O'Reilly Compares Transgender People to Ewoks

In the legal segment Tuesday evening on Fox New's O'Reilly Factor, host Bill O'Reilly questions legal analysts Lis Wiehl and Kimberly Guilfoyle on the American Eagle decision to reverse its anti-trans policy.

In the short segment O'Reilly voiced his outrage over the fact that American Eagle caved and now allows "men to dress like women" and "women to dress like men" and to add insult to injury says that "men can now dress like Dolly Parton and be protected." Ms. Wiehl the voice of reason spoke about how gender identity is a protected class in New York state and that the clothing retailer made the right choice.

O'Reilly decided to go even further and raise the ridiculous question over whether "people should be allowed to dress like ewoks?". Wiehl attempted to respond to the insane assertion explaining how gender identity is different, but was cut off by the bullying and overpowering Mr. O'Reilly.



Complaints can be sent to oreilly@foxnews.com.

Word of the Gay: "LGBTQphobia"

"LGBTQphobia" is a relatively unknown term to describe hatred and fear directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning people.

Family Guy's Transphobic Mother's Day Episode

Family Guy an animated television series on Fox aired an extremely transphobic episode on Mother's Day. The episode called "Quagmire's Dad" was about a big life change for his father, a recognized Navy war hero veteran. The episode is filled with homophobic and transphobic language and judgment.

It starts off with the father coming to town and Quagmire's friends commenting on how "gay" the father seemed, because he exhibited gay stereotypes including an (effeminate voice, desire to entertain, drinks Cosmo's, etc). When Quagmire confronts his dad he admits he admits he is not gay but really a woman trapped inside a man's body.

Quagmire asks for support from the Griffin's, the wife Lois offers that her husband Peter will go to the hospital for the sex change operation. Lois and Peter remark that the whole thing seems "pretty gay" but that it is "obviously weird" and Lois finishes off by telling the two men that they should "enjoy the circus" referring to the hospital visitation.

In the waiting room there is the talk of "he/she" and the "penis being chopped off" an obvious disregard of using correct pronouns and propagation of the myth that transwomen remove their penis.

When Quagmire's father transitions she takes on the name Ida and is invited over to the Griffin's for dinner. She brings a pie but Lois immediately tells her daughter to throw it away. This plays on the irrational fears of interacting with trans people. Over dinner Peter asks the inappropriate question "do you miss your penis?" and asks about the legitimacy of her "knockers".

When Ida meets the Griffin's dog, they develop a relationship. The dog (Brian) is thrilled at meeting a new and wonderful woman but gets disgusted and vomits when he finds out she is transgender.

Real issues came up during the episode which explored issues such as orientation & gender identity, coming out, surgery, and family and societal acceptance of transition. Unfortunately the show misrepresented facts about the transgender experience and instead exploited trans people for a few laughs.

Fox accepts feedback on their shows, please tell them transphobic material does not belong on the air and that they should pull the show.
askfox@fox.com

Join the Tribeca Protest Over "Ticked Off Trannies" Film

A demonstration against the Tribeca Film Festival's choice to feature the movie "Ticked Off Trannies With Knives" will take place in NYC tonight. The movie promotes transphobia and makes light of the rape and violence all too often directed at transwomen. In addition to the offensive title of the movie, the film portrays transwomen as being performers.

Below is a trailer for the movie (Warning - Highly offensive and violent material).



Protest:

Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Trans People (MAGNET)
Tuesday April 6th, from 6:30-8pm
Tribeca Cinemas- 54 Varick St, NYC, NY.
For more info email: magnet_right_now@yahoo.com

Be sure to also contact the Tribeca Film Festival and demand the films removal and voice your disapproval.

Tammie Rosen
Vice-President of Communications - Tribeca Film Festival
trosen@tribecaenterprises.com
(212) 941-2003

David Kwok
Director of Programming – Tribeca Film Festival
dkwok@tribecafilmfestival.org
(212) 941-2420

Kimberly Kress
Senior VP, Rubenstein Communications
(212) 843-9394
kkress@rubenstein.com

Film & Programming
(212) 941-2305

To send an email with suggested text to the Tribeca Film Festival contacts above, go to http://www.glaad.org/2010/calltoaction/tribeca.

Tell Life & Style That Focus on the Family Aren't "Experts" in Raising Children

Life & Style a magazine for celebrity news, fashion, beauty trends, and gossip is coming under fire from LGBT activists. The magazine discusses the gender presentation of Shiloh the child of celebrities Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The magazine posts the headline "Why is Angelina Turning Shiloh into a Boy!?" and questions whether it is "harming the three year old?"

