I've been writing out my explanation of this far too many times, but I wanted to talk about it here, as well. I've seen very few people discussing it, and nobody actually attempting to do something about it.

Glee has been commended for being very LGBT friendly, but in reality, it more than verges on transphobia at times. It made me cringe a few times last season by dropping words like "she-male" and "->-bleeped-<-" as if they were perfectly appropriate. Unlike when they highlighted the offensiveness of "->-bleeped-<-got," these slurs passed by without any criticism from other characters, and were used in purely insulting ways. In the Rocky Horror episode, they didn't allow a guy to play the role of Frank n Furter, and also showed a character who was supposed to be the "good guy" being clearly transphobic when asked to play his part. Once again, it passed without questioning from the other characters. They also censored "transsexual" from a song.

Most recently, they cut the verse from Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" that was a shout out to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The rest of the episode was very gay positive, and included gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters, and it wasn't a matter of time restraints - another verse was repeated to make up for the omission. Considering this, and the other questionable moments on the show, it certainly indicates discomfort with trans issues.

Two of the producers and writers, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, were also responsible for the show Nip/Tuck. That show has long been criticized for its negative portrayal of trans women. Which of course makes me wonder if those two are at least partially responsible for the transphobia on Glee.

It seems, then, that Glee has no intention of giving a positive message of acceptance for trans people. It's particularly worrying to me considering it is a youth oriented show claiming to be accepting of everyone. If trans people are excluded from that acceptance, it sends the very troubling message that although gay people are fine, trans people aren't. That trans issues aren't TV or teen appropriate. It concerns me that with such an influential show, its ignorance of the transgender community might actually aggravate discrimination.

I'm trying to spread awareness of the issue, and I'm working with a friend on a petition and letter sending campaign, to try to get an apology from the producers of Glee. Or, at the very least, commentary from them on the issue. I'm currently in the process of tracking down contact information for use in the petition.

Does anyone have commentary on the issue? I realize it may seem trivial compared to some other current issues of discrimination, but even the most subtle transphobia feeds hatred.

I think you've got a good point. I don't/won't watch Glee, but I'm always hearing and seeing stuff about the gay guys on it, so I guess I'd figured (stupid me) that they'd at least have an "obligatory" mtf. Or something. I'm pretty shocked too, granted this is the first time I've heard anything about Glee besides fangirling.

I'm usually a fan of the show purely because of the humor. It reminds me of Arrested Development in its subtlety and references at times... the singing sucks. But more to the point... they have 3 gay guys, a lesbian, and a bi girl, if I'm tallying correctly. So it is shocking, in a way, that they'd neglect trans people. I have a tendency to forget that GLB often excludes T.

I've never seen Glee, but it always surprises me how transphobic some gay friendly shows can be.  I was watching Torchwood a few weeks ago, and the main character said something along the lines of after a friend of his left for a few months and came back a woman, he's been wary of friends of his acting oddly.  It caught me off guard coming from a show that's almost too in your face about being LGB supportive.

Quote from: Sarah7 on April 29, 2011, 05:48:53 PM
The show is only consistently positive in its portrayal of gay men.

Don't you think it's because Chris Colfer  the one who plays Kurt in real life is gay ?

I'd never heard any complaints from lesbians about the show, nor have I seen anything complaint worthy... it's possible I missed it because I'm not automatically tuned to that sort of thing. Jane Lynch, who plays Sue, is a lesbian, so it would strike me as odd. The only problem spots with bisexuality I think it cleared up in programme to show that it was incorrect. And they certainly haven't thrown around words like "dyke" the same way they did with "->-bleeped-<-."

"our whole culture is set up right now for you and the values we grew up with to lose." He used "Glee" as an example.

"I've watched it in stunned horror combined with a sense of admiring awe," he said. "It is a brilliant brilliant show...but it is a horror show...everybody in here is somebody your kids would want to be like, except everyone is sleeping with everyone else, it's all about self-gratification...it's a nightmare."

The "he" speaking is Glenn Beck.  So you and Glenn agree on something.

But there is bisexuality quietly represented...Have we forgotten that Brittany is dating Artie? And it's genuine love too.

Not defending Glee on the trans issue, I have no opinion on that, but I just wanted to point that out.

Quote from: tekla on April 29, 2011, 11:41:44 PM
"our whole culture is set up right now for you and the values we grew up with to lose." He used "Glee" as an example.

"I've watched it in stunned horror combined with a sense of admiring awe," he said. "It is a brilliant brilliant show...but it is a horror show...everybody in here is somebody your kids would want to be like, except everyone is sleeping with everyone else, it's all about self-gratification...it's a nightmare."

The "he" speaking is Glenn Beck.  So you and Glenn agree on something.

I'm sorry, I don't understand your point. That we're questioning the show from entirely opposite directions?

Oh, I do remember the Blaine episode now. That was pretty offensive, but I thought it was entirely character driven. And I'm bi, too... then again, I'm not sensitive at all about that part of my identity.

Didn't see the Lady Gage, or Rocky Horror episode, but I am painfully aware that while Hollywood can be very gay male friendly,
they rarely portray the transcommunity in a positive light.

If I recall correctly, any references to "->-bleeped-<-" have been made by the same character - the local "bad boy," and almost EVERYTHING he says during his idiotic rants isn't to be taken seriously.  He is offensive toward everything that isn't him.  Why should his ->-bleeped-<- references be notable?  Perhaps he needs to be written out of the show.

@interalia: Actually, the time I'm thinking of was by... Mike, I believe his name is? Could be entirely wrong, I'm horrible with names. The Asian guy, who has never been impolite/politically incorrect to anyone else in the show. I believe he said "My parents don't want me dressing up like some ->-bleeped-<-."
The "she-male" quote was from Sue, who is offensive to everyone. But more the issue is that the writers allow "she-male" but censor "transgender." If both were allowed I wouldn't have as much of a problem with it.

I don't watch the show myself but will ask for an expert opinion from my son (FtM) who is a rusted-on fan.
  He is usually pretty quick to pick up on that sort of thing.
Karen.