Texas Democrat schools GOP congressman for his ignorant comments about intersex people

*This is being reported by LGBTQNation.

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. Hopper made his comments while supporting an amendment to eliminate state funding to the University of Texas at Austin for offering its LGBTQ+ and diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) programs and degree plans, Advocate reported.

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.

Intersex individuals have innate variations in physical traits that differ from typical expectations for male or female bodies, including variations in reproductive organs, hormones, or chromosome patterns. An estimated 1.7% of infants are born intersex — roughly the same number of people born with red hair. Many intersex individuals are forced to undergo irreversible surgeries to make their anatomies resemble stereotypical male or female bodies and are also subject to stigma and discrimination.

“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.

Intersex people can have variations in their sex chromosomes, including people with Jacob’s Syndrome (XYY), Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), and triple X syndrome (XXX).

Video of the interaction gained numerous web comments, with some critics saying that Hopper demonstrated why Republicans shouldn’t eliminate the Department of Education.

Republicans have largely opposed DEI and LGBTQ+ initiatives, calling them a divisive form of indoctrination.