Right-Wing "Comedian" Alex Stein Sparks Outrage with Suggestion that Trans People Be Used as ‘Suicide Bombers’ in Military

On August 5, 2025, Alex Stein, a self-described right-wing comedian and online personality, delivered a series of deeply offensive remarks during his testimony at a Texas Senate hearing concerning Senate Bill 7—the so-called “bathroom bill,” which aims to restrict transgender people to using public bathrooms that match their sex assigned at birth . During his appearance, Stein pivoted from discussing the bill to making a string of inflammatory statements targeting transgender people, including suggesting that, due to high suicide rates, transgender individuals could be used in the military as “suicide bombers,” echoing tactics used by terrorist groups .

Stein’s testimony referenced disproven conspiracy theories, including the false claim that transgender people are responsible for a majority of mass shootings in the United States—a narrative widely debunked by experts and refuted by available crime and public health data .

LGBTQ+ advocates and mental health professionals swiftly condemned Stein’s remarks, characterizing them as not only baseless but also profoundly harmful. The suggestion that transgender individuals, who already face disproportionately high rates of violence, discrimination, and mental health challenges, should be used as weapons underscores the persistence of dehumanizing rhetoric in certain political circles .

Dr. Alex Keuroghlian, Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Gender Identity Program, has previously emphasized that exposure to such hostile rhetoric “directly impacts the mental health and well-being of transgender people,” increasing risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide . Advocacy organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD have repeatedly called for public figures to acknowledge the real-life consequences of their words and to refrain from amplifying hate speech against vulnerable communities .

Stein’s appearance comes amid a wave of anti-transgender legislation and rhetoric across the United States. The Texas “bathroom bill,” which was the subject of the hearing, is part of a broader legislative trend seeking to roll back rights and protections for transgender people. In recent years, prominent conservative figures—including public officials and media personalities—have promoted unfounded claims about transgender people and crime, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary .

During his testimony, Stein stated: “I actually like transgenders in the military because, first of all, transgenders are some of the meanest people on planet Earth, so they make a good soldier, don’t you think? And then second of all, transgenders love to do mass shootings. So you know, that’s perfect for a military veteran. And then on top of that, the suicide rate is incredibly high among transgender people, so we could just use them. Like, the Taliban has suicide bombers. Maybe you guys can actually, you know, if you commit suicide, actually help us in the battlefield. So that would be good” .

Stein’s comments were met with outrage and distress from those in attendance, including transgender activists and allies present at the Capitol . Videos of the hearing, widely circulated on social media, quickly went viral and were condemned by organizations across the political spectrum .

In response to the incident, several LGBTQ+ organizations issued statements calling for accountability and a renewed commitment to respectful and factual discourse. Equality Texas, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ Texans, urged lawmakers to denounce hate speech and focus on the real issues facing transgender people in the state, including access to healthcare, housing, and protection from violence.

“Language that dehumanizes transgender people not only creates a hostile environment but also emboldens those who would do harm,” said an Equality Texas spokesperson in a statement provided to local media .

Mental health professionals stress that public figures bear a heightened responsibility to avoid further stigmatizing marginalized groups, particularly given the high rates of suicide and mental distress already faced by transgender individuals due to discrimination and societal prejudice .

The controversy surrounding Alex Stein’s remarks serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing transgender people in the United States in 2025. While progress has been made in some areas of LGBTQ+ rights, the persistence of public transphobia and the mainstreaming of anti-transgender conspiracy theories highlight the urgent need for continued advocacy, education, and allyship.

LGBTQ+ leaders and their allies encourage all citizens to challenge misinformation, support inclusive policies, and use their platforms to amplify voices from within the transgender community. As debates over rights and representation continue in legislative chambers and public forums, the fight for dignity, respect, and safety for all remains as vital as ever.