In some situations I totally think dialogue is appropriate. Ive even stated to varying degrees that I think there can be rushes to judgment that make activism into an elite in-crowd where not knowing the right rhetoric can get someone ostracized in a moments notice. But RuPaul isnt some newcomer to LGBTQ issues. RuPaul has been doing this for years and has frequently been criticized and issued many non-apologies as response. His show has celebrated racism as edgy satire, he barred transgender contestants until recently, and challenges are sometimes constructed to specifically malign larger contestants. The judges routinely pick through the contestants physical features scanning for signs of failing to pass (stubble, showing too shoulders, not tucking well enough, etc.), which encourages the LGBQ community to do the same when they see trans women. I see it all the time: a friend getting asked Are you a man or a woman? at a queer dance party, the casual use of tranny or shemale by fans of the show. We need to start calling it like it is: RuPaul is nothing short of a purveyor of exploitation of trans women. Our misery is his profit and GLAADs lukewarm response played right into his hands, making this whole controversy nothing but free advertising. I agree that many drag queens are allies of trans women. I agree that generally when things happen in-house they should be handled differently, especially with older members. But where do we say enough is enough? Does GLAAD really think that something like this wont happen again? This show has always generated viewing by shock rock principles of offense. Thats why I dont watch it. And yes I do watch bad TV. But when it is supposedly a show with the LGBTQ community in mind, shouldnt we hold our standards a little higher?
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 01:42:36 +0000
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