rights
GOP accused James Talarico of making up a girlfriend to hide that he's gay. She's real & is an ally.
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 2, 2026
· 1 min read
Republicans have (very maturely) accused Texas state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic Senate candidate from Texas, of lying about having a girlfriend to hide the fact that he is gay. But the media has since identified the girlfriend as 30-year-old Brianna Menard, Talarico's former chief of staff.
Key takeaway But the media has since identified the girlfriend as 30-year-old Brianna Menard, Talarico's former chief of staff.
Why this matters
The accusations against James Talarico highlight the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in politics, where their personal lives are often subject to scrutiny and misinformation. The fact that Talarico's girlfriend, Brianna Menard, is a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in her role at the Texas Medical Association, which champions nondiscrimination policies, adds another layer to the story. Menard's involvement with an organization that backs gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ inclusivity in healthcare spaces underscores the significance of allies in the LGBTQ+ community. As the election approaches, it will be crucial to watch how these personal attacks affect Talarico's campaign and the broader conversation around LGBTQ+ rights in Texas, a state with varying levels of legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other national resources will likely continue to play a vital role in providing support and guidance to the community amidst such political debates.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 2, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Republicans have (very maturely) accused Texas state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic Senate candidate from Texas, of lying about having a girlfriend to hide the fact that he is gay. But the media has since identified the girlfriend as 30-year-old Brianna Menard, Talarico's former chief of staff.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 2, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .