White House stands up for employee getting bullied by hate influencer Chaya Raichik for his looks

Anti-LGBTQ+ social media personality Chaya Raichik – who goes by “Libs of TikTok” online – attacked Department of the Interior (DOI) employee Tyler Cherry for looking queer last week, and now the White House is standing up for him.

“No one should be targeted simply for being themselves. It is cruel and unacceptable,” a White House spokesperson told Advocate about the bullying. “This is an administration that believes to our core in the principle that out of many we are one — and we are proud that the people who serve in it reflect those values as well. Tyler is an invaluable member of our team who continues to deliver for the Department of Interior and the American people.”

Related:

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls trans teacher who received death threats a “groomer”

She and an anti-LGBTQ+ activist made jokes about minors in sexual situations while saying kids should think about “God’s creation” instead of being LGBTQ+.

Last week, Raichik accused the Biden administration of “hir[ing] total weirdos” and posted a picture of Cherry, who is the principal deputy communications director for the DOI. He was wearing a striped jacket, earrings, a gold necklace, and had a mustache.

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LGBTQ+ people and other progressives on Twitter stood up for Cherry, complimenting his aesthetic and calling Raichik out for bullying someone based on their looks. Raichik became famous by posting videos of LGBTQ+-supportive teachers and baselessly accusing them of grooming children. She claims she attacks LGBTQ+ people in order to protect children, which is belied by her general contempt for LGBTQ+ people even when children are not involved at all.

The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which helps get LGBTQ+ people into public office, defended Cherry in a statement.

“It is difficult to comprehend the immorality and wickedness of people who launch these attacks without understanding it is a tactic to drive qualified LGBTQ+ people out of public life,” said Victory Institute Executive Director Elliot Imse. “Our LGBTQ+ appointees are facing an increasing number of attacks from those threatened by a world that is leaving their intolerant kind behind.”

“While this ugliness is damaging and disgusting, many more Americans stand with Tyler and other LGBTQ+ appointees than stand with these bigots. Tyler is a true public servant and it is great to see all the online love being sent their way.”