ABC News Says Transgenders 'Hardest Hit' in the L.A. Fires

ABC News claims that transgender individuals were the “hardest hit” by recent wildfires in Los Angeles, arguing that the destruction of three transitional homes impacted them more than others. This framing ignores the widespread devastation suffered by thousands who lost their homes, businesses, and community spaces.

Key Facts:

Deadly wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed thousands of homes, churches, businesses, and community centers.
ABC News reported that transgender residents were disproportionately affected due to the loss of three transitional housing units.
These transitional homes also served as halfway houses for formerly incarcerated individuals and homeless people.
ABC emphasized the loss of a “safe space” for transgender residents, linking it to mental health and gender-affirming care.
Other publications, like *The Advocate*, focused on the loss of a restaurant that hosted LGBTQ+ events.

The Rest of The Story:

The wildfires that tore through Los Angeles left behind widespread destruction, displacing thousands of residents from all walks of life.

Homes, businesses, churches, and public spaces were reduced to ashes, with some individuals losing their lives.

ABC News, however, focused on the impact on transgender residents, particularly those in three transitional homes that provided various support services.

The network framed the destruction as disproportionately affecting this group, citing the loss of a “safe space” meant for healing and recovery.

Some of Los Angeles' most vulnerable residents were impacted when Art House and Start House were destroyed by the Eaton fire. Now, the community is trying to rebuild to continue to support them. ❤️https://t.co/WA113Vc79w pic.twitter.com/IpTzajRLwG

— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 21, 2025

While these facilities offered gender-affirming care, they also housed recently incarcerated individuals and the homeless.

Beyond the housing loss, The Advocate lamented the destruction of a local restaurant that hosted LGBTQ+ gatherings.

While every displaced resident undoubtedly faces hardship, ABC’s framing suggested transgender individuals were uniquely impacted, rather than acknowledging the broader tragedy that affected thousands.

Commentary:

Wildfires do not discriminate.

They burn homes, businesses, and lives indiscriminately, leaving destruction in their wake.

The idea that any one group suffered more than another based on identity politics rather than tangible loss is absurd.

ABC’s claim that transgender individuals were the “hardest hit” is not only misleading but offensive to every family who lost their home, every business owner who saw their livelihood reduced to rubble, and every community that must now rebuild from nothing.

The reality is that thousands of people—of all backgrounds—lost everything.

Their suffering is not contingent on gender identity, race, or any other demographic.

ABC’s focus on transgender victims while downplaying the broader devastation is a clear example of selective reporting driven by an agenda.

Furthermore, the transitional homes in question were not exclusive to transgender individuals; they also housed former inmates and homeless residents.

Yet, the report prioritizes one group’s hardship while ignoring the others.

What about the elderly couple who lost their lifelong home?

The small business owner whose shop was burned to the ground?

The churches that provided solace to struggling families?

Natural disasters impact entire communities, and the response should be about rebuilding together—not singling out one group as more deserving of sympathy.

Tragedy should unite people, not be used to push ideological narratives.