RuPaul’s Drag Race has announced it will remove what has been
called transphobic language from its programming.
Trans activists have criticized the show’s producers in the past
weeks for a segment titled ‘Female or She-male’ where drag queen contestants
were asked to identify whether cropped photos were former drag queen
contestants or women.
Though 'She-male' is listed in GLAAD's media reference as a term
that 'dehumanize[s] transgender people and should not be used,' producers use
the term in several soundbites throughout the show, including a ‘You’ve Got
She-mail’ announcement to notify contestants of an incoming message from host
RuPaul.
Logo, the television channel that broadcasts Drag Race and other
LGBTI-related programming released an initial statement saying: 'We are committed to
sharing a diverse range of trans stories across all of our screens and look
forward to featuring positive and groundbreaking stories of trans people in the
future.'
Now producers have announced they are removing the term ‘she-male’
after using it in six seasons of television.
In a statement released to Huffington Post, producers said: ‘We wanted to thank the
community for sharing their concerns around a recent segment and the use of the
term 'she-mail' on Drag Race.
‘Logo has pulled the episode from all of our platforms and that
challenge will not appear again.
'Furthermore, we are removing the 'You've got she-mail' intro from
new episodes of the series.
'We did not intend to cause any offense, but in retrospect we
realize that it was insensitive. We sincerely apologize.’
Two trans former contestants of the show, Carmen Carrera and Monica
Beverly Hillz, also responded to the initial transphobic claims in statements
to Huffington Post.
Carrera said: ‘Drag Race should be a little smarter about the terms
they use and comprehend the fight for respect trans people are facing every
minute of today. They should use their platform to educate their viewers
truthfully on all facets of drag performance art.’
Monica said using the term was ‘not cute at all’ and ‘people don't
understand the daily struggle it is to be a transgender woman’.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is currently through its sixth season and has
eight contestants left until America’s Next Drag Superstar is named.
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