- J
James Lantz (aka Angry Gay Grandpa), a 64 year old trans youth rights activist, was recently sentenced in state court in Pennsylvania for "criminal mischief" and ordered to pay nearly $17,000 for protesting a MAGA Republican State Senator who refused to acknowledge the suicide deaths of five trans youth in his own county.
In April 2024, James glued his hand to a railing in the Pennsylvania Capitol and confronted then-State Senator Ryan Aument, who sponsored, pushed and supported numerous anti-LGBTQ+ bills, including an LGBTQ+ book ban, a trans sports ban, and a "Don't Say Gay" law. James implicated the Senator in creating an environment in which 5 trans youth died by suicide, all within 18 months, and all within Aument’s home base of Lancaster County.
James says that these suicides could have been prevented. Remembering his time as a closeted gay youth growing up in rural Virginia, he recognized the despair these trans kids were experiencing. He says, "All they need is just a little bit of support. They need an adult in their life, or just an adult anywhere, to listen and say I see you, I support you, and you are loved."
As a result of his activism, PA ordered him to pay nearly $17,000 in fines and restitution citing damage to their antique furniture from glue James accidentally spilled -- restitution which seems to have been grossly inflated, and seems to be politically punitive.
The message PA seems to be conveying is: we value our antique furniture more than we value the lives of trans youth.
James is a freelance filmmaker, former high school teacher, and adjunct professor. He has prioritized creativity and connection in his life over the pursuit of wealth.
Please donate to support James so he can support trans and LGBTQ youth!
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