qBJ— TheƑʉͫcͧкͭιͪηͣkitty🍄 (@TheƑʉͫcͧкͭιͪηͣkitty🍄) 1626109080.0
Supporting trans in not conservative. https://t.co/FvHm3N9MqY— Dr Field General Lets Be Frank (@Dr Field General Lets Be Frank) 1626112130.0
For her part, Jenner thanked Lahren on Twitter.