Detransitioner Challenges Senate Candidate on Gender Issues

Soren Aldaco, a detransitioner, planned to attend a CNN town hall with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico but faced barriers. She shared her experience on “The Katie Miller Podcast.” Aldaco, 23, recounted how she attempted to discuss her concerns with Talarico but was only informed on the event’s eve that she couldn’t participate.

“He needs a proper face-to-face with someone like me,” Aldaco told host Katie Miller. Aldaco sought to engage Talarico during the CNN town hall using a format that involved constituent interaction. She wanted to discuss gender transition policies, which she believes Talarico misunderstands.

Talarico dismissed past comments on God and gender as ‘provocative’ while referencing Charlie Kirk.

The town hall on October 14 allowed Talarico to answer audience questions. His stance on gender issues has been questioned, especially after his controversial statements about God’s nature and biological genders. Aldaco believes Talarico hasn’t considered the ramifications of previous incorrect statements about gender.

The Texas Supreme Court recently favored Aldaco, ruling she was not past the deadline to pursue claims against her therapist. This overturned a lower court’s decision.

A Republican business owner, Sarah Gardner, challenged Talarico’s faith-related comments during the event. She asked if he sees the Bible as the ultimate truth, to which he affirmed. Talarico justified his earlier comments as reactions to Republican extremism, refocusing his original campaign on public education.

Talarico argued his controversial remarks were responses to excessive focus on trans issues by Republican opponents, while his own legislative interests lie elsewhere.