Netflix, do not support homophobia in Russia! #NetflixTranslateProperly
Проблема
On September 28, ex-head of the Russian Pastafarian Church Mikhail Samin drew attention to the fact that Netflix rated as 18+ a number of cartoons mentioning the LGBTQIA+ characters (such as “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”, “Steven Universe”, “Kipo and the Age of Wondbeasts”) and deleted them from the Netflix for kids.
On December 12, Russian Twitter users noted that Netflix translated the word ‘homosexuals’ to Russian as ‘homosexualists’ in the new-released film “The Prom”, along with cutting out some LGBTQIA-slang. The term ‘homosexualism’ was used in Russia for a name of the disease and now has been associated with clinical ideas about same-gender attraction as deviant. This term was denied in 1990, so currently, it is incorrect to use this word in relation to LGBTQIA+ people.
On December 18, blogger Fedya (@russiaforgays) launched a campaign #какогохренанетфликс #NetflixTranslateProperly on Instagram. Fedya noticed that vocabulary of some Russian Netflix subtitles is homophobic and the translation does not match the original audio. For example, in the TV series “Friends” the line ‘I am not gay’ is translated as ‘I have a normal orientation’, in the film “The Prom” the phrase ‘drag queen’ is translated as ‘transvestite’, and ‘queer eye’ as ‘normal guy through the eyes of a gay’.
Netflix’s discrimination policy is systematic
A lawyer of the Russian LGBT Network Alexander Belik noticed that in Russian subtitles of the TV series “Family Guy” the phrase ‘now I know why Oscar Wilde turn to alcoholism and bone inhalation’ is translated as ‘turn to alcoholism and homosexualism’, and in Russian subtitles of the TV series “Sex education” in the support group for drug addicted people, they talk about themselves as ‘junkies’, although in the original voice acting they say ‘drug abusers’. In addition, Netflix's non-profit website 13reasonswhy.info lacks information on Russian NGO working with suicide issues.
These are all indicative of the systemic problems with Netflix's approach. The company does not have the policy to protect minority rights when localizing Netflix products. The problem is of a systemic nature and requires a systemic solution for all vulnerable groups. The issue is not only about LGBTQIA+ rights. The issue is also about the rights of people with disabilities, addicted people, or prone to suicide, and others.
Netflix does not admit mistakes and does not take responsibility for them. With its actions, Netflix does serious harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, broadcasting offensive subtitles and dubbing voice acting for years, and now also censoring its own LGBTQIA-content. Netflix has neither made a formal apology nor expressed its position in support of the LGBTQIA+ community in its Russian-speaking social networks.
What Netflix is afraid of?
In Russia, there is a homophobic law, which prohibits “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” among minors. This law was recognized as discriminatory back in 2017, in the ECHR case “Bayev and others vs. Russia”. The Russian authorities are obliged to cancel it and to refrain from using it until it is canceled. This law is practically not applied in Russia; since its adoption in 2013, less than 60 cases are known.
Indeed, under this law, Netflix can be fined 13000 $. But, firstly, these are pennies for such a media giant as Netflix. Secondly, the authorities are unlikely to go for it due to the high toxicity of the topic and too wide public response. Third, non-profit organizations that protect LGBTQIA+ rights in Russia, such as the Russian LGBT Network, will gladly provide free qualified legal assistance to Netflix if they are prosecuted.
Netflix, you should be a role model! Don't be afraid of ridiculous Russian repressions. You are above that, you will be supported by your viewers, non-profit organizations, and citizens of Russia, who are not at all as homophobic as their government.
What do we demand from Netflix?
1. Edit subtitles.
How do you plan to deal with the situation? Keep us updated, there is no big deal. Will you refuse to cooperate with homophobic partners? Will you teach them ethical standards? Will you hire a minority rights consultant? Give the public details, the answer “we will try to become better” does not suit us.
2. Localize cartoons.
Translate into Russian the cartoons “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”, “Steven Universe”, “Kipo, and the Age of Wondbeasts”, remove the 18+ rate and add them to Netflix for Kids. This is important for us and for the representation of LGBTQIA+ people. There is a demand for LGBTQIA+ films, cartoons, and TV series in Russia. We pay for a subscription and we want Russian viewers, along with your worldwide viewers, to be able to see content featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.
