Let’s delve into the details on this matter. Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old member of the U.S. Air Force, intentionally set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy of the United States in protest against the U.S.’s involvement in Israel’s ongoing genocidal actions in Palestine.
From this act, it’s undeniable that Bushnell aimed to bring attention to the unimaginable humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine and to prompt Western societies to confront it. Furthermore, it’s reasonable to infer that he did not intend to romanticize suicide, seek hero status, or fuel any distracting narratives. His focus was on highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis at hand.
However, amidst discussions surrounding Bushnell’s actions, a narrative emerged questioning whether he was a closeted transgender woman. Despite speculation stemming from his Twitch account name “LillyAnarKitty,” there is no concrete evidence suggesting that Bushnell explicitly expressed a desire to be identified with feminine pronouns during his life or following his death. Engaging in such speculation only serves to divert attention away from the dire situation in Gaza, where Israel’s reprehensible operations continue unabated.
For those genuinely interested in honoring Bushnell’s memory, it is imperative to remain focused on the issue he sacrificed his life to address. Bushnell did not invite scrutiny regarding his gender identity, and if he were indeed a closeted transgender woman, he would have made his wishes known regarding how to address him in death.
