An Arkansas Legislator Asked if Testifying Trans Doctor Had a Penis

Always remember, fellow transgender people: irrespective of how a lot backside dysphoria we’ve, we’ll nonetheless by no means be extra anxious about our genitals than the common Republican.

A listening to on trans healthcare took a weird flip Monday after newly-elected GOP Arkansas State Senator Matt McKee bluntly requested trans pharmacy proprietor Gwendolyn Herzig whether or not she had a penis. Herzig was available to testify earlier than the state Senate Judiciary Committee about her experiences as a medical skilled and a trans Arkansan, however McKee was solely serious about what was between her legs.

“You mentioned that you just’re a trans lady?” McKee requested Herzig. “Do you have got a penis?” Herzig was visibly greatly surprised, leaning away from the microphone and furrowing her forehead, whereas onlookers gasped, with some calling out the comment as “disgusting” and “shameful.”

“That’s horrible,” Herzig responded. “You’re the one which introduced that into the dialogue,” McKee returned. When Herzig identified she had not talked about genitals throughout her testimony, McKee smiled and mentioned “it has every part to do with genitalia.” 

“I’m a healthcare skilled — a physician. Please deal with me as such,” Herzig advised McKee earlier than asking for the subsequent query.