On WWE Raw yesterday, there was a segment in which Canadian professional wrestler Sami Zayn introduced American professional wrestler Bobby Lashley’s three sisters, who were portrayed by local male indie wrestlers dressed in drag. This was obviously a joke played by Zayn to “expose” his American counterpart via comedy sketch. The segment ended with Lashley defeating Zayn and the fake sisters. Despite Raw’s intention to be funny, it was reported that numerous viewers found no humor or enjoyment in this segment. Some called this act “completely embarrassing” and “tone deaf.” Others called it transphobic.
Transphobia refers to prejudice against transgender individuals. This form of prejudice specifically relates to one’s gender identity. Oddly enough, transgender individuals face discrimination by both cisgender, heterosexual individuals and those identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. According to Rudin et al. (2016), transgender individuals are outcasts when compared to the rest of the LGBT community. Transphobia has also led to violence against and health disparities among this population. For example, Klemmer, Arayasirikul, and Raymond (2018) stated “that nearly 40% of trans women experience physical victimization,” 25% encounter discrimination weekly, and 51% have been physically attacked “at least a couple times a month to daily” (p. 4).
Given the understandings about transphobia and its impact on transgender individuals, it is understandable why Raw’s segment didn’t appeal to many viewers. First, the wrestlers were seemingly mocking those who are crossdressers. Second, the imagery of a wrestler beating up men dressed as women could be harmful to the psyche of transgender individuals. It can also be argued that many don’t distinguish between trans women, or men who have transitioned into becoming women, and drag queens, which is a man who dresses up as an everyday woman would dress. Therefore, the Raw segment could unknowingly promote violence against those who identify as transgender, especially since media can influence many or shape people’s perceptions of certain topics.
Klemmer, C. L., Arayasirikul, S., & Raymond, H. F. (2018). Transphobia-based violence, depression, and anxiety in transgender women: the role of body satisfaction. Journal of interpersonal violence, 0886260518760015.
Rudin, J., Yang, Y., Ruane, S., Ross, L., Farro, A., & Billing, T. (2016). Transforming attitudes about transgender employee rights. Journal of Management Education, 40(1), 30-46.
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