"The article cites several so-called "experts," like Glenn Stanton from the virulently anti-gay Focus on the Family who says: "They need help, they need guidance of what that looks like. It's important to teach our children that gender distinction is very healthy" (GLAAD).

Tell Life & Style that Focus on the Family aren't 'experts' in raising children and that targeting children for ridicule about the way they dress is unacceptable, regardless of their parent's celebrity status.

Contact:

Dan Wakeford, Life & Style: Editor-in-Chief
dwakeford@bauer-usa.com

Lindsey Ferraro, Life & Style: Publicity Manager
lferraro@bauer-usa.com
(201) 569-6699

Sarah Drabick
Life & Style: Associate Publicist
sdrabick@bauer-usa.com

The headquarters for Bauer Publishing (which includes an Entertainment Division that is the home of Life & Style and InTouch) is:

270 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Tel: (201) 569-6699
Fax: (201) 510-3297

Tell CW Network Racist and Transphobic Language Have No Place On TV!

High Society Trailer - Real Look. Series Premiere Wednesday, March 10 on the CW network is the subject of controversy. The show is about rich people doing and saying whatever they want. The trailer below shows how racist language like the N word is condoned, and how transphobic insults such as "tranny" are aired.



Please tell the CW Network that racist and transphobic language does not belong on the airwaves and that the women using it must be educated as to why it is wrong.

cwtv.com/feedback/comments

H/T to Planetransgender.

Ten Ways Homophobia & Transphobia Affect Straight People

1. Homophobia and transphobia force us to act "macho" if we are a man or "feminine" if we are a woman. This limits our individuality and self-expression.

2. Homophobia and transphobia put pressure on straight people to act aggressively and angrily towards LGBTQI people.

3. Homophobia and transphobia can make it harder to be close friends with someone of the same sex.

4. Homophobia and transphobia often strain family and community relationships.

5. Homophobia and transphobia can cause youth to become sexually active before they are ready in order to prove they are "normal." This can lead to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

6. Homophobia and transphobia prevent vital information on sex and sexuality to be readily available in classrooms, medical offices, and other educational venues. Without this information, LGBTQI people are putting themselves at a greater risk for HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

7. Homophobia and transphobia can be used to hurt a straight person if they "appear to be gay" and/or express her/his gender outside societal expectations.

8. Homophobia and transphobia make it hard for straight people and LGBTQ people to be friends.

9. Homophobia and transphobia, along with racism, sexism, classism, etc. make it hard to put an end to AIDS.

10. Homophobia and transphobia make it hard to appreciate true diversity and the unique traits that are not “mainstream.”

Crossposted via Q Resources.

The Cleveland Show Features Transphobic Episode

The Cleveland Show an animated series spin off of the Family Guy which appears on Fox has created a disgustingly transphobic episode.

The character Auntie Mama a beloved but "outrageous" woman who is overtly sexual and has poor manners is discovered by Cleveland to have a penis. Cleveland immediately declares her a man and feels sick to his stomach over his discovery. Cleveland's father hits on Auntie Mama and has sex with her and Cleveland debates how to tell his dad that "Auntie Mama is really a man" There were many jokes over her gender identity, and her genitalia. Cleveland confronts Auntie Mama and her voice suddenly deepens and she says she pretends to be a woman so that his wife whose mother died can have a feminine influence in her life. Ultimately, both Cleveland and his dad vomit several times to show their overt disgust with finding out that Auntie Mama is trans.

The entire episode can be seen below:



This show is problematic on multiple levels, for one it questions the characters gender identity, it makes fun of gender, and it reinforces the misconception that transgender people are purposefully deceptive.

Contact Fox to let them know your thoughts:
askfox@fox.com

The Cleveland Show on Twitter.

H/T to Bilerico Project.

Wendy Williams Show Apologizes to Drag Queen Aviance

8/26/09: The Executive Vice President has issued an apology to Ericka Aviance and the LGBT community

“Much of the success of The Wendy Williams Show is due to our incredibly diverse and colorful audience and we all agree that fashion is a true form of self expression. But in an attempt to explain and enforce our show’s dress code, I was not as sensitive as I could have been to Ericka, the LGBT community or drag’s long history of being a target of discrimination. And for that, I sincerely apologize as it was never my intention to offend in any way.” ~ Lonnie Burstein, Executive Vice President, Programming & Production, Debmar-Mercury (GLAAD).

---

8/14/09: The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated talk show by the "shock jockette" herself who talks about a range of topics. Wendy Williams has been considered a friend to the gay community, often appearing to be a drag queen herself, and using many gay terms on the show. That's why it came as a surprise to drag singer Ericka Toure Aviance who was blocked from appearing on the show due to her outfit.

