Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Ricky Smiley Morning Show Transphobia

Rickey SmileyThe war against media transphobia aimed at trans women of color seems like it's a never ending one.    Here's a FB commentary from TransGriot reader Sasha concerning the transphobic comments she heard aimed at Laverne Cox during one of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show segments yesterday.

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Photo: Our Angel at the 2014  Emmy Awards  Laverne Cox star of Orange Is the New Black on the carpet in a caped, white gown by one her favorite designers, Marc Bouwer. Fred Leighton diamonds were sewn into the dress that sported a chest-baring neckline. If you're a member of the #LaverneHive you know that she wont be bringing home an Emmy this time but she's clearly still WINNING! Shout Out to the style team Deja Smith, Ursula Stephen and Christina PacelliLast night my sisters and I were watching Dish Nation/Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Laverne Cox was declared as one of the Emmy show's  best dressed women which I though was AMAZING...until one of the hosts yells "that's a man!"and they slightly go into the infamous shock factor, making her identity the center of a joke.

Gary and one of the shows guests, a cis woman of color, then came to Laverne's defense by stating her accomplishment and how major it is for the Transgender community. The young lady also corrected the misgendering and made sure she addressed the Laverne as a WOMAN.

I've been listening to Rickey Smiley Morning Show for YEARS, I'm a fan of the show but I think it's time to call the RSMS out on their consistent ignorance and insensitivity towards the trans community.

This is NOT the first time I've encountered this type of madness from them. Not too long ago they were throwing shade towards Cee Lo after his affair with a transwoman. Not to mention the jokes that very often seem to revolve around #GirlsLikeUs.
We need to hold them accountable.  It is not the guest's job to educate them LIVE on the radio about transgender terminology. As much as they talk and joke about us, they should be well informed on the issue. Rickey Smiley has a huge platform in the black community and instead of all the shade, he could be using that platform for the good of ALL as well as being held accountable for repetitive transphobia.

It's time to call them out!

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I agree, Sasha . GLAAD and NGLJA Rapid Response team, it's time to handle your media business. 

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