Controversy Erupts Over Lincoln Councilmember's Comments on LGBTQ+ Issues

Holly Andreatta, a city council member in Lincoln, California, is facing significant backlash following comments she made regarding her daughter's sexual orientation during a meeting at Twelve Bridges High School. Speaking to students involved in "Club America," a chapter of Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA, Andreatta attributed her daughter's lesbian identity to childhood trauma. She stated, "my oldest daughter had a lot of trauma as a child," suggesting that this trauma was a contributing factor to her daughter's sexual orientation. This assertion has led to protests from students and their families, with over 300 individuals signing a petition demanding the club's closure.

The Advocate

The remarks quickly circulated on social media, prompting a wave of criticism. At a recent Western Placer Unified School District board meeting, community members voiced their opposition to both Andreatta's comments and the presence of "Club America." Many attendees called for her fellow council members to censure her for her statements. In response to the backlash, Andreatta initially claimed that the video of her remarks had been manipulated by artificial intelligence. However, she later issued a public apology to her daughter, clarifying, "I did not say that trauma causes homosexuality. I never said that, nor would I ever say that or think that."

The Advocate

Andreatta's apology included a recognition of her daughter's autonomy, stating, "Her story is hers alone, and I should not have shared personal details about her trauma." This statement reflects a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding LGBTQ+ identities and the impact of childhood experiences. Research indicates that while LGBTQ+ individuals report higher rates of abuse during childhood, there is no evidence to support a direct causal relationship between trauma and sexual orientation.

The Advocate

Critics of Andreatta's comments argue that her statements perpetuate harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals. Data from the Williams Institute highlights that LGBTQ+ people are nearly four times more likely to experience violent victimization, including sexual assault, due to their identities. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of understanding these dynamics without attributing sexual orientation to trauma.

The Advocate

The Lincoln City Council is scheduled to meet on January 13 at 6 p.m. local time, where the ongoing controversy surrounding Andreatta's remarks and the future of "Club America" may be further addressed. A spokesperson for the school district noted that any decisions regarding the club would adhere to board policy and relevant laws, indicating that the petition's impact may be limited.

The Advocate

• “I want to publicly apologize to my daughter. Her story is hers alone, and I should not have shared personal details about her trauma. To be absolutely clear: I did not say that trauma causes homosexuality. I never said that, nor would I ever say that or think that. I was referring to a very specific personal experience.” — Holly Andreatta, Lincoln City Councilmember

The Advocate

• “I am the same person I have always been, kind, principled, inclusive and committed to respectful dialogue. A manipulated video does not change the truth.” — Holly Andreatta, Lincoln City Councilmember

The Advocate