This weekend, lesbian comedian Cameron Esposito performed alchemy, turning a hateful tweet from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee into fundraising gold for a transgender support line.
On Friday afternoon, Gov. Mike Huckabee tweeted a “joke” about how Sen. Chuck Schumer (who recently shed a tear recalling his family that died in the Holocaust) would be starring in a remake of the film “Boys Don’t Cry” (about the brutal murder of transgender man Brandon Teena).
Breaking news from Hollywood! Sen. Chuck Schumer cast in lead role for remake of "Boys Don't Cry."
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 5, 2017
Esposito initially responded with biting humor.
Hmm see Mike I believe trans actors should play trans roles.
But cool that u'd highlight LGBT folks' need for anti-hate legislation. https://t.co/7pvPYcFQ7X
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
But then she harnessed her outrage and turned it into money for a worthy cause: Trans Lifeline, a crisis line for the transgender community.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Thanks @GovMikeHuckabee for the reminder to take daily action to support my community. Also: u are a jerk. pic.twitter.com/iy1UzBPAz9
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
Before long, the idea took off. People started donating, offering matches, and tagging Huckabee all along the way.
My wife @cameronesposito has helped raise $3000 for @Translifeline in a little over an hour. Let's keep it going. https://t.co/HaGOxt0Nek
— rhea butcher (@RheaButcher) February 5, 2017
The effort was so successful, Esposito couldn’t help but throw in a few more zingers.
I guess @GovMikeHuckabee can take my job telling jokes. I work in fundraising: https://t.co/ds26GeAfvC https://t.co/B9jedk0RIo
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
As of today, Esposito says $13,000 has been raised for Trans Lifeline in memory of Brandon Teena. She says she hoping to raise $15,000 in 24 hours.