Equality North Carolina

Equality NC Condemns Erin Paré's Transphobic Rhetoric and Legislative Threats

July 29, 2026 · 2 min read · equalitync.orgJustice

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Contact: Samantha Jackson, Communications Director • Equality NC • samantha@equalitync.org

RALEIGH, NC — Wake County representative Erin Paré has publicly spread harassment towards a public school music teacher online by exploiting the teacher’s transgender identity. Equality NC condemns Erin Paré’s attack on an LGBTQIA+ educator and her proposed bills that would restrict what people can wear. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.

“Erin Paré is once again attacking the transgender community under false pretenses,” said Eliazar A. Posada-Orozco Jr, Executive Director at Equality NC. “If she’s going to spread discrimination against transgender people, she should at least be honest and come out and say she’s attacking our community to score political points. No employee should have to worry about who they can or cannot be while providing for themselves and their family. Teachers should feel safe at work and students should feel safe learning. Paré’s actions and rhetoric for political gain are why many do not.”

Transgender and nonbinary people are capable of thriving in every environment, including our public schools. They deserve to see themselves represented and affirmed for who they are. Equality NC calls on lawmakers to denounce any bills that would target LGBTQIA+ people based on how they dress or express their gender. Additionally, school boards and communities around the state should speak out against any harassment against public school employees and students. This is why we’re fighting to elect pro-equality candidates during the mid-term elections.

Equality NC will continue to call out anti-LGBTQIA+ elected officials. Sign up for our newsletter at equalitync.org to stay informed.

Equality North Carolina is the nation's oldest statewide organization committed to securing rights and protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. We aim to ensure that every North Carolinian sees themselves reflected in this movement, working together to create a safer, more equitable world for all marginalized individuals. Together, we can build a better North Carolina.