Aviance says "she wore "a black baby-doll dress, heels, tights, and standard makeup — not even anything sparkly … a ponytail piece and a bang piece".

While standing in line outside the studio Wednesday morning, the group was approached by a female intern who noted the fact that Aviance was a drag queen. “She took my name down, so we thought we were about to get VIP treatment,” Aviance recalls. “After another hour we got to the door, and there’s this little white man standing there giving us the eyeball. He gets in our way to prevent us from going in, and he says, ‘You’re in violation of our no-costumes dress code. We usually don’t do this, but we know you’ve been waiting out there for a while, so we’re going to let you in. But you can’t appear on camera, and if you get up for Hot Topics or try to ask Wendy a question, you’ll be removed from the building" (Advocate).

What is really hypocritical is the fact that the Wendy Williams website does state this about their dress code policy:

Is there a dress code?
YES! All audience members may appear on camera. Think trendy…think stylish…think chic! Above all else, think WENDY! Bright colors look best on TV and we ask that you refrain from wearing white. Floral prints and other crazy patterns don’t look good on camera, and we know you want to look your best! Absolutely no hats, sunglasses, costumes, shirts with logos/writing, shorts, or casual tank tops will be permitted.(Wendy Show).

So it appears that Aviance was mistreated for being a drag queen and not based on her attire because her outfit certainly is not a costume.

The Wendy Williams show does not have an official contact form, I urge you to leave a message on her blog, use the Ask Wendy on her site, or contact her via twitter to request an apology.

Dr. Phil's Show Continues to Pathologize Queer Identities

Dr. Phil has been on a crusade to pathologize gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people with shows about "gender confused children" "experimental bisexuality" and by giving a platform to so called experts on "ex-gay therapy" from Focus on the Family. His shows have been so controversial that he has even come under pressure and forced to cancel previous shows on bisexuality and trans children. What's concerning is that Dr. Phil has access to millions of Americans who follow his advice and subcribe to his point of view, rendering it particularly dangerous since his views on GLBT issues are wrong and immoral.

Here at Queers United we have been dedicated to monitoring Dr. Phil's programming and ensure that we hold him accountable for his actions. His upcoming shows continue to raise a red flag merely by their title and description alone and considering his past actions we do not expect any change.

One show called "Teen Experimenting With Bisexuality?" has this description:

"Did your teenager recently tell you he/she is bisexual? Maybe you caught them engaging in same sex activity? Are you torn with how to react?

Do you feel that what your teenager is doing is just a phase? Or maybe you feel like girls kissing girls is the new teenage fad? Do you feel strongly opinionated on the subject?"

This insinuates that bisexuality is not a psychologically sound or stable orientation. We would applaud a show on bisexuality, but not one that gives credence to the myths surrounding it.

Another show that is alarming is called "Struggling With Sexual Identity?"

Are you a woman struggling with sexual identity? Maybe it's causing problems with an addiction? Or maybe you feel you might be in denial about your sexuality?

Did you think you knew who you were but then something or someone opened your eyes to a new you?

It would be wrong to pre-judge or presume what the show will be about beforehand, but again there is serious concern given the track record of the show. Is Dr. Phil asserting that a GLBT identity may be related to addiction, or is he referring to sex addiction regardless of orientation? The shows title raises a red flag because proponents of "ex-gay therapy" often use the terms "struggling" and "sexual identity" to refer to GLBT people.

We urge other bloggers, and webmasters to join our Dr. Phil boycott and alert their readers to the homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic coverage that has been occurring for several months now.

Send your comments to Dr. Phil demanding he stop his anti-LGBT programming.

Sign our twitter petition demanding positive coverage now!

Dr. Phil show
5482 Wilshire Boulevard #1902
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Equality Forward - New Study Released on LGBT People of Color

The Human Rights Campaign has released the newly completed study called Equality Forward, At The Intersection Race, Sexuality, and Gender which examines the lives of LGBT people of color. It is part of a broader initiative to unite gay and straight people of all races and ethnic backgrounds in the quest for equal justice.

Key findings of the report:

• Voices of LGBT POC are not at the forefront of groups fighting to end racial injustice as well as in LGBT equality groups.
• LGBT POC share the same concerns as the rest of the population and have broader issues beyond LGBT specific ones. They are concerned with health care and economic priorities.
• More than 50% of LGBT POC feels as though the Church treats them as outsiders and sinners and feel unwelcome at religious institutions.
• LGBT POC do not feel represented in media, often seeing a lack of LGBT characters altogether, and when present usually white.
• They feel that racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia are issues that must be tackled to prevent violence, discrimination.

