Soren Aldaco, a detransitioner, expressed her disappointment in an interview, stating she was barred from attending a CNN town hall with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. She attempted to participate in the event held earlier this month but received a late response from the organizers, which prevented her from engaging with Talarico.
During her appearance on The Katie Miller Podcast, the 23-year-old discussed her journey of seeking medical treatment as a teenager after being groomed online. She criticized Talarico and expressed the need for a direct conversation with him regarding his stance on gender transition policies.
“He needs to have a long-form conversation, a real face-to-face with someone like me,” Aldaco stated. She attempted to join the event room to address important issues and convey her message effectively. However, she was informed that she could not participate.
CNN and Jubilee Media organized the town hall on October 14. Talarico answered audience questions, moderated by Erin Burnett. This event coincided with the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling on June 26, which favored Aldaco’s claims against her therapist and counseling provider. The court reversed a lower court’s finding that her lawsuit was “time-barred” under the two-year statute of limitations for healthcare liability claims.
Miller sought Aldaco’s perspective on Talarico’s inaccuracies regarding gender transition policies. Aldaco remarked, “He’s failing to acknowledge the repercussions of his past mistakes.” Although Talarico admitted his misinformation on the topic, Aldaco stressed the importance of considering repercussions.
Aldaco attempted to communicate with Talarico over several bills and legislative sessions, advocating changes that would assist individuals who currently identify as transgender.
In the town hall, Talarico addressed his past comments on God and gender. Sarah Gardner, a Republican small business owner, questioned Talarico’s statements about faith and social issues.
“You’ve said some concerning things related to faith and social issues,” Gardner stated. She queried whether Talarico believed the Bible as the ultimate source of truth.
Talarico affirmed his belief in the Bible’s authority. He explained his earlier statements as provocative, paralleling them to his interpretation of scripture compared to viewpoints like Charlie Kirk’s.
Talarico later attributed his controversial remarks to the need to counter Republican extremism. He stated, “I was put in a position where I had to fight back.” Despite these issues, Talarico emphasized his initial campaign focus on public education.
He pointed out that Republicans were fixated on discussing transgender topics, which compelled him to address these subjects during his campaign.
Talarico’s campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.