A long-standing accusation that Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was born a man has gained renewed popularity in the conspiracy world since she replaced Joe Biden in the race for the White House.
• Also read: Iranian hackers target Trump and Harris campaigns, Google confirms
• Also read: Vance and Walz to debate on May 1er october
This theory, which claims that the former prosecutor is a trans woman who lived her youth under the identity of Kamal Aroush, has been circulating for years among QAnon followers. Doctored images that masculinize the Democratic candidate’s features are used by Internet users to try to prove this theory.
Transphobia
Let’s recall that many women have been the target of transphobic rumors in the past. The gender identity of French first lady Brigitte Macron has been questioned on numerous occasions by conspiracy theorists in recent years. Michelle Obama and Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, have also been targeted by these theories, as has former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden.
The malicious comments have been denounced by the UN, describing them as “sexist disinformation campaigns” that target “women journalists, politicians and gender equality advocates.” The European Parliament has also documented an increase in “reported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in Europe,” in line with the spread of theories that contribute to dehumanizing and humiliating the community.
– With information from AFP.
