Alan Cumming, Bisexual actor, guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live and using the platform to speak out for transgender rights:
“America? How are you doing? No, really, how are you doing? I mean, how are you doing aside from being a country that’s just reintroduced concentration camps, taken health care away from 17 million people to give billionaires a tax cut, and also to finance an armed militia of masked men that commits heinous assorted kidnappings and crimes against humanity on a daily basis. Aside from all that, are you okay? I wouldn’t have thought so … I split my time between New York City, here in the United States and Scotland, my homeland … Yes, I am an immigrant from Scotland. Are you scared of me? I am taking an American’s job right now. But don’t worry, according to ICE I’m one of the good ones … Tonight’s show is all about superheroes. Not only are the Fantastic Four here as I said, but some of you may also remember me as Nightcrawler from the X-Men.
Of course, these superhero movies are only pretend, but I happen to believe there are actual superheroes in real life who walk among us. And these superheroes are called trans people, because just like superheroes trans people are both with something special and magical about them, and they often have to hide what’s special and magical about them from other people. Like superheroes they grow up in a society that doesn’t understand them, that makes them the other and often hates them. Like superheroes, trans people just want the world to be a safer place. And they believe we should protect each other and live our lives in peace. Like superheroes, evil billionaires want to get rid of trans people for no fucking reason whatsoever. And just like superheroes, trans people are not new. They’ve been around forever and they’re not going anywhere, no matter how much this administration tries to make you fear them.
There is no evidence that trans people are a threat to women. There is, however, ample evidence that the President of the United States publicly brags about barging into beauty pageant dressing rooms and grabbing women by their pussies. Wake up, America! Come on, millions of Americans are obsessed with his idea that trans people are attacking women in bathrooms. Do you know what trans people do in the bathroom? They poop and they pee. And I’m sure they always wash their hands afterwards. And why on Earth, this is what gets me, why on Earth would a rapist go to the bother of pretending to be trans in a country that actually treats rapists better than trans people?
Do think anyone in [The Felon’s] Administration could actually name two trans people … here in America the amount of hate crimes against trans people has risen hugely in the last year. And in Los Angeles, they’re up by 125%. Another surprising statistic? Our sitting president is a million percent more likely to be on the Epstein list than any trans person. So let’s not pretend that we’ve got our eye on the ball when it comes to sexual violence, OK, America? And how dare this president make random, unfounded accusations of sexual criminality against trans people when he was literally ordered to pay $83 million to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. It’s the pot calling the kettle black after trying to grab its handle in the changing room of a T.J. Maxx.
Trans people are far more likely to be victims of sexual assault or violence than be the perpetrators. Now, I know that some of you don’t want to look at trans people but, please America, at least force yourselves to look at the facts. There is no epidemic of attacks committed by trans people. But do you know how many people are killed every year by gun violence in this country? Over 46,000. And you’re worried about pronouns. Everyone in this country’s pronouns should be gun and control … [And] to people who repeatedly attack the trans community, why; why do you care so much? Why are you so upset by what other people do to their bodies in order to be happy? If it’s okay for the Kardashians and Elon Musk, shouldn’t it be okay for trans people? …
Even as an atheist I am a big fan of Jesus, I really am. I mean, what’s not to like? A tall, gorgeous man with great abs and flowing hair getting his feet washed by prostitutes and encouraging people to love their neighbors, all the while slaying in a loose caftan. And Jesus was an immigrant, by the way, let’s not forget. Jesus would have loved trans people. He changed water into wine. Is that not itself an act of transition? And you know how I know Jesus would have loved trans people? Because he loved people. He loved all people. And so of course he would love trans people and all queer people. I mean, Jesus was followed around at all times by twelve hot single guys. All of them also sporting caftans. You do the math. Jesus loved The Gays, America, deal with it. The only thing our current president has in common with Jesus is that they both owe their careers to their dads.
But seriously, just take a moment to realize what it must feel like to be a trans person in America today. Our government has legislated that trans people do not exist. It is trying to erase them completely. Imagine having to stockpile your essential life-saving medicine because your president might cut off access to it for no other reason than it makes him look strong to his base. If a government is going to declare that a whole group of people shouldn’t exist why can’t it be a truly dangerous group of people like those who take their socks and shoes off on airplanes and then go into the bathrooms? Why can’t it be people that use leaf blowers at unearthly hours of the morning? Why can’t it be unkind people? Which brings us back to Jesus.
Jesus just wanted us all to be kind. That’s all. So, for once America, I beg you, let’s all really try to give kindness a go. Like my little mom says it doesn’t cost anything to be kind. And I guarantee that any situation you find yourself in will go a little better with kindness. Now, speaking of kindness, despite this government’s slashing of funds for all things LGBTQ+, there are a number of great organizations out there still helping the queer and trans community, including The Trevor Project, P-Flag National, and Trans Lifeline. Please call them if you need them and support them if you’re able. Thank you so much for listening.”
I saw this at Debra’s She Who Seeks when she posted a YouTube video of Cumming’s monologue. It was heartfelt and heartbreaking, funny and sweet , harsh and kind.
I’ve been thinking of it all week and going back to one though: be kind. What difference does it make in your life is a person is trans? Who is getting hurt by a trans person? No one; but many are hurting the trans community for no other reason than ignorance and fear spread by the current regime.
We need to stand with our trans brothers and sisters and let the tares know that, once again, they are on the wrong side of history, of life, of kindness, of Jesus, of faith, of spirituality, of hope.
Check out Alan’s full monologue at Debra’s blog—click the link above—and hear the entire speech. It’s worth it.
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