So it seems the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided that ANOHNI, the trans performer nominated for Best Song (“Manta Ray” for the picture Racing Extinction), is not famous or important enough to be allowed to sing her song during the Oscar presentation on Sunday.
After getting all the blow back regarding #OscarsSoWhite, they couldn’t figure out that stopping the first transgender nominee (that we know of) from performing would have been a blunder?
OK...fine. Here’s my suggestion:
One of the other acts scheduled to perform should give up their slot to ANOHNI. Hollywood has a huge problem with those who do not conform to gender norms. Kudos to Jared Leto for Dallas Buyer’s Club, but why wasn’t an actual trans person cast? No matter how sensitive Jeffrey Tambor’s portrayal in Transparent, why isn’t it played by an actual trans person? And when will we finally see an FTM trans person? Why are all the portrayals of trans people that of men who transition to women no matter who is playing them?
But, small steps. Hollywood won’t change overnight, but all change has to start with a first step. So let’s take one: One of the other acts should give up their slot to ANOHNI to perform.
How about it, Lady Gaga? What say you, Vice President Biden? Imagine how much you could help by stepping up in support of the trans community and say, “We don’t think excluding the first trans person ever to be nominated for an Oscar from having a moment in front of the cameras on an international broadcast is right. So instead, Biden is going to be introducing ANOHNI to perform.”
#LetThemSing