Activists demand apology from ‘transphobic, ignorant’ Loose Women panel
A petition has been launched after the panel made a series of controversial comments.
The ITV show launched into a discussion of trans issues last week – but quickly demonstrated a total lack of understanding regarding the subject.
Comments made by panellist Nadia Sawalha caused particular offence, as she labelled trans issues a “passing fad.”
“Last year my step daughter told me the ‘in’ thing at school was self-harming, and then before that it had been throwing up,” she said.
“You know, fashionable words that have been taken on.”
“The other day, [my children] were playing, and we actually heard from the other room, ‘which one of us is going to be transgender?’ – can you imagine that, even a year ago?”
Her comments received intense criticism on social media.
EastEnders first transgender cast member Riley Carter tweeted: “Disgusting. Not happy.”
Others tweeted their anger at the discussion, which was also labelled “bigoted”, “uneducated”, “vile” and “lazy”.
The panel are yet to apologise for the offence the comments caused – leading to an online petition being launched demanding one.
The petition – titled “Make Loose Women Apologise For Transphobic Comments” – was set up by Charlie Smith, who believes the panel need “educating” on a whole host of issues.
“Loose Women are constantly expressing uneducated, narrow-minded views such as these ones,” the petition says.
“I think it’s finally time that they should take some accountability, and apologise on the show for their comments.
“Furthermore, I think it is important that, before discussing such topics, panellists receive compulsory training about gender and sexuality,” it adds.
The petition also highlights the effect that the women’s views could have on members of the trans community.
“For transgender people watching the show, hearing this topic being discussed in such a negative way has the potential to be incredibly emotionally and mentally damaging.”
It isn’t the first time the show has attracted unwanted attention for its anti-LGBT views.
Earlier this year, Coleen Nolan compared a cake supporting same-sex marriage to one supporting terrorist group ISIS.
