Bruce Jenner Photo Called ‘Blackface’ Prejudice As ‘Glee’ Coach Beiste Becomes Transgender [Video]

Tabloids traditionally are designed to attract attention by specializing in rumors, gossip, and innuendo. But when one magazine created a Photoshopped version of Bruce Jenner on a female body with “Bruce’s Story: My Life As A Woman” as the headline, it went too far according to celebrities, gay rights experts and social media, reported Gay Star News.

The controversy began when InTouch concocted a cover showing former gold Olympic medallist Jenner with additions by the magazine of lipstick and women’s clothing. It subsequently emerged that Bruce’s face had been added to an existing photo of British actress Stephanie Beacham.

Author and transgender rights activist Janet Mock addressed the controversy with references to the suicide of 17-year-old transgender teen Leelah Alcorn.

“By publishing this cover, InTouch Weekly tells its 400,000 readers that it is acceptable to assume someone’s gender, scrutinize their body and publicly shame them in the process.”

“It is this destructive thinking that pushes trans people deeper into isolation. It is this thinking that leads many to justify the disproportionate violence trans women of color face. It is this thinking that convinces a 17-year-old girl that her only option for peace is to leap in front of a truck.”

Actor and activist Russell Brand also was quick to slam the publication for what he condemned as bullying. He created a video devoted to the topic.

“This is bullying. Stop! Bruce Jenner is a human being!” he urged.

As the Inquisitr reported, social media also exploded with outrage over the Bruce Jenner cover. Howard Bragman, who managed the publicity for Chastity Bono’s transition from female to Chaz Bono, summed up his views on Twitter.

“This is the transgender version of ‘blackface.’ It is offensive, unacceptable and transphobic.”

As a member of the Kardashian family, whose daily lives are highly prized as fodder for the media, Kris Jenner retaliated against InTouch as well, reported the New York Daily News.

The irate matriarch-momager is cutting off that magazine and others by its publisher, said a source.

“Kris (Jenner) has cut off contact with In Touch, Life & Style and all Bauer publications,” says a source close to the reality TV royals. “They won’t get any ‘real’ quotes from the family, and will be banned from Kardashian-Jenner red carpets, events, premieres and fashion events.”

So how should the media handle transgender issues? Glee showrunner Ryan Murphy illustrated an example by creating a show where the popular football coach Shannon Beiste, played by Dot-Marie Jones, announces he is a transgender man, reported the Advocate.

Watch the revelation below.

http://youtu.be/4Aq-lQKj45I

During that episode of the TV musical comedy, Coach Beiste also reveals that he will be on a leave of absence for his medical transition. With the revelation made to her assistant coach Sam, played by Chord Overstreet, and notoriously nasty principal Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch, the Coach is set to return before the finale.

Jones revealed her thoughts on the transition of her character.

“My biggest thing is just being respectful. The last thing I want to do is disrespect anybody in what I’m portraying, and to do it respectfully and with class, and with dignity and pride, and I could not have been prouder than I was that day [that we filmed those scenes].”

[Photo By Charley Gallay/Getty Images]