January 12, 2017 10:46 AM UTC

County Republican chair suggests castrating transgender people who use women's bathrooms

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• by: Jason Salzman

(Another ultra-classy county GOP chair! – Promoted by Colorado Pols)

Saguache County Republican Chair Richard Drake apparently shared a Facebook meme this week depicting a castration device with the statement, “Make’em think twice  before entering the ladies room. Share if you know what these are used for.”

The instrument wraps a rubber band above the testicles, cutting off circulation to them.

Drake did not respond to a phone call and email seeking to find out why he shared the meme, if it was he who did so on his Facebook page.

“Violence against transgender people is no laughing matter,” said Laura Reinsch, a spokesman for One Colorado, which is “dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families.” “Nearly half of transgender people report being verbally harassed — and one in ten report being physically harassed — in the last year alone, and many transgender Coloradans face barriers in finding housing, employment opportunities, and the right to vote just because of who they are. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers and they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.”

Below is an email sent to Drake, seeking comment:

Hi Mr. Drake—

I am a Denver blogger…

I’m writing a short post on the Facebook image you apparently shared below.

Did you, in fact, post the image on your Facebook page, and, if so, please explain why you posted this image. I will include your entire response in my blog post. I blog from a progressive perspective, but I try to help readers understand the full picture. In this case, your response would be a great help.

Thanks for considering this request.

Jason Salzman