Glee criticised over use of ‘Tranny’

The American musical comedy Glee has been criticised for using the word ‘tranny’ in a recent episode.

 

 

The American musical comedy Glee has been criticised for using the word ‘tranny’ in a recent episode. The smash-hit Fox series was previously been praised for its LGBT track record and portrayals but has now fallen foul of GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) for its use of the word ‘tranny’ as a slur in a recent episode. The use of the word was in the Rocky Horror themed episode in which the musical was re-created by characters within the show.

 

The character of Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr) was given the role of Frank-N-Furter who dresses in stockings, high heels and lingerie. But the character gives up the role because his parents don’t want him to look like a “tranny”. The use of the word went unchallenged on-screen has prompted criticism from GLAAD.

“The casual manner in which the word was used is jarring, even if he Mike may have been repeating what his parents said. This inclusion of this slur is particularly alarming given last season’s powerful episode in which Kurt’s father chastised Finn for using the word ‘f*g’. That episode sent a powerful message to the show’s young fanbase that words have power and they can hurt. Unfortunately the larger problem here is that the word ‘tranny’ has become an easy punchline in popular culture, and many still don’t realise that using the term is hurtful, dehumanising and associated with violence, hatred and derision against transgender people – a community that is nearly invisible in media today.” – GLAAD

The episode has also been criticised by ‘cleaning up’ some of the lyrics from the songs so there were more suitable for the American audience.