Here’s What Our Favorite Queer Personalities Are Saying About the Dave Chappelle / Netflix Controversy
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Here’s What Our Favorite Queer Personalities Are Saying About the Dave Chappelle / Netflix Controversy

Written by Zeynep Sasmazel on October 22, 2021
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Netflix’s trans employees and their allies recently enacted a company-wide walk-out in protest of the Dave Chappelle Netflix comedy special The Closer. In it, the once-respected comedian declares himself a TERF and ridicules trans people.

When folks were rightfully outraged at Chapelle’s words, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos stepped to his defense and argued the Dave Chappelle Netflix special does not “directly translate to real-world harm” — a point on which many queer people, activists and organizations would beg to differ.

RELATED | James Acaster Slams Transphobic Comedians, Becomes Our Latest Crush

Like GLAAD, for instance, which weighed in by saying, “Dave Chappelle’s brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities. Negative reviews and viewers loudly condemning his latest special is a message to the industry that audiences don’t support platforming anti-LGBTQ diatribes. We agree.”

When it comes to the Dave Chappelle Netflix controversy we know you’re all too aware of, here’s what some of our favorite queer celebrities had to say:

Spitfire activist Ashlee Marie Preston:

Dave Chappelle was not “canceled.” He’s been invited to the table for transformative dialogue but won’t show up. That’s not “cancel culture,” but an avoidance of accountability. He’s no victim. The man is worth $50M. Unlike many trans people his comedy stigmatizes— he’ll live.

Newly out trans actor Elliot Page:

“I stand with the trans, nonbinary, and BIPOC employees at Netflix fighting for more and better trans stories and a more inclusive workplace #NetflixWalkout”

Actor and Legendary host Jameela Jamil:

“I really wish I hadn’t seen Chapelle’s closing show. I hope he stays away for a long time, maybe until this legit OBSESSION with undermining trans people goes away. Such a smart man, so willfully misinformed and committed to showing us what an out of touch bellend he’s becoming💔”

Actor and Schitts Creek creator Dan Levy:

“I stand with every employee at Netflix using their voice to ensure a safe and supportive work environment. I’ve seen firsthand how vital television can be when it comes to influencing the cultural conversation. That impact is real and works both ways: positively AND negatively. Transphobia is unacceptable and harmful. That isn’t a debate.”

Director Lilly Wachowski:

“#NetflixWalkout If you’re not standing up for trans lives, you need to take a good look at who you ARE standing with. Good luck today everybody! ⚡️🎸⚡️”

Actor, host and writer Billy Eichner:

“Sending my love and full support to all trans employees and their allies participating in the #NetflixWalkout today. ❤️✊”

YouTuber, actress and model Gigi Gorgeous:

dave chappelle netflix gigi gorgeous

“I have been asked by a lot of people for my opinion on Dave Chapelle and the comments he made in his special. This is not the first time that we, the LGBTQIA+ community, have been made the butt of his jokes over the years and have been told to brush it off for the sake of ‘comedy.’ But when do we say enough, is enough? When violent attacks on the community, and even more so on our transgender brothers and sisters, are at an all-time high when do we stop ignoring how damaging these ignorant transphobic ‘jokes’ actually are and how they contribute to the hate and violence wed have to endure on a daily basis. Let’s just be clear here: WE ARE NOT A FUCKING JOKE. To the people who gave him a standing ovation, you are part of the problem. To the streamers who continue to support and finance these comments fuelled by hate and fear, you are part of the problem. To the online community who continue to share and brush off these acts of public ignorance, you are part of the problem. The first step is to stop allowing, and therefore celebrating, people who continue to stand on the necks of others for laughs. We must do better. As a collective society, we must be better. The answer is not cancelation, its education.”

Reporter Kate Sosin:

“With all the talk of trans representation in media/ lack of Black trans people working full-time in media, a reminder that MANY brilliant folks are avail for hire today.

You can reach out to @TransJA. Our newsrooms will be better for it.”

Comedian and writer Dana Goldberg:

“If you make a conscious choice to only embrace parts of a trans person that make you comfortable but ignore the humanity of their transness, you are not their friend. You are making them a shield to protect you from the public backlash of your own transphobia. No one in this community whether they be lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary or queer should ever have to take on the burden of protecting you from your own ignorance. We have our own battles to fight, and a lot of us are fucking exhuasted. Get a therapist. Lord knows most of us already have one.”

What are YOUR thoughts on the recent Dave Chappelle Netflix special?

Featured image at top: Getty Images

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