By: Paul Goldberg – Senior Correspondent | Florida LGBTQ Politics
BROWARD COUNTY, FL — (July 8, 2026) — Republican congressional candidate Rod Joseph, who is seeking his party’s nomination in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, is drawing criticism after stating that people cannot be born gay and suggesting that sexual orientation is a personal preference rather than an innate characteristic.
Joseph made the remarks during a joint interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, where Republican candidates discussed issues facing voters ahead of the August primary. His comments have since generated responses from fellow candidates, LGBTQ advocates, and political leaders across South Florida.
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The district includes Wilton Manors, widely recognized as one of Florida’s largest LGBTQ communities, along with portions of Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park.
Candidate Says Sexual Orientation Is a Choice
During the interview, Joseph stated:
“You cannot be born gay. That’s impossible biologically.”
He also described sexual orientation as a matter of preference.
“Sexual preference from the Roman Empire to date, it’s always a preference.”
In additional comments, Joseph expressed concern that LGBTQ identities are influenced by outside factors.
“Most of the people, they’re victims of sexual abuse at the very young age.”
To support his position, Joseph referenced animal behavior.
“Look at the natural habitat. You never see a lion that mate(s) with a male lion for life. You never see a giraffe, a male giraffe, that mate(s) with a giraffe. Myself right now saying I am a giraffe, that doesn’t mean it’s true.”
However, those claims have been challenged by wildlife researchers and documentary filmmakers. Recent productions including “Queer Planet” (2024) and “Animal Pride: Nature’s Coming Out Story” (2025) highlight documented same-sex behavior across hundreds of animal species, including lions, giraffes, penguins, dolphins and primates. Scientific literature has similarly documented same-sex sexual behavior in numerous species for decades.
LGBTQ Community Leaders Push Back
Joseph’s remarks quickly prompted criticism from candidates across the political spectrum.
Republican candidate Lateresa “LA” Jones rejected Joseph’s characterization of sexual orientation.
“I am Black, American born and raised in this country, and I do find that I can’t make a statement like that because I don’t know how God made people. I do not.”
Jones continued:
“I do know as I look over history, especially our history, there were so many people that had to not become who they actually are because of societal pressure.”
She concluded:
“I pray that we become a nation where we embrace people for who God created them to be and who they are.”
Republican candidate Brent Andersen also criticized anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, calling a separate social media post by Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles “an outrageous statement that should be condemned.”
Democratic Candidate Calls Claims “Baseless”
Democratic congressional candidate Elijah Manley, who is openly gay and also seeking Florida’s 20th District seat, rejected Joseph’s assertions.
“I think his response is incredibly ignorant. You’re born the way you are.”
Manley also challenged Joseph’s comments linking sexual orientation to abuse.
“Using science to push a bigoted, transphobic, homophobic agenda is shameful.”
He added that Joseph’s statements about animals were also inaccurate.
“There are plenty of animals that engage in relationships with animals of the same gender.”
Equality Florida Responds
Stratton Pollitzer, CEO and Executive Director of Equality Florida, argued that voters are increasingly focused on economic concerns rather than cultural divisions.
“When they have no real solutions to offer on the issues that matter most to Floridians — affordability, housing, rising insurance costs, strengthening our economy — right wing politicians resort to their tired smokescreen of division, outrage and distraction. But voters are seeing through it and refusing to be duped.”
Additional Interview With WPEC News
Joseph reiterated similar views during a separate interview with WPEC Channel 12 News in West Palm Beach, where he defended his position that people are not born gay and again characterized sexual orientation as a matter of personal choice. The television interview further expanded public attention surrounding the controversy as the congressional primary campaign continues.
A Competitive Primary in a Heavily Democratic District
Florida’s 20th Congressional District remains one of the state’s safest Democratic seats, encompassing much of central Broward County after recent redistricting. Independent election analysts, including the Cook Political Report, continue to rate the district as safely Democratic, meaning the eventual Democratic nominee is widely viewed as the favorite in the November general election.
Joseph, a U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 2024, is one of four Republicans competing in the August primary.
For continuing coverage of Florida LGBTQ Politics, congressional races, LGBTQ civil rights, and the policies shaping equality across the Sunshine State, stay with JRL CHARTS, your trusted source for LGBTQ political news and analysis.
