Genderfluid drag queen running for New York school board

A ‘genderfluid’ male who cross-dresses and performs as a drag queen is running for a seat on a New York school board.

Chris D’Orso announced his candidacy for Penfield School Board election on Friday, featuring a photo of him in women’s clothes.

In his announcement, he claimed to be “openly queer” and “grounded” in DEI.

“My work has always been grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I’m a proud lifelong New York State resident and a product of the public education system,” D’Orso wrote. “I am a strong union supporter and lifelong education union member from my work in SUNY [State University of New York] and will always advocate for the strength and the larger community.

“I am also openly queer and a vibrant member and proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Despite self-identifying as “queer,” D’Orso warned against using his “queerness” as a “weapon against him.”

“Hateful comments will be deleted, and any visitor whose comments hurt and shame anyone will be blocked.” 

In response to his candidacy, questions were raised about D’Orso’s possible political agenda.  

“I’m concerned that you would block people who may have questions about queerness,” one person said. “Would you answer questions from the public?” 

All other comments questioning his campaign have been deleted, and restrictions have been set on who can comment on his election platform social media page. 

If elected, deleting comments or blocking people could be viewed as unlawful “viewpoint discrimination,” according to the New York State Association of School Attorneys.  

Libs of TikTok questioned his reasons for running for a spot on the board.  

“This man with a fetish for wearing women’s clothing wants to be in charge of your kids’ education,” Libs of TikTok posted on X. “Parents, beware!”  

“There’s a clear line between an adult having a fetish and [said] adult promoting that fetish at work,” one person responded. “There’s a clearer line between that adult pushing their fetish onto children. We’re all entitled to our legal private lives. But Chris D’Orso is clearly crossing many lines.” 

Adding to the concerns, D’Orso has “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Fifty Shades Darker,” “Delight Me,” and “City of Heavenly Fire” listed as some of his favorite books.  

Since announcing his campaign, his personal Facebook and Instagram accounts have been made private.  

The school board election is scheduled to take place on May 21.