The co-hosts of ABC’s "The View" recently expressed strong disapproval of conservative legislative efforts and public statements against gender-affirming care for children and drag performances. The panel characterized GOP bills on these topics as fear-mongering and criticized the rhetoric surrounding drag queens and LGBTQ+ issues. Co-host Ana Navarro argued that drag queens are not inherently interested in children, stating, "Drag queens don’t even like children. They don’t tip, and they don’t drink!"
Co-host Whoopi Goldberg accused those opposing these issues of making LGBTQ+ youth feel unwelcome and unworthy, asserting that they are telling these young people "they don’t deserve to be here and that they don’t deserve to live." Goldberg emphasized the importance of respecting families' autonomy in making decisions about their children's well-being. Navarro suggested that the focus on transgender issues is a political tactic employed by Republicans to mobilize voters through fear and anxiety. She compared it to past wedge issues like gay marriage and immigration, arguing that the GOP uses these topics to create division and drive voter turnout.
Regarding drag shows, Navarro argued that children are not independently attending these events and advocated for holding parents accountable, rather than the performers, if children are present. Co-host Sara Haines defended drag queen story hours, emphasizing their focus on reading and entertaining children with age-appropriate material. The discussion also touched upon gender-affirming care, with Haines pointing out that the percentage of youth undergoing gender surgery is relatively small and that conservatives are overstating the issue. Goldberg expressed frustration with the intrusion into families' personal decisions, arguing that individuals outside the family are not qualified to judge their needs.
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed concern that the Republican Party is alienating the LGBTQ+ community and even conservative allies with its stance on these issues. The show's discussion, seemingly taped before Thursday evening, did not address the federal indictment of former President Donald Trump. Navarro, who openly criticizes the Republican Party while remaining a member, posted a video celebrating the indictment on her Instagram account.
