It's a drag, but show needs new name
Matt Akersten
Mon 29th Oct, 2012
http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/9087/Its-a-drag-but-show-needs-new-name.htmFollowing waves of controversy, the upcoming Sydney Opera House show formally known as '->-bleeped-<-' has changed its name.
Starring local drag queen singer Trevor Ashley, the panto will be an adults-only take on the adventures of ginger kid Annie. Like the show itself, its name was inspired by the original musical 'Annie', but boycott calls and protest actions were threatened as several transgender people spoke up to point out that the word '->-bleeped-<-' is an increasingly taboo derogatory slur which many are offended by.
The situation inspired lengthy debate here on Same Same, with some gay men who enjoy the cheeky gender-play of drag shows hoping those offended would just "get over it." On the other hand, a small but increasing number of transpeople and their friends were deeply concerned about both the title of the show – it's a word which is often thrown at them in a dehumanising and hurtful way – and its content, which, they fear, trivialises the deeply personal journeys of real-life transpeople. It's a little like the cringe we get when straight guys label gay guys as "->-bleeped-<-s."
Compounding the drama last week was a threat by the makers of the musical Annie to mount legal proceedings if Ashley's show wasn't renamed.
There seemed no choice but to change the show's name... it has now become "Little Orphan TrAshley."
