Liverpool’s LGBTQ community has responded to transphobic comments made by singer Jess Glynne.
Pop star Glynne, who has had notable success with songs such as ‘These Days’ and ‘Take Me Home’, appeared on a now deleted Mo Gilligan podcast last week in which she made a transphobic slur.
The 31-year-old described how she visited a “tranny strip-club” in London, using language that is seen as offensive among the trans community.
The clip can be viewed below>>>
As the owner of a “tranny strip club.” I’d ask Jess Glynne not to use slurs to describe us or call us “men in wigs.” Infact just leave us out of your funny anecdotes, we are not a laughing stock, we are human beings. 😩😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/oZ6rWR5Ipw
— Lucia Blayke (@luciablayke) March 7, 2021
The comment prompted a reaction on social media forcing the artist to publish an apology on her Instagram in which she says: “Firstly, I want to say that I am wholeheartedly sorry. I know that in this case, sorry is not nearly enough.”
Added Glynne: “I do believe personal development never ends, but we have to make a commitment to change, and I will be taking some time to continue to grow. Thanks for taking the time to listen to me.”
View this post on Instagram
LGBTQ+ youth group ‘GYRO’, which is a part of the Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS) provides mental health and wellbeing services to young people in Liverpool’s LGBTQ community.
GYRO’s aim to help young LGBTQ youths.
Chris Porter, a lead member of the well-being team, was upset by the singer’s remark.
“The comments made by Jess Glynne are especially shocking and hurtful in the way that they are delivered so casually.
“The transphobic language slips off her tongue with ease making the comments less intentionally performative and sadly more heartfelt.”
He added: “At a time when trans women and trans youth are constantly under attack, we feel that these comments are particularly harmful for trans people who yet again are being let down by someone who capitalizes on queer inclusive branding.
“We implore all people to call out and report transphobia when they see or hear it.”
Glynne’s song ‘Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself’ was recently used on ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race UK’, the competition reality show featuring a cast full of drag queens that is popular among the LGBTQ community due to the programme’s inclusivity.
Scouse drag queen ‘Sister Sister’, who lip synced to the song, took to twitter to call Glynne’s comments “a massive shame.”
A slur that rolls out as easily as it did suggests that #JessGlynne doesn’t consider the t word a slur at all. The way it’s such an outdated term being used by someone within the lgbt community is a massive shame.
— I am Sister Sister (@sistersisterhun) March 7, 2021
London Trans Pride issued a statement saying the singer’s comments were not acceptable, however they did acknowledge her apology as a step in the right direction.
Serena Cavanagh of Liverpool HIV support and prevention charity confirmed they support the statement made by @londontranspride.
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The singer’s comments sparked outrage on twitter, with many calling for better awareness and education.
jess glynne not only using a transphobic slur but also thinking a story about taking a straight cis man to a queer safe space and him being uncomfortable is funny is exactly why we don't want straight people in LGBT spaces. we have them for a reason. leave us alone!
— izzie|| blm (@izzharrison) March 8, 2021
Jess Glynne is an example of how members of the LGBTQ+ community can be transphobic.
Bisexual or not, there is NO excuse for transphobia. I'm appalled and the host of the show she was on didn't even correct her so he's no better!
— Quinn Pearse Brown 💙🌈 (@LeedsTransLad) March 8, 2021
what this whole jess glynne thing highlights is just how ignorant people are to transphobia et al
seems likely that her, mo gilligan & his team had no idea that word is a slur
I find that very easy to believe- as i have lots of friends & family who had no idea either
— dan egg (@dan_egg) March 7, 2021
Jess Glynn really be digging herself some holes, jeeeez girl! Learn your terms and be more self aware in discussion, this is no spread on hate but more a lesson on the importance of understanding terminology and being educated with our communities!
— A'WHORA (@awhoraofficial) March 7, 2021
