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.
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The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
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The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
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