August 20th 2024.
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about Blake Lively and her use of a transphobic slur. It's a serious issue and it's been brought to light again because of some old interviews that have resurfaced. In these interviews, she used this offensive word not once, but at least three times. As a trans woman, I find it deeply troubling and unacceptable that she would use such hurtful language without understanding the weight behind it.
However, I also recognize that these interviews took place a long time ago and societal views about trans people were different. But that doesn't excuse her actions. It's clear that she needs to take responsibility and apologize for her words. This can be a moment of learning for all of us.
Blake is a 36-year-old actress who is undeniably beautiful, feminine, and privileged. Her comments are hurtful and insensitive to gender non-conforming women and trans women who are constantly subjected to harassment and discrimination because of their appearance. She will never truly understand the amount of hate and abuse that trans people face every day.
One of the interviews, from 2012, shows Blake talking about wanting daughters or "trannies" so she can pass down her shoe and bag collection. While this may seem like a harmless comment, it's actually very stereotypical and degrading. It's the 2009 interview that I find the most interesting. In it, she says, "I feel like a tranny a lot of the time." This speaks to the unrealistic and impossible standards that society places on women, both trans and cisgender. It's a toxic mindset that has only increased in recent years, particularly towards trans women.
There have been many high profile cases where trans women, like Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, have been viciously attacked online for not fitting into society's narrow definition of femininity. This not only affects trans women, but also butch lesbians who are often mistaken for men simply because they present themselves in a more masculine way. As a trans woman myself, I have also experienced the same kind of scrutiny and judgement from strangers on social media.
But in all of this, it's important to remember that we should never use slurs towards any group of people. It's unacceptable and we should strive to treat each other with kindness and empathy. At the same time, it's worth noting that the word Blake used was commonly used in popular culture at the time of these interviews. It appeared on TV shows like Sex and the City and Saturday Night Live, and was considered acceptable. However, that doesn't make it right and it's clear that society has evolved and this word is no longer acceptable.
It's up to Blake now to acknowledge her mistakes, apologize, and set a better example. She has the opportunity to use her platform for good and educate others on the harm of using slurs. We should all be given the chance to learn from our mistakes and grow. Let's use this as a moment to promote understanding and forgiveness. As for Blake, I hope she takes this opportunity to truly understand the impact of her words and becomes a role model for others to follow.
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