[Editor's note: Language warning]
Karl Julian is running for Vestavia Hills City Council Place 2, but voters looking for information on what he thinks of those seeking to protect women's spaces and sports from men or those who seek to protect young children from radical gender ideology, those Julian once called "assholes," won't find it easily on his social media page.
Shortly after declaring his intention to run, Julian began rebranding himself as a "Voice for every neighbor."
Julian posted in February, "The 'What Is A Woman?' bill that was signed into law today here in Alabama is only the latest example of bigoted horseshit. There's no reason for its existence other than to green light the discrimination, harassment and intimidation of transgender individuals. Full stop."
He went on to say, "I know Alabama is gonna Alabama… but we're not all the same. Some of us, like me, genuinely do are about you," posting it with a LGBTQ+ flag image that says, "I'm a safe person."
Months before that, he posed in a shirt adorned with the logo "Protect Trans Kids or the Devil Will Get You," a takeoff on the famed "Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You" sign located on Interstate 65 north of Prattville. BAO is associated with drag performances and many pro-LGBTQ causes in the Birmingham area.
That image, which was his profile image before he became a candidate, has subsequently been deleted from his Facebook page.
Julian's previous community advocacy included being quoted in an August 2021 article advocating for a mask mandate for Vestavia Schools and support for the Magic City Acceptance Academy, which was flouting the state's DEI laws as recently as last year.
In a comment on a donation to the Magic City Acceptance Center prom, Julian donated $50 and commented, "Donating in honor of Tim James, Lindy Blanchard and all the other assholes in AL spreading hate and lies. You guys rock, and keep up the great work!!"
The Vestavia Voice reported in 2021, "Julian said he finds it strange that the school board seems 'adamant' on not following health guidelines set by the CDC and ADPH as well as other health officials that have recommended the same thing."
"I asked him 'why aren't you following the guidance' and he said 'well we are; they recommend masks and we strongly recommend masks," Julian said. "He knows they should. They know … Dr. Mark Wilson is not going to mandate anything because last time he did that, he almost lost his job."
These posts, among others, are a far cry from his recent Facebook message that said in part, "I don't have any hidden motives or priorities beyond what my campaign slogan says: to be 'A Voice for EVERY Neighbor'. I'm not looking to radically change anything."
A call and text by 1819 News has not been returned.
The election will be held on August 26. Information, including sample ballots, polling places and absentee voting information, can be found on the City of Vestavia Election website here.
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