14 Trans Icons Dragged For Collaborating With Anti-LGBTQ Brands

Navigating the world of celebrity endorsements and collaborations is difficult enough without the added layer of identity politics. Transgender icons often face intense scrutiny from their own community regarding the companies and figures they choose to associate with. The following public figures faced significant backlash for partnering with brands or individuals deemed harmful to the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Caitlyn Jenner

The former Olympian has faced consistent criticism since coming out for her alignment with conservative media platforms and political figures. Her collaboration with Fox News as a contributor sparked outrage given the network’s history of airing anti-trans rhetoric. Community members felt betrayed that the most visible trans woman in the world would accept a paycheck from a channel that often invalidates their existence. Jenner defended the partnership by claiming she wanted to provide a different perspective to the conservative audience. This move only further alienated her from the very community she claimed to represent.

Kim Petras

This pop sensation achieved massive success but has been dogged by her professional relationship with producer Dr. Luke. The producer has been accused of abuse by fellow artist Kesha which led to a massive #FreeKesha movement within the music industry. Petras faced backlash for continuing to work with him and for comments that appeared to dismiss the allegations against him. Fans argued that supporting an alleged abuser was a betrayal of feminist and queer solidarity. Despite the controversy she has continued to release music produced by his label.

Nikita Dragun

The beauty influencer known as the Mother of Draguns has faced multiple cancellations for her business choices. She received heavy criticism for collaborating with Jeffree Star after his past racist comments and confederate flag photos resurfaced. Dragun was also accused of blackfishing in her own marketing campaigns which alienated many trans people of color. Her continued defense of problematic figures in the beauty industry led to accusations that she prioritized profit over principles. The backlash highlighted the intersectional tensions within the queer community regarding race and accountability.

Blaire White

White has built her entire brand around being a conservative transgender woman who critiques the LGBTQ+ community. She frequently collaborates with right-wing media outlets and personalities that actively campaign against trans rights and healthcare. Her partnerships with these platforms are viewed by many as grifting and harmful validation of transphobic talking points. Critics argue that she throws other trans people under the bus to gain acceptance from an audience that does not respect her identity. This dynamic has made her one of the most polarizing figures on the internet.

Sugar and Spice

The drag twins from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ found themselves in hot water after posting a TikTok video featuring Chick-fil-A. Viewers immediately pointed out the fast food chain’s well-documented history of donating to organizations that oppose same-sex marriage and equality. The duo attempted to brush off the criticism by stating they simply wanted the food and did not care about the politics. This dismissive attitude toward ethical consumption enraged fans who expect queer artists to stand in solidarity against anti-LGBTQ corporations. The incident sparked a wider debate about the responsibility of drag artists to uphold community values.

Gigi Gorgeous

As a veteran YouTuber she has documented her transition for millions but faced scrutiny for her close friendship and collaboration with Jeffree Star. Fans were disappointed when she continued to support and promote Star despite the mounting evidence of his past racist and antisemitic behavior. She appeared in his videos and campaigns long after other influencers had cut ties with the beauty mogul. Supporters felt that her loyalty to him compromised her standing as a positive role model for the community. The backlash demonstrated that personal friendships often do not shield influencers from public accountability.

Natalie Wynn

Known as ContraPoints this video essayist is usually celebrated for her nuanced takes on social justice. However she faced a massive wave of harassment after featuring a voiceover cameo by Buck Angel in one of her videos. Angel is a controversial figure known for views that many consider exclusionary toward non-binary people. Wynn was accused of platforming a transmedicalist ideology by including him in her work. The resulting fallout led to her temporarily deactivating her social media accounts due to the intensity of the criticism.

Buck Angel

The trans male adult film pioneer has largely been ostracized by modern queer activists for his collaborations with gender-critical feminists. He has appeared on podcasts and in documentaries that argue against gender-affirming care for minors and question the validity of non-binary identities. These alliances with groups that usually oppose trans rights entirely have earned him the label of a traitor by many in the community. Angel argues he is protecting the definition of transsexuals but critics see his work as actively harmful. His partnerships continue to be a source of deep division.

Suzy Izzard

The legendary comedian and actor faced disappointment from fans for her vocal defense of J.K. Rowling. Izzard stated in interviews that she did not believe the ‘Harry Potter’ author was transphobic despite Rowling’s controversial essays on gender and sex. LGBTQ+ advocates felt that Izzard was using her status to shield a billionaire who funds anti-trans causes. This defense was seen as out of touch with the reality of the harm Rowling’s rhetoric causes to the community. The backlash marked a significant shift in how the once-beloved icon is viewed by younger queer generations.

Kelley Cadigan

This TikTok influencer gained a following for her transition updates before making a sharp pivot to conservative content. She began collaborating with right-wing creators and echoing talking points that invalidate the identities of other trans women. Cadigan claimed she was simply sharing her true opinions but many viewed it as a calculated move to tap into a profitable anti-woke market. Her videos now frequently target the concept of gender spectrums and advocate for gatekeeping within the community. This realignment has resulted in her being largely disowned by her former progressive audience.

NikkieTutorials

The beauty guru and Eurovision host faced calls for a boycott due to her contract with Moroccanoil. The brand was the primary sponsor of the Eurovision Song Contest and is frequently targeted by the BDS movement for its operations in Israel. Fans urged Nikkie to drop the sponsorship or speak out in support of Palestinian rights during the event. Her decision to fulfill her contractual obligations without addressing the political controversy upset many activists. The situation highlighted the difficulties influencers face when their brand deals intersect with geopolitical conflicts.

Ezra Miller

The non-binary actor has faced criticism for a multitude of legal and behavioral issues but also for their continued employment by Warner Bros. The studio is the parent company of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise which directly benefits J.K. Rowling financially. Critics argued that Miller should have stepped away from the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise to show solidarity with the trans community against Rowling. Their refusal to denounce the author or the studio while continuing to profit from the Wizarding World was seen as hypocritical. This professional choice compounded the public’s negative perception of the actor.

TS Madison

The reality star and activist is a fierce defender of her friends but this loyalty caused friction when she defended RuPaul. The drag mogul has faced accusations of fracking on his ranch and has a history of making trans-exclusionary comments regarding drag performance. Madison urged the community not to bite the hand that feeds them and to respect RuPaul’s legacy despite the controversies. Many felt this stance prioritized industry connections over holding powerful figures accountable for environmental and social harm. The backlash highlighted the tension between gratitude for representation and the need for progress.

Ethel Cain

The indie singer-songwriter faced swift backlash for her association with Matty Healy of the band The 1975. Healy had recently come under fire for laughing at racist and derogatory jokes about artists like Ice Spice on a podcast. Cain defended Healy and dismissed the outrage as internet drama which disappointed her diverse fanbase. Fans felt that her dismissal of the racism allegations was insensitive and undermined her image as a progressive icon. The incident served as a reminder that fans expect intersectional solidarity from their favorite trans artists.

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