In the wake of a tabloid’s decision to mock up a cover featuring a photoshopped-Bruce Jenner in makeup and women’s clothes, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) groups such as GLAAD are denouncing what they consider a case of transphobia , reported the Daily Beast .
The outrage results from InTouch Weekly , which in addition to falsifying the cover photo, wrote the headline “My Life as a Woman.” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis addressed both that specific item and the general media coverage of Jenner in a statement.
“This nonsense has to end. Speculating about a person’s gender identity only inflames the invasive and gross scrutiny that transgender people face every day at school, at work, or even when just walking down the street. It’s long past time that media outlets stop gossiping about Bruce Jenner’s gender.”
Howard Bragman managed the publicity for Chastity Bono’s transition from female to Chaz Bono, and he also addressed the controversy , reported USA Today .
Bragman used Twitter to share his views.
“This is the transgender version of ‘blackface.’ It is offensive, unacceptable and transphobic.”
To those who questioned why the magazine and other tabloids repeatedly claimed that Jenner was transitioning, even though he has made no such statements, Bragman pointed to the desire for profit.
“Magazines fight for attention and they’re certainly getting that,” he said. “I do not believe in the concept of attention at any price.”
Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham said that the magazine used a photo of her with Jenner’s face superimposed on it.
“It’s my style. It’s my clothes,” she declared of the cover. “I speak no lie.”
In contrast to the repeated articles on Bruce Jenner transitioning, the media have generally been careful in covering Angelina Jolie’s and Brad Pitt’s daughter Shiloh, who dresses in boy’s clothes and requested to be called John, reported the Daily Dot .
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Jolie explained her daughter’s preference.
“She wants to be a boy. So we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.”
And as the Inquisitr reported, Pitt also has a relaxed attitude about his daughter’s desires, recalling conversations where she reminded him of her preferred name.
“‘Shi, do you want…’
‘John. I’m John.’
And then I’ll say, ‘John, would you like some orange juice?’”
But for Bruce Jenner’s family, reacting to the constant media commentary is more challenging. Kris Jenner and the Kardashians plan to punish the tabloid by cutting them off, reported the New York Daily News .
In addition, a source revealed that the ban will include all publications associated with the owner of In Touch .
“Kris (Jenner) has cut off contact with In Touch, Life & Style and all Bauer publications. They won’t get any ‘real’ quotes from the family, and will be banned from Kardashian-Jenner red carpets, events, premieres and fashion events.”
As for Kanye West , he has expressed concern only about Bruce Jenner’s health, as the Inquisitr reported.
“Kanye considers Bruce family and he’s North West’s grandfather. Kanye wants Bruce to be around for as long as possible, so he can see North grow up and be another positive influence in her life,” said a source.
[Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]