rights
Republican candidate says giraffes prove “You cannot be born gay"
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 8, 2026
· 3 min read
A Republican candidate for Congress offered up his analysis of human sexuality and gender on Tuesday, in a group interview with South Florida's Sun-Sentinel editorial board, alongside two other Republicans running to represent House District 20 in Broward County. "You never see a giraffe, a male gir
Key takeaway "You never see a giraffe, a male giraffe, that mate(s) with a giraffe," Rod Joseph said.
Why this matters
The Republican candidate's assertion that individuals cannot be born gay, citing animal behavior as evidence, is a claim that has been debunked by scientific observations of same-sex behavior in over 1,500 animal species. This stance is particularly notable given the candidate's bid to represent House District 20 in Broward County, which is home to Wilton Manors, a city with a significant LGBTQ+ population. The candidate's lack of outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, despite targeting other demographic groups, raises questions about his campaign's commitment to representing the diverse constituents of the district. Furthermore, his views on sexuality as a preference rather than a biological orientation may have implications for his policy positions on LGBTQ+ rights, which could impact the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the district and beyond. The candidate's comments may also be seen as part of a broader national conversation about LGBTQ+ rights and identity.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Republican candidate for Congress offered up his analysis of human sexuality and gender on Tuesday, in a group interview with South Florida's Sun-Sentinel editorial board, alongside two other Republicans running to represent House District 20 in Broward County. "You never see a giraffe, a male gir
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen 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 .