Demand that David Letterman Apologize for Transphobic Joke

The Issue

President Barack Obama made history when he appointed Amanda Simpson, one of the nation's first transgender executive-level appointees, to a position with the U.S. Commerce Department. But rather than celebrate the history behind this, the Late Show with David Letterman turned the appointment into an opportunity for transphobic "humor."

To them, Simpson's appointment was a chance to say that transgender people are sick. Funny? Hardly. Transphobic? Absolutely.

Send a message to the producers at the Late Show letting them know that transphobia isn't funny. Amanda Simpson is well-qualified, distinguished in her field, and will prove an asset to the U.S. Commerce Department. For the Late Show to make a joke about how "sick" she is because she's transgender is offensive, rude, and fosters the types of discrimination and violence that affect the trans population at large.

avatar of the starter
Michael JonesPetition StarterManaging Director of Campaigns @ Change.org. On the side I write some sketch comedy, and enjoy being the proud parent of the best dog on the planet.
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The Issue

President Barack Obama made history when he appointed Amanda Simpson, one of the nation's first transgender executive-level appointees, to a position with the U.S. Commerce Department. But rather than celebrate the history behind this, the Late Show with David Letterman turned the appointment into an opportunity for transphobic "humor."

To them, Simpson's appointment was a chance to say that transgender people are sick. Funny? Hardly. Transphobic? Absolutely.

Send a message to the producers at the Late Show letting them know that transphobia isn't funny. Amanda Simpson is well-qualified, distinguished in her field, and will prove an asset to the U.S. Commerce Department. For the Late Show to make a joke about how "sick" she is because she's transgender is offensive, rude, and fosters the types of discrimination and violence that affect the trans population at large.

avatar of the starter
Michael JonesPetition StarterManaging Director of Campaigns @ Change.org. On the side I write some sketch comedy, and enjoy being the proud parent of the best dog on the planet.

The Decision Makers

Jay Brennan
Jay Brennan
Executive Producer, Late Show
Rob Burnett
Rob Burnett
Executive Producer, Late Show
Barbara Gaines
Barbara Gaines
Executive Producer, Late Show

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Petition created on January 5, 2010