Jewish lawmaker who champions trans rights says he was forced to leave SF Trans March after he was confronted about Gaza
Jewish Lawmaker Who Champions Trans Rights Leaves SF Trans March Over Gaza Confrontation
Jewish lawmaker who champions trans rights – Scott Wiener, a Jewish state senator and prominent advocate for transgender rights, faced backlash during San Francisco’s annual Trans March on Friday. Protesters accused him of supporting genocide in Gaza, leading to a heated confrontation that forced him to leave the event. This marked the first time Wiener had skipped the march since its start in 2004. The Jewish lawmaker who champions trans rights described the incident as a pivotal moment, where his presence was overshadowed by intense criticism tied to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Harsh Encounter in Dolores Park
The confrontation unfolded in Dolores Park, where a group of demonstrators filmed and followed Wiener, shouting accusations. One protester stated,
“It breaks my heart that someone who wrote good legislation for queers is so f**king terrible on Gaza.”
Others labeled him as “genocidal” and claimed he was “under the influence of Zionist handlers.” A protester pressing Wiener asked,
“Scott, do you have anything to say? How could you do this to San Francisco?”
and insisted,
“You do not belong here anymore, Scott. I want to support someone who’s so positive on trans rights, but you’re a piece of sh*t on Gaza.”
Wiener, also running to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi in Congress, said he left the park out of fear of physical harm from the crowd.
Wiener clarified in a statement that he intended to attend a trans-led Pride Shabbat service connected to the march. However, the protesters’ aggression made it unsafe for him to stay. “They were so physically and verbally aggressive that it was impossible for me to safely remain in the park,” he said, noting the conflict had intensified beyond typical political debate.
Antisemitism or Political Criticism?
Wiener argued that his Jewish identity made him a target of antisemitic attacks at the march. He highlighted that other officials present faced less scrutiny for their positions. “There were elected officials in that march who have not taken the positions that I’ve taken, and they were left alone,” he said, suggesting the hostility was specifically directed at him. He described the incident as “tragic,” emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue in the trans rights movement.
The confrontation followed earlier incidents. Two days prior, a man had yelled at Wiener and his staff at a Mission District bar while watching a World Cup game. The man was ejected by employees, and Wiener later noted that the same individual had stalked him on a plane and in an airport, shouting his name outside the venue.
Trans Rights and Israel Policy at the Center of Debate
Wiener has long been a key figure in the fight for transgender rights, pushing for legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals. His work includes efforts to expand healthcare access and implement anti-discrimination laws. However, his support for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies have sparked controversy. He has called for a two-state solution and opposed US military aid until Israel shows commitment to peace.
While Wiener’s stance on Gaza has drawn sharp criticism, he maintains that the evidence supports classifying the campaign as genocide. “I have no objection whatsoever to anyone disagreeing with me,” he said in a CNN interview, “but when opposition transitions into harassment—cornering me, touching me, or trying to physically bully me out of a public event—that crosses a line.” His experience at the Trans March has become a symbol of the broader tension between his advocacy for trans rights and his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
