ENTERTAINMENT
Trans Rights Activists Plan Boycott of ‘Zoolander 2’
Transgender rights is a hot issue as of recent. Trans representation in the media is a direct result of the positive civil rights movement the transgender community. With such successful trans characters in hit shows such as Amazon’s “Transparent”, Netflix’s “Orange Is The New Black”, TLC’s “I Am Jazz”, and E’s “I Am Cait” the transgender educational era has come to reach millions of learners.
Now that there has been much media released focusing on educating people on the psychological and personal issues transgender men and women face, it should be about time that the media begins writing and casting trans characters and actors for simpler and more common roles. But last week the trailer for Zoolander 2 was released and LGBTA groups are not too thrilled with the trans representation in the film. They have even issued a boycott of the film.
Benedict Cumberbatch plays a gender fluid model named All. Many trans rights activists find this offensive for a multitude of reasons. It’s understandable why. For one, the name seems to be a joke in and of itself. Secondly, for years transgender men and women have never been seen in television and film. Neither have any trans men or women been cast in many roles. To cast Cumberbatch, though many people love him well, is insulting to the many trans actors.
To have Cumberbatch playing a gender fluid model is nearly worse. Because it doesn’t just come down to eliminating actual trans men and women from getting a role. To have Cumberbatch play a trans model is neglecting to look at the struggle of many trans models who have faced actual discrimination in their industry. The trailer jokes about extremely sensitive subjects, and turns them into cheap one liners like, “Do you have a hot dog or bun?”. To make a joke of these issues, before even allowing actual trans models to play the role with actual conviction and experience seems unfair. LGBTA activists feel that it’s making light of a recent issue without first trying to bring awareness or change.
It’s quite possibly negative for anyone who has faced discrimination in their career pursuits. The transphobic humor in the trailer could translate negatively to viewers of any orientation, gender, even race. It’s simply just too soon to make jokes of an issue many people do not know the true weight of. And anyone ignorant to true trans facts, may see Benedict Cumberbatch in wig and dress, and assume that that’s all transgender is.
To simply write in a trans character to appeal to the current interest in trans issues is one thing. But to reduce the existence and struggle of trans models to joking matters is a far worse thing. It’s not a horrible topic to show case, but it’s ignorant of real life experience. Zoolander is a comedy, of course. And sure there are going to be humorous moments for Cumberbatch’s character that doesn’t entirely revolve around his character’s gender identity. But the manner in which this was handled, loosely and without sensitivity, may result in bad box office numbers for Zoolander 2.
Hollywood star Rutger Hauer has died aged 75.
The actor was best known for playing Roy Batty in the 1982 movie Blade Runner and also Sin City, Batman Begins and TV show True Blood.
His agent Steve Kenis confirmed Hauer died on Friday following a short illness. His funeral was held on Wednesday.
Tributes have begun pouring in for the star, with Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro tweeting to say: “RIP the great Rutger Hauer: an intense, deep, genuine and magnetic actor that brought truth, power and beauty to his films.”
KISS musician Gene Simmons wrote: “Sad to hear Rutger Hauer has passed away. He was always a gentleman, kind and compassionate. Sending our condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fans.”
Hauer was born in Breukelen in the Netherlands and did stints in both the merchant navy and army before he became an actor.
He got his big break in 1969, when he became the lead in TV series Floris.
Away from acting, Hauer launched The Rutger Hauer Starfish Foundation, which aimed to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, especially within children and pregnant women.
Issuing a statement following his death, the foundation said: “The Rutger Hauer Starfish Association announces with infinite sadness that after a very short illness, on Friday, July 19, 2019, Rutger passed away peacefully at his Dutch home.
“He leaves his beloved wife Ineke, after they have been together for fifty years.
“We at Starfish will always cherish the many unforgettable memories we have of Rutger and his dedication to the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association.
“One of Rutger’s last wishes was that Starfish should continue its charity activity and its fight against the AIDS disease, and with Ineke’s precious help, involvement and direction we will follow Rutger’s wish and will do our best to carry on Rutger’s inestimable legacy.”
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