David French Faces Backlash for Affirming Transgender Identity of New Writer
In a recent social media storm, New York Times columnist and author David French found himself at the center of controversy after he publicly affirmed the transgender identity of Jessica Riedl, a male staff writer at The Dispatch who now identifies as a woman. French’s tweet congratulating Riedl for joining the publication drew significant criticism from various corners of the internet, especially among conservative Christians.
French, who previously served as a senior editor at The Dispatch, expressed his enthusiasm for Riedl’s contributions to fiscal policy, stating, "This is great news for The Dispatch. Nobody is better on fiscal policy than Jessica." This tweet, however, was met with a barrage of backlash, particularly from those who felt that French’s stance contradicted his past positions on gender identity.
In an interview earlier this year with The New York Times, French had already acknowledged Riedl’s identity, using her preferred pronouns. Riedl, who has publicly shared his journey, including experiences of bullying and self-discovery, wrote an essay claiming awareness of his transgender identity since the age of four. He argued that it is possible to have male anatomy while identifying with a predominantly female brain.
The reaction to French’s tweet was swift and intense. Critics, including pastors and conservative commentators, took to social media to express their disapproval. Many accused French of abandoning foundational Christian beliefs regarding gender and sexuality. One pastor pointedly remarked that French’s endorsement of Riedl’s identity challenges the very essence of creation order as understood in Christian doctrine.
Riedl, who also holds a position as a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, responded to the backlash by highlighting the extreme negativity he received, particularly from self-identified Christians. He shared that he had faced death threats and harassment, which he attributed to his identity as an LGBT individual. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he lamented, "In the last 24 hours, thousands of so-called ‘Christians’ have called me a ‘demonic,’ ‘evil’ ‘monster’ who needs to be ‘brutally murdered’ so I can ‘burn in hell.’"
French’s critics pointed out the apparent contradiction in his views. In 2018, he had firmly rejected the idea of referring to Chelsea Manning, a transgender activist, by female pronouns, stating, "I simply won’t use my words to endorse a falsehood." This inconsistency has led some to question whether French’s shift in perspective is a result of his desire to align with cultural elites or a genuine evolution in his beliefs.
The debate surrounding French’s tweet has sparked broader discussions within the Christian community about the intersection of faith, identity, and societal norms. Some have suggested that French’s evolving views reflect a deeper struggle within conservative circles regarding how to engage with contemporary issues of gender and sexuality without compromising core beliefs.
As this conversation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional Christian values and the rapidly changing cultural landscape. French’s situation serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by individuals striving to maintain their faith while navigating a world that increasingly embraces diverse identities.
For those looking to explore more about the intersection of faith and contemporary issues, resources like the Gospel Coalition and Christianity Today provide insightful perspectives on these challenging discussions.
As the dialogue continues, it remains to be seen how French and others in similar positions will reconcile their beliefs with the evolving narratives surrounding gender identity and expression. The Christian community is called to engage in these discussions with both truth and compassion, striving to uphold their convictions while extending grace to those with differing views.