During a rally for Republican Virginia gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, a black woman and current Lieutenant Governor, a white liberal protester held up a sign that read, "Hey Winsome - if trans can't share your bathroom, then BLACKS can't share my WATER FOUNTAIN." The sign referenced segregation-era racial discrimination and was intended to criticize Earle-Sears's opposition to allowing transgender boys to use girls' bathrooms in schools. The protest occurred in Arlington, Virginia, and the sign quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders across Virginia. Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger's campaign was linked to the protester, who reportedly worked as a door knocker for Spanberger. Earle-Sears publicly criticized her opponent for not immediately condemning the sign, calling it an "absolutely racist statement." The incident has intensified tensions in the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial race, highlighting divisions over transgender bathroom policies and race. The controversy also drew attention to the broader political debate on transgender inclusion in schools and fairness in girls' sports, with related discussions ongoing among Democratic figures such as Rep. Seth Moulton. Virginia leaders described the sign as "repulsive" and "racist," and organizers at the event reportedly asked the protester to remove the sign due to its negative media attention.