It has been suggested that this article be merged with Robby Starbuck. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2024. |
The War on Children is a documentary by Robby Starbuck.[1] It premiered on X (formerly Twitter) in February 2024.[1]
In 2023, the filmmakers attempted to interview transgender activist Eli Erlick and Nebraska Senator Megan Hunt in the documentary.[2] After discovering that Robby Starbuck was behind the film, Erlick posted warnings on her social media. Rolling Stone noted that LGBTQ+ community members and allies accused the filmmakers of having used deceptive practices in trying to gain their cooperation.[3] Drag queen Veronika Electronika told Rolling Stone she was misled into doing an interview for the film, and her conversation was heavily edited.[3] The filmmakers also invited drag queen activist Lil Miss Hot Mess to participate, but she withdrew after learning who they were.[3]
The documentary contains interviews with Riley Gaines, Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok, and US Senator Rand Paul, among others.[1] The film's website states that it "exposes the WAR that's being waged on children today through gender ideology, ESG, CRT, sexualization of entertainment, sex trafficking, online exploitation, TikTok, Big Pharma and more."[4] The film opposes gender-affirming care[5] and promotes the conspiracy theory that toxic chemicals were responsible for causing children to identify as LGBTQ+.[6] News outlets have described the film as "anti-trans".[1][3]
The film was recommended by Elon Musk.[7] Previously Musk had promoted the trailer, which then received over 30 million views.[3] A group planned to screen the film at a movie theater in Vernon, British Columbia, but another local group worked with the theater to cancel the screening due to concerns about the film harming marginalized people and potentially going against the Human Rights Code of British Columbia.[8][9] In Ottawa County, Michigan, a commissioner promoted the film during a public meeting,[10] which may have been against county policy.[11]