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Pro and Con

Is the Appearance of TG people on Talk Shows like the "Jerry Springer Show" Helpful or Harmful for the Community?

by Ronnie Rho and Robin Adams

Pro: by Ronnie Rho

Jerry Springer is near-sighted. I mean that literally. He tends to hold his note cards at arm's length when checking someone's name. Whether or not his show features transvestites, transsexuals and drag queens as an attempt to build support for the entire TG community, I can't say.

But I will say that those appearances don't hurt us. Rather, we have the opportunity to present ourselves in a positive light to the general public. Sometimes those opportunities are wasted, but in the end, it's up to the individual.

The Jerry Springer Show, and others in that vein, are basically morality plays. Good and evil are brought out for display in front of a live studio audience for an emperor-like thumbs up, or down. The members of that audience hear the case and decide who's right, and who's wrong. That decision, I would guess, is then largely accepted by the at-home audience. So as a guest, your goal is to win over the audience.

There are two ways to do this: Present yourself as a victim. Through no fault of your own, you've been wronged. You are who you are, and a now a lover or friend has decided you're no good. They may be breaking up with you, may be spreading nasty rumors and lies about you, or may even be sleeping around behind your back. If you can present a tale of betrayal and heartbreak to the audience with yourself as the hapless victim, you will get their sympathy.

The drawback to this is your own personal history. If you're going to be the innocent victim, you'd better be innocent. You can't have a lying, cheating past or the crowd will turn on you and all will be lost.

If playing the victim doesn't appeal to you, go the other way. Be strong, be proud, and work that crowd. The audience likes someone who is bold and honest and happy. If you come out with your head held high, you'll win their respect. You will present the T-community in a positive, uplifting light, and that will help us all.

Don't believe that as a guest you'll be able to present a logical and reasonable argument for the fair treatment of transgendered people everywhere. Your speech will be edited out. Talk shows are about entertainment, not education. To Jerry's credit, he does end each show with a call for tolerance and understanding. But overall, the show promotes conflict, not harmony, because arguments are so much more fun to watch.

If, as a guest, you're going to help the community you'll want to promote your lifestyle as natural and healthy. Not an easy task in a five or ten minute segment, but I've seen it done.

Of course, don't believe the guests on talk shows are real. Real people are too boring for television. Need further proof that shows like Jerry Springer have helped us? Simple cross dressing is passe anymore. It's no longer shocking enough to warrant it's own episode. Sure, TG people are frequent guests, but it's because of their other extra-curricular activities. Plain old crossdressers aren't scandalous enough anymore.

Con: by Robin Adams

I firmly believe that the Transgendered guests appearing on television talk programs, such as The Jerry Springer Show, reflect poorly upon the rest of the our community. What concerns me most is that they have become the only visible spokespersons for all Transgendered people. Until we can present a better or more accurate image to the public, we won't be accepted or even tolerated.

Springer and his ilk are far too lazy to actually present the Transgendered as anything other than side show freaks. He would rather shock the audience instead of thinking up meaningful or insightful questions or maybe finding interesting guests who just happen to be transgendered.. Truth is far less important than ratings or video sales. Does the phrase "Lowest Common Denominator" come to mind. It should because we are being reduced to that level whenever Springer promotes this perverted image of a typical crossdresser on his show. Any gains we have made towards acceptance are being slowed by this Springer induced stereotype. No wonder Barney Frank wants to exclude us from the ENDA bill.

When a Transgendered person is a guest the topic is usually is something like "Shocking Secrets Revealed". Some lonely, confused crossdresser finally decides that the best way to reveal his TG secret to family, wife, friends, etc., is to suddenly strip down to a bright red bra and panties, prance around yelling "I'm an airline stewardess, make me take off" while a national television audience looks on in disgust or amusement. After the family member runs off crying and/or throws few punches, this sad crossdressed brain stem wonders why there was such a negative reaction to his little revelation.

This is the stereotype being built for us. Are you a narcissistic, exhibitionist, sex starved crossdresser who enjoys embarrassing close family members in front of millions of people, when not out woking as a hooker? Until we are able to change this stereotype, that is exactly who you are in the eyes of America.

For example, recently a move to add "gender identity" as a protected category under Boulder, Colorado's Human Rights Ordinance was pulled from the City Council's agenda while the City Attorney sought a way to narrow the definition of "protected class" and exclude those he describes as altering their identities for "recreational" purposes of sexual gratification or prostitution" (TG Forum News 8-23-99). Is that what being transgender is about ... sexual gratification and prostitution?

The implications reach well beyond how society veiws the Transgendered. What about the deeply closeted crossdresser who has yet to make contact with our community? How can our hidden sisters (and brothers) not feel confused or even depressed when the only role models they have to look towards are the Springer Girls? What about the wife (or parents) of a closeted crossdresser who finds the hidden stash of clothes. When they regain consciousness, what are they likely to think? Maybe that their loved one is walking the streets, picking up STD's and johns just like the TG hooker on Springer last week?

If someone wants to make a fool of themselves on National Television by acting like some speakeasy sleazer of the lowest degree, it isn't only their problem, it is ours as well. I worry that the rest of us are being indirectly hurt by this horribly inaccurate portrayal of the transgendered. As a group, we must take back the stereotype from these wayward sisters while accepting that they are part of the vast Transgender community. As individuals, we need to put forth a positive image of transgenderism by outreaching with the general public. Let them know that they have nothing to fear from us. Be proud that of your transgenderism instead of hanging your head in embarrassment. We can show the rest of the world that there is nothing wrong with being transgendered and that we are good, wholesome people who can make an important contribution to society. Let the world see a real Transgendered person for a change!

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