Gay grandfather with stage four cancer fined for trans rights protest

A gay grandad with stage four cancer has been fined thousands of dollars for taking part in a trans rights protest. 

Known online as “angry gay grandpa”, James Lantz pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and misdemeanour vandalism, on Tuesday (8 July). 

The charges related to a demonstration in April last year, when he interrupted a Pennsylvania state senate session by distributing flyers and yelling at Republican Ryan Aument, who had sponsored several anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Lantz glued his hand to a railing on the fourth-floor visitors’ gallery. 

His protest followed Aument’s refusal to respond to his request to discuss suicide among trans youngsters. During his court appearance, Lantz cited five people who took their own lives in Lancaster County between 2022 and 2024.

Lantz was fined a total of $33,150 (close to £24,400) for the damages, carpet replacement, to remove the glue and for repairs to the wood trim, the Advocate reported.

‘I knew I had to act’

He told Dauphin County judge William Tully: “I felt that if the cycle could be interrupted, even by one voice, one story, we might save a life. Here or nationally. Time, I believed, was of the essence. I knew I had to act. I also knew my time was limited. I have stage four cancer.”

Lantz has been raising money to fund an advert supporting LGBTQ+ youngsters. So far $42,000 (£30,900) of its $70,000 (£51,500) goal has been pledged.

A statement from Lantz on a GoFundMe states: “The whole reason I started the Angry Gay Grandpa web series and created the Not Losing You company, was to help prevent self-harm in trans and LGBTQ youth, especially those kids in rural areas and red states.

“In order to keep doing that and give these kids some encouragement, I wanted to take bishop Budde’s example and address president Trump directly, to stand up for these kids and let them know that many people are rooting for them.” 

In April, bishop Mariann Budde called on Donald Trump to show mercy for LGBTQ+ children, migrants and refugees.

“I remember what I endured as a closeted teen in the 70s”, Lantz said. “I don’t want to see another LGBTQ kid die by suicide. Our kids are suffering: physically, mentally and emotionally. I did what I felt I had to do.”

Suicide is preventable. Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (samaritans.org), or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.

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