Проблема
On September 28, ex-head of the Russian Pastafarian Church Mikhail Samin drew attention to the fact that Netflix rated as 18+ a number of cartoons mentioning the LGBTQIA+ characters (such as “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”, “Steven Universe”, “Kipo and the Age of Wondbeasts”) and deleted them from the Netflix for kids.
On December 12, Russian Twitter users noted that Netflix translated the word ‘homosexuals’ to Russian as ‘homosexualists’ in the new-released film “The Prom”, along with cutting out some LGBTQIA-slang. The term ‘homosexualism’ was used in Russia for a name of the disease and now has been associated with clinical ideas about same-gender attraction as deviant. This term was denied in 1990, so currently, it is incorrect to use this word in relation to LGBTQIA+ people.
On December 18, blogger Fedya (@russiaforgays) launched a campaign #какогохренанетфликс #NetflixTranslateProperly on Instagram. Fedya noticed that vocabulary of some Russian Netflix subtitles is homophobic and the translation does not match the original audio. For example, in the TV series “Friends” the line ‘I am not gay’ is translated as ‘I have a normal orientation’, in the film “The Prom” the phrase ‘drag queen’ is translated as ‘transvestite’, and ‘queer eye’ as ‘normal guy through the eyes of a gay’.
Netflix’s discrimination policy is systematic
A lawyer of the Russian LGBT Network Alexander Belik noticed that in Russian subtitles of the TV series “Family Guy” the phrase ‘now I know why Oscar Wilde turn to alcoholism and bone inhalation’ is translated as ‘turn to alcoholism and homosexualism’, and in Russian subtitles of the TV series “Sex education” in the support group for drug addicted people, they talk about themselves as ‘junkies’, although in the original voice acting they say ‘drug abusers’. In addition, Netflix's non-profit website 13reasonswhy.info lacks information on Russian NGO working with suicide issues.
These are all indicative of the systemic problems with Netflix's approach. The company does not have the policy to protect minority rights when localizing Netflix products. The problem is of a systemic nature and requires a systemic solution for all vulnerable groups. The issue is not only about LGBTQIA+ rights. The issue is also about the rights of people with disabilities, addicted people, or prone to suicide, and others.
Netflix does not admit mistakes and does not take responsibility for them. With its actions, Netflix does serious harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, broadcasting offensive subtitles and dubbing voice acting for years, and now also censoring its own LGBTQIA-content. Netflix has neither made a formal apology nor expressed its position in support of the LGBTQIA+ community in its Russian-speaking social networks.
What Netflix is afraid of?
In Russia, there is a homophobic law, which prohibits “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” among minors. This law was recognized as discriminatory back in 2017, in the ECHR case “Bayev and others vs. Russia”. The Russian authorities are obliged to cancel it and to refrain from using it until it is canceled. This law is practically not applied in Russia; since its adoption in 2013, less than 60 cases are known.
Indeed, under this law, Netflix can be fined 13000 $. But, firstly, these are pennies for such a media giant as Netflix. Secondly, the authorities are unlikely to go for it due to the high toxicity of the topic and too wide public response. Third, non-profit organizations that protect LGBTQIA+ rights in Russia, such as the Russian LGBT Network, will gladly provide free qualified legal assistance to Netflix if they are prosecuted.
Netflix, you should be a role model! Don't be afraid of ridiculous Russian repressions. You are above that, you will be supported by your viewers, non-profit organizations, and citizens of Russia, who are not at all as homophobic as their government.
What do we demand from Netflix?
1. Edit subtitles.
How do you plan to deal with the situation? Keep us updated, there is no big deal. Will you refuse to cooperate with homophobic partners? Will you teach them ethical standards? Will you hire a minority rights consultant? Give the public details, the answer “we will try to become better” does not suit us.
2. Localize cartoons.
Translate into Russian the cartoons “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”, “Steven Universe”, “Kipo, and the Age of Wondbeasts”, remove the 18+ rate and add them to Netflix for Kids. This is important for us and for the representation of LGBTQIA+ people. There is a demand for LGBTQIA+ films, cartoons, and TV series in Russia. We pay for a subscription and we want Russian viewers, along with your worldwide viewers, to be able to see content featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.
Адресаты петиции
Новости этой петиции
Поделиться этой петицией
Петиция создана 23 декабря 2020 г.