Maren Morris raises $150,000 for trans youth after Tucker Carlson insult


Morris has partnered with GLAAD, the largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization and Trans Lifeline to release a shirt emblazoned with the words “Lunatic Country Music Person”.

Proceeds from the shirt will go to GLAAD’s Transgender Media Program and Trans Lifeline, which runs a hotline for transgender youth in crisis and provides micro-grants and support to transgender people in need, according to a statement shared with CNN. .

Carlson called Morris a “country music freak” after responding to comments referencing young transgender people from country singer Jason Aldean’s wife, Brittany Kerr Aldean.
“I would really like to thank my parents for not changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase. I love this girl life,” Aldean wrote in the caption of a makeup video posted on Instagram. .

“I’m glad they didn’t too, because you and I wouldn’t have walked,” her Grammy-winning husband replied in a comment.

Soon, country singer Cassadee Pope tweeted criticism of Brittany Kerr Aldean, writing“You’d think celebrities with cutie marks would see the benefits of including LGBTQ+ people in their posts.”
Morris jumped in in support of Pope, writing, “It’s not political. We’re calling someone out for being transphobic and thinking it’s hilarious. It’s not.”
Aldean said his words were taken out of context and appeared to respond to the backlash with his own sweatshirt with the text “Don’t tread on our children”. Proceeds are donated to Operation Light Shine, which fights human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
The exchange was an apparent reference to ongoing battles over transgender youth’s ability to access gender-affirming care. In August, Boston Children’s Hospital reported that he had received violent threats because of misinformation that he performed genital surgeries on young children. Gender-affirming care – an umbrella term for treatments that help transgender people align their physical features with their personal gender identity – has been endorsed by major medical associations, including the American Medical Association and Children’s Hospital Association.

“By speaking out publicly in support of trans youth, country music superstar Maren Morris is connecting with an audience that may be less familiar with the transgender community and the current wave of attacks on their rights,” said Anthony Allen Ramos, Vice President of GLAAD. communications and talent, in the organization’s statement.

“Not only is she using her platform and influence to move the conversation forward and likely change hearts and minds, but she is raising crucial funds that will go directly to the work of GLAAD and Trans Lifeline to support the trans community at a time when she needs more than already.”