Charlie Kirk once welcomed a young gay man into the conservative movement, emphasizing that the most important part of his identity isn’t defined by ‘what he does in the bedroom.’
Kirk was fatally shot in front of a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University as part of his ‘The American Comeback Tour’ on Wednesday afternoon.
The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder became a prominent figure in American politics through his strong appeal to young conservatives, frequently debating college students across the country on major political issues.
During one of these discussions, a young gay man – seeking to understand his place within conservative politics – asked Kirk what message he had for members of the LGBTQ+ community who need to realize they have a choice.
The man in the video, who goes by Chris, reshared the clip on X Thursday morning following Kirk’s assassination.
‘This clip is what changed my mind and made me realize everyone on the left was wrong about Charlie Kirk,’ he captioned the post. ‘May he rest in peace.’
In the video, Chris introduces himself as gay while addressing Kirk through a microphone, with a crowd of attendees gathered behind him.
He began by acknowledging that it can be difficult for gay conservatives to feel accepted, admitting he believes there aren’t many of them, and asked Kirk what advice he would offer.
Charlie Kirk welcomed a young gay man (pictured) into the conservative movement during one of his nationwide discussions, emphasizing that the most important part of his identity isn’t defined by ‘what he does in the bedroom’
Kirk was shot dead in front of a crowd of thousands at Utah University campus as part of his ‘The American Comeback Tour’ on Wednesday afternoon (pictured: chaos of aftermath)
During a past discussion, a young gay man named Chris – seeking to understand his place within conservative politics – asked Kirk what message he had for members of the LGBTQ + community who need to realize they have a choice (pictured: Kirk before shooting)
Immediately, Kirk opened by welcoming him to the movement.
‘I don’t think you should introduce yourself just based on your sexual attraction because that’s not who you are,’ the father-of-two responded.
Chris nodded in agreement, placing a hand on his chest as he replied sympathetically, ‘I like to be thought of as a person.’
‘You are a complete human being, and I’m sure you treat people well, and you’re studying something,’ Kirk continued.
‘So, I wanna get away with this idea that you’re gay anything.’
Kirk is widely credited with helping deliver President Donald Trump to the White House in both elections, largely due to his strong engagement with cultural and political issues – particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights, education and religion.
His influence ultimately resonated with conservative Christians, many of whom opposed the increasing societal acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, according to The New York Times.
Although a strong advocate for Christian values and their greater role in everyday life, Kirk reminded Chris that society has often made him feel as though his sexual orientation is the only thing that defines him – when, in reality, it’s far from the truth.
In response, Kirk (pictured) said that while he didn’t agree with Chris’s lifestyle as a Christian, he was confident they shared common values – stronger borders and a stronger nation – and added, for that, ‘we welcome you to the conservative movement’
Kirk is widely credited with helping deliver President Donald Trump to the White House in both elections, largely due to his strong engagement with cultural and political issues – particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights, education and religion
The activist leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, with whom he had a three-year-old daughter and a son, 16 months. The pair celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May (pictured: family)
‘I just think that we have gone a long way in the negative direction in this country where we act as if the most important part of your identity is what you do in the bedroom,’ Kirk said.
The conservative influencer also noted that although he welcomed the man into his political movement, his so-called ‘lifestyle’ was not consistent with his beliefs.
‘It doesn’t mean that much to me, but if you asked from a perspective as a Christian, I don’t agree with that lifestyle,’ he added. ‘But politics is about addition and multiplication.
‘I imagine you agree with a lot of what we talk about – strong borders, strong country – and for that, you know, we welcome you to the conservative movement.’
Kirk, known for his fierce MAGA views and combative debates with college kids across the country, collapsed immediately after being hit in the neck by a single shot from about 200 yards.
He was answering a question about mass shootings mere seconds before he was struck. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but was declared dead two-and-a-half hours later.
The activist leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, with whom he had a three-year-old daughter and a son, 16 months. The pair celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May.
President Donald Trump led the tributes for the late political commentator. ‘The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,’ he wrote on Truth Social.
‘He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!’
The President has ordered all American flags to be lowered to half-staff until Sunday evening at 6pm EST in honor of Kirk.
