In response to the anti-trans political ads in October, the Transgender Law Center, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and Way to Rise partnered to release a 30-second ad titled “Defiance.” The ad, which began airing on Oct. 31, reached audiences in North Carolina and Georgia across platforms like Meta, Connected TV, YouTube, and Snapchat, with a $160,000 budget.
Emily Timm, Deputy Executive Director of Way to Rise, emphasized the ad’s message of unity. “Division and the deliberate othering of groups erodes freedom for all. Silence is not an option,” Timm stated.
Kris Hayashi, Director of Advocacy at the National LGBTQ Task Force, echoed the sentiment, describing the ad as a response to divisionary tactics. “We will never be silent in the face of hate, and we encourage LGBTQ+ people and allies to make their voices heard on Nov. 5th.”
The ad utilizes the Race Class Gender Narrative — a framework developed by ASO Communications, the Transgender Law Center, and Lake Research Partners — designed to build solidarity and counteract divisive, discriminatory rhetoric. Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center, stressed the message: “This ad reveals the intent behind anti-trans attacks: to divide us and control us.”
The National LGBTQ Task Force, currently engaged in the yearlong “Queer the Vote” campaign, has been mobilizing voters in key states to drive turnout. Together, these organizations aim to promote a vision of inclusivity and resilience amidst increasing anti-trans rhetoric.
