Democrat schools GOP congressman for his ignorant comments about intersex people

[Jessica_Rose]

Democrat schools GOP congressman for his ignorant comments about intersex people

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/04/democrat-schools-gop-congressman-for-his-ignorant-comments-about-intersex-people/

By Daniel Villarreal (15 April 2025)

Texas state Rep. Andy Hopper (R) displayed his ignorance about LGBTQ+ issues recently by making incorrect statements about intersex people during a House floor debate.

Under questioning by state Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons (D), Hopper first claimed that biological sex and gender identity are "one and the same." Simmons replied, "That's not true, but moving on," and then asked about his thoughts on intersex people.

"I don't even know what that means, ma'am," Hopper replied before asking for a definition. A recording of his reply captured audible gasps and laughter at his response.

"You are not sure what intersex people are, if they exist or not, but you want to defund a program about something that you don't understand," she said. "That's why I'm seeking clarification."

She then said, "I'll take it really slow: Since the beginning of time, people have been born with either ambiguous genitalia or with or without ovaries... And so, those people, from a biological standpoint, exist — they're not mythical."

"Those intersex individuals are still XX or XY," Hopper said, referring to chromosomes that can determine someone's biological sex. "So, you can't change that."

However, as soon as Hopper commented, state Rep. Valoree Swanson (R) whispered into Hopper's ear, "Andy, that's not true" — her words amplified by a microphone.