Barry Humphries’ transphobic comments a distraction from real issues

Barry Humphries’ transphobic comments a distraction from real issues

LEADING trans advocates have condemned transphobic comments made by Australian entertainer Barry Humphries, not only for the negative impact they could have on the trans community but because they take attention away from more important issues.

Humphries, 81, who rose to international fame playing drag character Dame Edna Everage said in an interview with British newspaper The Daily Telegraph that Caitlyn Jenner — arguably the world’s most famous trans woman — was a “publicity-seeking ratbag”.

Humphries said: “I agree with Germaine [Greer]. You’re a mutilated man, that’s all. Self-mutilation, what’s all this carry-on?

“Caitlyn Jenner — what a publicity-seeking ratbag. It’s all given the stamp — not of respectability, but authenticity or something. If you criticise anything you’re racist or sexist or homophobic.”

Transgender Victoria executive director Sally Goldner said the feeling in the trans community was that people were sick of debating their existence.

“I acknowledge Barry Humphries is an artist, performer and entertainer, but that doesn’t mean he’s an expert on transgender issues,” she told Star Observer.

“I’ll go on my gut instinct that he thinks any publicity is good, like his friend Germaine, that any headline is good.

“His remarks are hateful and promote vilification.”

GLOBE Awards
Transgender Victoria executive director Sally Goldner,

Goldner also said media coverage of Humphries’ comments took the attention away from important trans issues such as health and documentation.

“They’re not being talked about and they should be,” she said.

Goldner recommended trans people seek support services, such as QLife, if they feel affected by transphobia.

Young Victorian of the Year finalist and Minus 18 communications manager Margot Fink said that while Caitlyn Jenner hasn’t been a perfect role model, no trans person deserved to be treated badly.

“It’s really quite disappointing and a wasted opportunity to speak out against bigotry,” she said.

“Especially for someone who has made their name on gender non-conformity.

“For a lot of people it’s important to remember Barry Humphries is not a trans person, he’s not even LGBTI… these are our identities and our lives.

“Barry Humphries can take his dress off after his performances… but for trans people when the going gets rough, we can’t shed a costume.”

Margot Fink at Minus 18
Margot Fink (centre) was a finalist in the Victorian Australian of the Year awards. Pictured here with her Minus18 colleagues Tim and Micah. (Image courtesy of Minus18.)

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9 responses to “Barry Humphries’ transphobic comments a distraction from real issues”

  1. I cant believe there are so many gay men Transphobic…one would think they would be the first to understand and be supportive

    • Wow, I really did know that Barry Humphries was gay! He should know better than that, since he is part of the LGBTI community! Australia is truly an embarrassment!

  2. Barry you are well and truly off your trolley mate! You should be in Bloomfield mental hospital right here in Orange NSW, along side Tony Abbott!

  3. A perfect candidate for the Liberal party of Australia! That is the typical attitude of 1940! Malcolm turdface Turnbull and Tony Abbott would love you in his party!

  4. Barry time to retire old man. What a silly old fool. People with a different gender identity or expression should be treated with respect and dignity, on the same basis as for sexual orientation or intersex status. Go home you stupid old man time to retire from show business for good and move into a nursing home!

  5. Sally Goldner is a true champion

    Nicely articulated

    Let’s see if our openly Gay Freedom of Speech Commissioner thinks words hurt now…?

    Cmon Tim Wilson … Do your f….en job and support your community!