Arts & Entertainment
Amazon series ‘Jack Ryan’ under fire for including transphobic slur
Viewers slammed the show and John Krasinski on Twitter


John Krasinski as Jack Ryan (Screenshot via YouTube)
Amazon Prime’s new series “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” is facing criticism for using a transphobic slur.
In one episode, a character jokingly asks another character how he got a black eye.
“Did you accidentally pick up another tr*nny on Fremont Street?” the character says.
The slur was slammed by Eliel Cruz, NYC Anti-Violence Project communications director, on Twitter. Cruz also made reference to the murders of trans women Dejanay L. Stanton and Vontashia Bell.
“This shit is repulsive @jackryanamazon. Trans women die from pick up violence. This isn’t funny. This is real life,” Cruz tweeted.
This shit is repulsive @jackryanamazon. Trans women die from pick up violence. This isn’t funny. This is real life. pic.twitter.com/S6782JwrSb
— Eliel Cruz (@elielcruz) September 1, 2018
Other people soon followed suit and called out the show on Twitter.
I’m a trans man & I was so excited for this show. This part came on & I wanted to cry I can’t watch it anymore cause of this line. Trans people are attacked everyday for just existing & the use of this slur advocates for that kind of treatment especially towards trans women
— august ⚣ (@boytoy_tae) September 2, 2018
The “joke” is that he wasn’t able to beat up a transwoman. Not only does this normalize violence against trans people, it reinforces the toxic notion that transwoman merely existing represent an existential threat to the fragile masculine identity of cis men.
— No Ice Please PDX (@1plus2arrows) September 1, 2018
It’s funny because he became violent when realising he was with a trans women, forcing her to try and defend herself. Hopefully he didn’t murder her. What a funny joke this is.
— Regular Robyn (@WriteyFolks) September 1, 2018
Some viewers specifically addressed John Kransinki who stars as the title character and serves as executive producer on the series.
Hey @johnkrasinski wanna comment on this since you’re the face of this show that uses transphobic language and implies violence against a trans person?
— Ingrid Ostby (@ingridostby) September 1, 2018
I’d also like to know, @johnkrasinski. You’re an EP on the show too, so it’s not like you can claim to just be the talent.
— Luca Beale (@brewstronomy) September 1, 2018
Both Amazon and Krasinski have not commented on the controversy.

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

















Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
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