The controversy started when a Twitter user shared screenshots of Jaya's likes, including tweets deemed derogatory and discriminatory towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Many netizens were quick to condemn Jaya's actions and called her out for promoting hate speech and intolerance.
After a long hiatus from social media, I would like to make an announcement.
— DeeDee Marie Holliday 🏳️🌈 (@DeeDeeMarieH) April 5, 2023
Jaya is anti-trans and she believes that drag queens are groomers.
That’s all. 🙄
*check her Twitter likes, hennies. pic.twitter.com/IW5QHRCRkI
Jaya released a statement on her social media accounts apologizing for her actions and expressing her support for the LGBTQIA+ community in response to the backlash. However, her apology has not been well-received by some netizens who are skeptical of her sincerity and remain critical of her actions.
You are free to do, say and believe what you want - FREEDOM. Unfollow if you must. Thank you and this will be it for now. Will rest and pray for wisdom. Father in Heaven please take the wheel. I only have love for you all. To all my LGBT friends, who have been my closest friends…
— Jaya (@jayasoul) April 5, 2023
It’s ironic po, u r saying for people to dig deep when in reality you should too. Don’t you like to bring your kids to your shows? Which often includes trans hosts and performers? Did those performers ever influence or exploit your kids?
— jawn crewz (@JOHNCRUZnolloyd) April 5, 2023
so weird. pic.twitter.com/jY9i6D6kh6
— Metroscene Mag (@MetrosceneMag) April 6, 2023
Jaya isn’t a comedian but she makes me laugh w/ her tweets. She says her only concern is child exploitation but look at her liked tweets, she’s echoing MAGA (far right wing, extremist and space laser conspiracy theorists) narrative on a lot of other things. Dig deep, Jaya. 🤣
— Guammer Lim Partosa (@guampartosa) April 6, 2023
Many have pointed out the irony of her actions, with some expressing feelings of betrayal and hurt. Given her status as a public figure and her position as a role model to many, there is a heightened expectation for her to embody the values of inclusivity and acceptance, and to use her platform to advocate for equality.
The LGBTQIA+ and current culture war
The past few months have seen an alarming rise in the targeting of drag queens and the LGBTQ+ community in the ongoing culture wars in the United States. Conservatives have resorted to calling drag shows "grooming" and have sought to ban them outright. The battle is being waged not only on conservative TV chat shows but also on the legislative front, with several states proposing Republican bills seeking to curb drag events. Additionally, sometimes violent protests have erupted, further fueling tensions.According to the GLAAD rights organization, last year alone witnessed 141 incidents of anti-LGBTQ protests and threats aimed at drag events, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The fact that such incidents continue to occur despite efforts to promote inclusivity and equality serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
