Bid to stop ‘transphobic’ series
The US Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) have launched a media campaign in a bid to stop the airing of a new television series they say mocks transgender peoples struggles in the workplace.
Work It, on America’s ABC network, follows two straight male characters after they are fired from their jobs as car salesman and decide to pose as women to land careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
GLAAD and HRC have taken out a full-page ad in entertainment industry magazine Variety attacking the show.
“By encouraging the audience to laugh at the characters’ attempts at womanhood, the show gives license to similar treatment of transgender women…,” the ad reads.
“Since ABC has a record of positive portrayals of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, they should know how offensive this show is, and that it even has the potential to jeopardize the safety of many transgender Americans in the process.”
The organisations also claim the show could contribute to the high levels of job discrimination that transgender Americans face and will give license for people to mock and ridicule those whose gender expression might not fit with what society considers the norm.
GLAAD and HRC want the show shut down completely before its January 3 debut and are meeting with ABC executives in the coming days.
ABC’s president Paul Lee defended the network’s decision to air the show, claiming that it made him “cackle with laughter”.
“Sometimes you pick up a pilot just because it absolutely makes you cackle with laughter, and that was the case with Work It,” he told journalists.
“I make absolutely no excuses for that show. We didn’t think this room would like it, and I don’t think we have a problem with that.”
Are you joking Brenty? This is not about transgender. Its a comedy. It looks just like Tootsie and Mrs Doubtfire. I’ll watch it…
Ryan, do you know any transgender people? I am Not talking about silly crossdressers, drag queens or what I call ‘part-timers’ who are NOT transexuals! If you don’t, then I suggest you take the time to sit down and chat to some!
I have many transexual friends and it is ‘tough’ transitioning and being actively involved in the general community. Most Australians think the ‘worst’ when they encounter transexuals and ‘American trash/rubbish’ is not going to help the education of the Australian population.
Seriously, this looks funny. Isn’t this just another example of the politically correct police having nothing to do?
Gender bender TV shows and movies have been around for ever. Some Like It Hot is considered a classic – should we now have it removed too???
Find a real issue to fight for and leave stuff like this alone. If its not funny, it won’t sell and will come off the air…