HRC encourages feedback and discussion on the topic matter by urging you to share your story.

Fox News Show Red Eye Bashes Pre-Op MTF Boxer

The Fox News show Red Eye hosted by Greg Gutfeld continues to air transphobic remarks at the expense of various transgender people in the public spotlight, now focusing his attention on a boxer who will transition from male to female. We first called Mr Gutfeld out for his outrageous transphobic and horrific remarks about the "Pregnant Man" FTM, Thomas Beatie. He also spewed out offensive remarks against openly gay congressman Barney Frank.

His attention has now turned to British professional boxer Rob Newbiggen who will undergo sex re-assignment surgery. To report on and discuss the controversial and sensitive topic of transgender athletes competing against their newly assigned sex is one thing but Mr. Gutfeld takes it further.



Mr. Gutfeld not respecting the gender identity of the athlete continues to reference them as "he". Mr. Gutfeld also goes on to joke about the athletes desire to model as saying "you go girl, or boy, or whatever" which mocks not only trans modeling but also continues to disrespect gender identification.

One of the guests on the panel jokes about him fighting and losing to another contestant and that "he will probably go back and want to be a man."

But most offensive is the fact that Mr. Gutfeld questions whether this is a "PR stunt" which they laugh about and say "no man would do that, and of course you lose your friends"

It ends with the suggestion by another panelist for a new show called "Million Dollar Tranny"

As always some will say that we are being too sensitive and looking to pick a fight while not understanding the true nature of this 'intelligent comedy'. There is a fine line between funny and offensive when it comes to comedy, and the line has clearly been crossed in this case and in multiple other situations as evidenced by the links above.

Please contact Red Eye and tell them how you will boycott their transphobic program:

Email: redeye@foxnews.com

Phone Fox News: 1-888-369-4762

Word of the Gay: "Transphobia"

"Transphobia" is the irrational fear, prejudice, or outright hatred and discrimination towards transsexual and transgender people.

International Day Against Homophobia/Transphobia Challenge

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Day of Silence - 4.17.09

This is a guest post by Renee over at Womanist Musings:

The National Day of Silence is fast approaching. On April 17th to support our TLBG members, spend the day in silence and let the world know that there is a cost to the violence that they are forced to endure because we refuse to believe in the equality of all bodies.



We need to realize that each day a life is snuffed out somewhere on this planet for the supposed crime of loving another or their gender identity. It is far to easy to believe that because two marriage amendments were passed in one week that things are improving. The truth is no matter how many states pass same sex marriage the issues of homophobia and transphobia extend far beyond that. They include discrimination in housing, health care, education, employment, and in fact every sphere that you can possibly think of. This is why I am a huge advocate of ENDA.



What I love most about this idea is that this is an action that we can all participate in to show our solidarity and raise awareness directly in our communities. So many times people ask what can I do to show support. Well now you have an answer. On April 17 you can spend a day in silence reflecting on how are dissonance in worth and value wrongfully privileges certain bodies and allow your silence to speak the words that you may no be able to express.

Demand that Colorado Radio Host Trevor Carey Disavow Remarks Condoning Violence Against Transgender People

GLAAD has put out an action alert to combat the blatant transphobia heard on KNUS radio on March 14. Host Trevor Carey engaged in a conversation with a caller in which both men condoned violence against transgender people, blaming slain Greeley, Colo. resident Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman, for her own brutal murder.

CAREY: And what the transgender segment of our society needs to be telling their type is, you don’t commit fraud because –

CALLER: No, that’s exactly what it was.

CAREY: A), you’re at least gonna get your teeth kicked in, and B) — [caller laughs] — here’s a story from Greeley that turned out very tragic, and you should pay attention to this, because -

CALLER: You know, when I was growin’ up in Greeley, I grew up in Greeley, that kind of stuff didn’t ever, you know, surface in this town. And it’s just sad, you know; my heart just weeps for all, everybody that’s concerned. But, you know, we gotta go back to basics. You’re a man or you’re a woman, and, like you said, if you’re fraudin’ somebody, then you deserve to have your teeth kicked in. Not necessarily hung or you’re killed, but it just — they shoulda known better, you know?

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Please contact Trevor Carey and ask him to disavow his remarks that condone violence against transgender people. Call on KFKA and KNUS to hold Carey accountable for his remarks and establish clear standards to ensure their media platforms will not be used to condone or promote violence towards any parts of the communities they serve.

Please forward this link to any of your friends and others who may also wish to take action. When contacting KFKA and KNUS, please ensure that your emails and phone calls are civil and respectful and do not engage in the kind of name calling or abusive behavior that we are expressing our concerns about.

