Queer Art Teacher, Kris Martin, Targeted by LibsOfTikTok, and Fired due to Harassment
LibsOfTikTok (LoTT) is an anti-trans hate group that has repeatedly harassed, defamed, and doxxed LGBTQ people, particularly trans, queer, and nonbinary individuals. LibsOfTikTok has also inspired hate groups and lone wolf hate attacks on the queer community as well.
Attack on Kris Martin by LibsOfTikTok
Kris Martin (he/they), a queer gay art teacher, was fired from Homer Community Consolidated School 33C after backlash spread online by LoTT in mid August.
Coverage of Martin’s firing spanned across the right-wing media circuit from Fox News, among others - painting them as mentally ill and a danger to children. Mental illness has been long used by right wing pundits to stigmatize an already marginalized individual.
The Role of Gays Against Groomers
Gays Against Groomers (GAG) also came after Martin in a board meeting, specifically member Patrick Sheridan, former GAG IL Chapter Leader. Who claimed that nonbinary people are mentally ill, that they try to “incorporate queer praxis into their teaching,” and that ‘trans ideology’ is tantamount to religious beliefs.
GAG members are well known for showing up and speaking at school board meetings, and spreading disinformation and lies about the LGBTQ+ community to justify their anti-trans agenda.
GoFundMe for Kristopher Martin
On August 31st, a GoFundMe was launched to help support Kristopher Martin.
Hey Everyone, Kristopher Martin is an art teacher who was fired from his new job in Homer Glen, a south suburb of Chicago, Illinois, because he is gay. This fund is his living expenses and legal expenses. Kris taught art at a different nearby school for over three years and was a great, beloved art teacher. Then he got a new job at Homer Glen district, where he would be planning an art curriculum. He was so excited! Kris wore a rainbow shirt for the New Teacher pictures. This caused a town trustee and her friends from right wing hate groups to create a smear campaign. Kris is a friendly gay man who loves teaching art to children. Kris was fired and left with no income and with great harm to his reputation. This is written by a lawyer and ally and new friend. – Susan
UPDATE 9/7/23
Hello Everyone. This is Susan, a lawyer helping Kristopher. We are making progress. Kristopher and his Union have filed a grievance with the school district about being fired. We have filed an EEOC complaint of employment discrimination. We have also filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights against the Homer Glen School District, as well as against the mayor, town board member, and the State Representative who engaged in a defamation smear campaign against Kristopher. Fox News and the Chicago Tribune also participated in the smear campaign. We are seeking a good law firm to litigate these claims. THANK YOU all so much for your donations. Your kindness means so much at this terribly difficult time. Please spread the link to help. Thank you Thank you. Thank you!
Unfortunately Martin has not been reachable for comment, as no contact information is publicly available at this time, which is understandable given the amount of hate they’ve received.
If you would like to help Kristopher during these difficult times, please consider donating to his GoFundMe and show them some support.
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