Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R) of Tennessee, whom this year led the state senate in its efforts to severely restrict drag performances and ban gender-affirming care for minors, announced on Monday that he would take a break from social media after he was caught interacting obsessively with a thirst-trap Instagram account run by a 20-year-old gay man. McNally stated in a statement that he meant nothing but “interaction and encouragement” when he commented, “way to go, Finn!!! you light up the world!!!” and “you can transform a rainy day into rainbows and happiness” on the youth’s raunchy images. He said, “I apologize for any shame my online postings have caused my family, friends, and coworkers. Due to this, I will pause my social media engagement to reflect and acquire additional direction on social media use.” McNally further refuted the notion that he is an “anti-gay” legislator, stating that he now has “gay friends and even relatives.” He then proceeded to list his accomplishments, including his support for “legislation that would safeguard children” and “traditional marriage,” before concluding inexplicably, “There is no contradiction here.”