CNN puts hate group leader on TV and he predictably insults a transgender man

Randy Thomasson, the head of a group that opposes LGBT rights, made sure to insult a transgender man after being invited on television by CNN.

"Thomasson's attempt to disrespect my own gender identity by referring to me as a 'lady' said more about him than me (I'm no lady, and clearly he is no gentleman)," Masen Davis, the Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center, told Raw Story. "I am comfortable in my own skin, and proud of my journey as a transgender man. I have heard, though, from many transgender people and allies who are very upset by his shallow attempt to mis-gender me. Failing to honor the gender identity of a transgender person is a common way for anti-equality zealots to try to undermine our credibility and humanity."

Thomasson, the president of SaveCalifornia.com, appeared alongside Davis on CNN Tuesday afternoon to discuss California's new transgender student rights law.

Thomasson claimed that "sexual indoctrination laws" in California endangered children and that transgender individuals were simply confused. As CNN host Brooke Baldwin was wrapping up the debate, Thomasson drove his point home by remarking, "Hey, good to talk to you ladies."

Media Matters reported that Thomasson had a history of making inflammatory statements on LGBT issues. The Southern Poverty Law Center considers SaveCalifornia.com to be a hate group.

"I am surprised and disappointed that CNN relied on Randy Thomasson, described by Media Matters as the leader of an 'anti-LGBT hate group,' to discuss the passage of California's AB1266 (the School Success and Opportunity Act). Thomasson's extremist sentiments exemplify why transgender youth and adults alike need legal protection from discrimination and bias. I urge CNN to engage more reasoned and legitimate 'experts' in future segments about transgender issues," Davis told Raw Story.

California Governor Jerry Brown (D) on Monday signed legislation that protects transgender students access to sex-segregated activities, sports teams, programs, and facilities consistent with their gender identity.

Watch video, via Media Matters, below:

[Note: Updated with comment from Masen Davis.]