Former GOP Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock faced intense criticism from liberal gay and transgender voices after coming out as gay in a social media post.
“I am gay,” Schock wrote in a lengthy statement on Instagram. “I realize that some of my political positions run very much counter to the mainstream of the LGBTQ movement, and I respect them for those differences. I hope people will allow for me the same,” he said.
However, those with differing politics reacted unsympathetically to Schock’s confession.
good morning, aaron schock doesn’t get a free pass and a warm welcome from me, that dude can eat shit
— Tyler Coates (@tylercoates) March 5, 2020
Former GOP congressman Aaron Schock finally comes out and makes like it’s no big deal that he’s gay.
He voted against all of us — voted with the bigoted GOP on discriminating against gay people — over and over.
Screw him.https://t.co/WDaSsLGns9
— Michelangelo Signorile (@MSignorile) March 5, 2020
Everyone deserves to come out as their authentic self on their own terms. However, Aaron Schock’s statement fails to acknowledge the years of hurt that his votes against hate crimes protections, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and more caused LGBTQ Americans.
— GLAAD (@glaad) March 5, 2020
Being gay teaches you to compassion for others and to be open-minded and kind. Not to Aaron Schock, though. He can fuck right off. We do not accept him. pic.twitter.com/9WglbgeZqm
— Andy Herren (@AndyHerren) March 5, 2020
Critics cited Schock’s voting record, noting he did not “apologize” for how he previously voted on gay and transgender issues. Schock opposed many gay issues while in Congress, voting against the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and against legalizing same-sex marriage. However, Schock said that, if he were in the legislature today, he’d “support LGBTQ rights in every way I could,” according to his Instagram post.
Schock was asked about his sexuality in 2012 following his vote on “don’t ask, don’t tell,” to which he responded: “Those questions are completely ridiculous and inappropriate.” He said then, “I’ve said that before, and I don’t think it’s worthy of further response. I think you can look it up.”
The Republican lawmaker was forced to resign from Congress after being charged with 24 felony counts of reckless use of campaign funds, using the money to purchase Katy Perry concert tickets and massages. In 2015, he faced criticism for excessively using funds to redesign his Capitol Hill office, purchasing a crystal chandelier, a plume of pheasant feathers, and bright red paint for his walls. Prosecutors dropped the charges in 2019.
