Debunking the "Transgender Comic Book" Claim: Here's What Really Happened
A rumor recently circulated claiming that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) gave $32,000 to fund a "transgender comic book" in Peru. This false claim was first promoted by Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast and later echoed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Let's take a closer look at the truth behind this viral misinformation.
The Real Story
The U.S. Department of State, not USAID, provided a grant of $32,000 to fund the second issue of a comic book series titled El Poder de La Educación ("The Power of Education") in Peru. This comic book series, created in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Peru, aimed to promote cultural exchange between the U.S. and Peru while also addressing important issues like social and mental health.
While the second issue did feature a gay character named Alex, there were no transgender characters involved in the story, as falsely claimed. In the comic, Alex, a superhero, comes out as gay to his parents, but this was a gentle portrayal aimed at showing acceptance and understanding—not a focus on transgender identities.
Why the Misinformation Spread
The confusion started with Rep. Brian Mast, who incorrectly referred to the comic as a "transgender comic book" in public interviews. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later repeated this claim during a briefing, without offering evidence to support it. When questioned, the White House failed to provide any proof to back up the false claim.
Even after the misinformation was debunked, the White House continued to promote the false narrative, citing an article from the Daily Mail that also failed to provide evidence.
The Comic's True Message
The El Poder de La Educación series was not about promoting a transgender agenda but instead focused on teaching values like equality, justice, and anti-bullying through superhero stories. The second issue, which featured the gay protagonist Alex, was mild and G-rated, with no controversial or explicit content.
The comic's goal was to encourage students to participate in cultural exchange programs, not to push a political agenda. As David Lawrence, a writer for the comic, explained, the LGBTQ+ elements were only included to portray a relatable coming-out story for Alex, not to make the series about transgender issues.
The Bottom Line
This "transgender comic book" rumor is completely false. The U.S. government funded a comic book to help promote cultural exchange and discuss important social issues, including LGBTQ+ identity in a respectful and non-confrontational way. There was never any mention of a transgender character, and the claim that USAID was involved was also incorrect. The purpose of this educational project was to foster understanding, not to push an agenda.
In the end, the misinformation about the comic book is a reminder of how easily false claims can spread, especially when they're tied to sensitive topics like LGBTQ+ rights. It's crucial to verify facts before believing or spreading such stories.
