The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) defines grooming as the following: “manipulative behaviors used by sexual abusers to gain access to a potential victim, coerce them to agree to the abuse, and reduce the risk of being caught.” In the past few years, opponents of the LGBTQ+ movement have suggested that individuals pertaining to these communities “are pedophiles who are preying on children by discussing issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.” More simply put, conservatives argue that members of the LGBTQ+ community force children and teenagers to question their sexual orientation or their gender identity when talking to them about these themes. As a result of this discourse, more Republicans have passed harmful legislation, like the “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” in order to prohibit these discussions from taking place in general. One can observe this intentional prevention of sexual orientation and identity conversations in the way Conservatives talk about this phenomenon on platforms like Twitter. In one tweet, commentator Jesse Kelly wrote the following: “Demand your opponent respond to questions about [these bills]. Call them groomers and pedophiles if they oppose it. Put THEM on the defensive. Make THEM afraid. Make THEM avoid talking about it. You have the high ground. Use it to destroy your enemy!” 31
The language Kelly uses is incredibly powerful. He manipulates a conversation about sexual education into a contentious fight. He compels other Republicans to construct an environment that makes members of this community feel alarmed and unsafe. In fact, he goes as far as to champion the forceful expulsion and utter destruction of queer voices in general. Historically, sex education has allowed LGBTQ+ people to learn more about their sexualities, gender identities, and the diverse perspectives that exist within the movement. However, conservatives like Kelly have appropriated important terms such as ‘grooming’ to develop legislation that demands the reversal of essential protections. Additionally, the portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals as an enemy has prevented their voices from being heard or even considered. Despite the different ways in which the dynamics above developed, they share many important characteristics. In both cases, it becomes clear that problematic trends have emerged in the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights. Conservatives have co-opted critical aspects of these conversations in calculated ways. From the appropriation of queer discourse in the fight for same sex marriage to the malicious reframing of sexual education discussions as ‘grooming’ Conservatives strategically hijacked these narratives to further suppress and silence LGBTQ+ voices. Not only has this deliberate manipulation of language and ideas halted progress, but it’s also actively undermined the hard-won rights of this community.