Trevor Carey
Host, KNUS, “Trevor Carey” and KFKA, “AM Colorado with Trevor, Troy and George”
Phone: (720) 434-2714
trevorcareywork@aol.com

Justin Sasso
General Manager, KFKA
Phone: (970) 356-1310
justin@1310kfka.com

Kelly Michaels
Operations Director, Salem Communications (KNUS)
Phone: (303) 750-5687
kelly@salemdenver.com

Demand Investigation into Attack on Trans Woman

On January 28th, 2009, a television news report showed an incident in which neighborhood watch patrols in the city of Tarapoto, Peru, chased and caught a travesti (transvestite) and her companion and then physically humiliated and insulted them. Neighborhood watch members cut their victims' hair and forced them to strip before subjecting them to a series of military training exercises until they collapsed from exhaustion. Throughout the ordeal, a crowd of onlookers made fun of the victims.



The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins MHOL and RedLacTrans in requesting that you send emails asking Peruvian authorities to investigate this incident.

Please send your letters to:

Sr. Remigio Hernani Meloni
Ministro del Interior

Ministeriodel Interior Plaza 30 de Agosto s/n Urb. Corpac - San Isidro
ministro@mininter.gob.pe

Gral. PNP Luis Hugo Mezarina Ponte
Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos del Sector Interior

sp-cndh@mininter.gob.pe

General de Policía PNP Mauro Walter Remicio Maguiño
Director de la Policía Nacional

dgdinfo@pnp.gob.pe

Please also send a copy of your letter to:

Fernando D'Elio

fdelio@iglhrc.org

Jana Villayzan

transgeneridad@yahoo.com
RedLacTrans Peru

Jorge Chavez Reyes

chavez@mhol.org.pe
MHOL

Marcela Romero

marcelaromero_40@yahoo.com.ar
RedLacTrans – Directora Ejecutiva

Clubs Owners Tell Transgender Woman to "Stay With Her Own Kind"

Another display of transphobia has occured, this time in Appleton Wisconsin demonstrating how vital it is to have a non-discrimination law which protects gender variance.

"An Appleton transgendered woman filed a lawsuit against a College Avenue club, after she says she was denied entrance due to her gender identity. The complaint says Sierra Broussard, wasn't allowed admittance because "The employee or owner of Park Central then suggested to Sierra, while in a public forum, that she go to another club, one that caters to "her kind" (Womanist Musing).

Contact the club and let them know that transphobia is unacceptable.www.parkcentralontheave.com

318 W College Ave
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 738-5600

Boycott Transphobic "Dr." Phil Show

We have time and time again raised awareness over the fact that Dr. Phil is airing unscientific and potentially dangerous misinformation about transgender identities. Truth Wins Out an organization that defends LGBT people against anti-gay lies, and the "ex-gay" myth has put out a press release condemning the recent show on transgender children on Dr. Phil.

"Truth Wins Out (TWO) harshly condemned the Dr. Phil Show today, claiming that it exploited Toni, the mother of a transgender child, and placed her in a psychologically abusive situation – which nearly drove her to tears. The episode, “Little Boy Lost,” also falsely portrayed notorious anti-gay activists, Glenn Stanton and Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, as “experts” on gender and homosexuality, says TWO.

“Dr. Phil damaged his reputation by choosing sensationalism over professionalism and he ought to be ashamed,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “Instead of exploring this issue in-depth, Dr. Phil sunk to new depths. He exploited a loving mother by ambushing her with disreputable anti-gay activists well known for theories far outside mainstream psychology."

Enough is enough! It is time to boycott Dr. Phil and stop his lies against the LGBT community.

Let the show know you will be boycotting and urge everyone to do so.

E-Contact Form to leave feedback for the show.

Phone: 1-323-9563393

Ten Signs of Transphobia in Our Culture

Ten Signs of Transphobia in Our Culture

1. Denial that the problem exists in the first place.

2. Inability to distinguish between categories such as queer, lesbian,
and trans.

3. Lack of meaningful discussion in educational and workplace settings.

4. Anxiety over not being able to tell if a person is male or female.

5. Crude jokes directed at trans people or with trans-related content.

6. Refusal to accept trans people as one’s own teacher, doctor, politician, dentist, etc.

7. Thinking that being trans is OK but also dismissing the idea of ever dating a transperson.

8. Reducing trans to being merely and solely a psychiatric category.

9. Trivialization and media spectacles centred on trans-ness as an object of ‘fascination.’

10. Refusing the fundamental claims of transpeople as being genuinely mis-sexed.

Crossposted via Bird of Paradox