Radio Show to Apologize on Air for Remarks Made Encouraging Violence Against Transgender Children
The Transgender Law Center applauds the efforts of Trans Youth Family Allies (TYFA), Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and the hundreds of transgender community members and allies who responded to hateful comments made on radio station KRXQ Sacramento encouraging violence against transgender children. As a result of widespread listener outrage, the “Rob, Arnie and Dawn in the Morning”show will issue an apology on the air on Thursday, June 14, 2009 Kim Pearson of TYFA and Autumn Sandeen of the blog Pam’s House Blend will appear on the show to address the negative impact of the comments as well as the challenges faced by transgender youth. The Transgender Law Center is grateful for the tireless efforts of transgender community members, our allies, and TYFA and GLAAD in ensuring that transgender children are respected in the media. “TYFA is a outstanding advocate for the community, and continues to prove that they have our children’s best interests at heart,” said Masen Davis, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center. “We support them, and GLAAD, whole-heartily in their efforts to correct the egregious comments spoken on KRXQ.” As first reported by Autumn Sandeen on Pam’s House Blend, KRXQ aired a 30 minute segment of the “Rob Arnie and Dawn in the Morning” show on May 28, 2009 that used defamatory language and encouraged violence against transgender youth. When the show's hosts refused to apologize for their comments, TYFA and local transgender community members contacted the show‘s advertisers and made them aware of the show’s repugnant content. As a result, 11 businesses and organizations pulled advertising from the show, stating that they did not agree with its discriminatory language or advocacy for violence against transgender youth. On June 9th, co-host Rob Williams posted a letter on the show’s website stating that, “We have failed you” and that KRXQ stopped production of the show until the issue can be addressed on the air. The show will air on Thursday, June 11 2009 at 7:30 am on 98.5 FM KRXQ Sacramento and streamed online at KRXQ.net. Williams’ letter is available athttp://www.krxq.net/ . The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. TLC uses direct legal services, education, community organizing, and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families.www.transgenderlawcenter.org .TLC applauds response to KRXQ Sacramento
