Independent Women, a pro-woman advocacy group, fired off a cease-and-desist letter to GLAAD on March 7, accusing the transgender rights organization of spreading “injurious falsehoods” about its mission and ambassador Payton McNabb.
The move, announced Monday, escalates a feud sparked by GLAAD’s reaction to McNabb’s appearance as President Trump’s guest at his Joint Address to Congress earlier this month.
The letter, penned by Beth Parlato of Independent Women’s Law Center, demands GLAAD retract statements labeling Independent Women an “anti-transgender group” that “aggressively lobbies against transgender people” and alleging its actions harm women.
READ: Scott, Moody Push Bill To Lock In Florida’s Water Permitting Power
It also slams GLAAD for claiming McNabb, a vocal advocate for sex-based sports, is paid to argue trans youth are denied athletic opportunities. Independent Women warns of legal action if GLAAD doesn’t comply, citing potential damage to its reputation and finances.
“Instead of respectful dialogue, GLAAD falsely labeled IW,” Parlato wrote, defending her group’s push for female-only spaces like prisons and locker rooms as a constitutional right. She denied anti-trans animus, pointing to the “Identity Crisis” series, which shares stories of transgender individuals to highlight the health risks of certain treatments.
On sports, she argued trans youth can compete on teams matching their biological sex, a stance she says 80% of Americans back.
READ: Florida Universities Embrace Mandated Debate Law, Foster Open Discourse: Analysis
GLAAD’s March 4 press release followed Trump’s shoutout to McNabb, a former high school athlete injured by a transgender opponent, during his address.
The advocacy giant blasted Independent Women for opposing trans inclusion, accusing it of undermining women’s protection and outing LGBTQ students. Independent Women shot back that it champions kids’ safety from “life-altering” gender interventions and parents’ rights to oversee their children’s care—positions “rooted in constitutional principles.”
The letter threatens a lawsuit seeking injunctions, damages for reputational harm, and legal fees unless GLAAD halts its “inaccurate communications.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
