There’s something supremely ironic about Ron DeSantis’ opposition to gender-affirming care. What is it, other than allowing someone to acknowledge the person they identify as and letting them pursue their true self?

And what’s ironic about it?

Well, the 5-foot-8 DeSantis frequently “identifies” as 5-foot-11, while using heel lifts in his shoes to create the appearance of being taller. That’s right, Ron identifies as tall, and even uses a “medical” device to do so.

That’s the allegation, anyway. There’s plenty of proof to the speculation, of course, or it would have died down by now. Many folks opposed to Donald Trump gave up on the theory when Trump started mentioning it while DeSantis was still in the primary race.

But at least among the marginalized, the rumor has persisted.

So at a presser on the 15th, journalist Corey Hill asked about it straightforwardly:

Governor DeSantis, you have spoken out about the “woke agenda” of gender fluidity and also have come out against gender-affirming care.

So I was hoping you could square your opposition to gender-affirming care and for people choosing their own gender identity with your frequent wearing of lifts and you hoping to choose your own height measurements.

Now, I’m not a huge fan of “gotcha” journalism, but if we’re being honest, this is actually journalism at its finest. It took not only seeing that angle — DeSantis picking his height like he thinks transgender people “pick” their gender identity — but also the bravery to ask him in public about it.

“Nice try,” DeSantis chuckled, saying “Next!”

But the crowd was laughing at him. It was too late. The genie was out of the bottle.

The look of terror on Ron DeSantis’ face when he finally heard Hill bring his question to its head was absolutely priceless. DeSantis has dodged variations on the lift inquiry countless times, but it just won’t go away. There are too many odd pictures of him in boots with toes far too long and weird angles on the heels for him to just dismiss it outright.

And if he DOES wear lifts, which seems all but certain, using prostheses to do so, then the hypocrisy is staggering.

During his reign of terror administration as governor of Florida, DeSantis has waged all-out war against the entire LGBTQ+ community. He was behind the ban in 2021 of transgender girls competing in school sports. The following year he signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Then he banned gender-affirming care for trans youth in 2023 and even tried to ban AP Psychology from schools because it discusses LGBTQ+ identities.

We’ll make you a deal, Ron. You learn to say she instead of he in those cases where you don’t want to, and we’ll pretend like you’re the height I’ve been since I was in 8th grade.

Few moments ago I asked DeSantis a question at his bullshit presser about his opposition to gender affirming care given his love of lifts. DeSantis is a bully, and a coward and a loser. "Nice try indeed." Show us the shoes, fucker! pic.twitter.com/CTm2SZfgG1

— Corey Hill (@NewsCHill) February 15, 2024