Over the weekend, comedian Cameron Esposito performed alchemy, turning a hateful tweet from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee into fundraising gold for a transgender support line.
Last week, Gov. Mike Huckabee tweeted a ‘joke’ about how Sen. Chuck Schumer (who recently shed a tear recalling his family that died in the Holocaust) would be starring in a remake of the film ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ (about the brutal murder of transgender man Brandon Teena).
Breaking news from Hollywood! Sen. Chuck Schumer cast in lead role for remake of "Boys Don't Cry."
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 5, 2017
Esposito initially responded with biting humor.
Hmm see Mike I believe trans actors should play trans roles.
But cool that u'd highlight LGBT folks' need for anti-hate legislation. https://t.co/7pvPYcFQ7X
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
But then she took her outrage and turned it into money for a worthy cause: Trans Lifeline, a crisis line for the transgender community.
Thanks @GovMikeHuckabee for the reminder to take daily action to support my community. Also: u are a jerk. pic.twitter.com/iy1UzBPAz9
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
Before long, the idea took off. People started donating, offering matches, and tagging Huckabee all along the way.
I guess @GovMikeHuckabee can take my job telling jokes. I work in fundraising: https://t.co/ds26GeAfvC https://t.co/B9jedk0RIo
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017
Esposito says $13,000 has been raised for Trans Lifeline in memory of Brandon Teena.
She says she hoping to raise $15,000 in 24 hours.
My goal is $15k in 24hrs – which was @Translifeline's entire fundraising goal yesterday. About $2k left.https://t.co/ds26GeAfvC https://t.co/lcY8nGXusV
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) February 5, 2017