I’ve received a few reports from local trans folk who state that during their morning show, 94.5 engaged in anti-trans rants. During these rants, station staff members purposefully used incorrect pronouns and repeatedly referred to trans people using the term, “it”.

I sent an email to station managers this morning and am waiting for their reply. I was made aware of this issue when a community member sent me the following email exchange:

From: kimberly

Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 9:08 AM

To: Theresa

Subject: comment this morning about Chaz Bono I was really upset about the “HeSheIt” comment that was made severaltimes this morning in regards to Chaz Bono and calling HIM, “her”. He is no longer “her” and NO ONE wants to be referred to as an “IT”. I dated a transgendered person for over two years. It’s dangerous and humiliating for a trans person toallow people into the secret of their birth sex, and for Chaz toallow the world into the whole truth of his reality, is a huge step for the trans community. To call him IT is no different than to call a black person “nigger” on the air. It’s dehumanizing and deserves an apology. No human is less-than. No human should be called “It”, and everyone deserves respect regardless . I’m sure you didn’t realize how hurtfull your comment might have been, but Transgender is not a “choice”. Just as gay is not a choice. Just like a child doesn’t choose to be born with a cleft pallete. It’s something that needs to be corrected. I am a bi sexualfemale who was lucky enough to share a loving relationship with a man who was born with the wrong gender identity. If you have any questions regarding what our experience was, or what others is, I would be more than happy to share with you further, or you can reach the Houston Trans Center. They are GREAT there. But Chaz, and the trans community, deserves a, apology. Thanks.

Kimberly

The station’s representative wrote back saying:

On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 9:22 AM, Theresa <theresa@thebuzz.com> wrote: Hi! DO you listen to the show often? I have some questions for YOU! 1)DID YOU HEAR ME talk BADLY or INSULT CHAZ BONO? 2)HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ME DO THIS IN REGARDS TO THE TONS OF GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER listeners who call??? 3)Have you NOT HEARD ME ALWAYS PUMP GAY MARRIAGE, RIGHTS, ETC? 4)DID YOU HONESTLY just compare what I said to the “N” word? AND TYPE IT OUT NO LESS?????? I would Be MORE THAN HAPPY TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT YOUR HARSH AND ACCUSITORY/ RUDE EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you not hear us DISCUSS YESTERDAY the whole topic???? DID YOU NOT hear us throw out there that the transgender switch was NOT COMPLETE?????????? DID YOU HEAR ME DISS THEHOUSTONTRANSGENDER COMMUNITY! Ill tell ya NOW. I will eat this shit up.Illthrow it out there RIGHT NOW to the people who thoroughly listen to this show and we will see WHO deserves to give an apology. Your RUDE and selective hearing could easily be called into action. I appreciate you listening and taking the time to email me because you are concerned. YOU SHOULD think about putting the gloves away before you OPEN up this can! Have a great day! I am more than happy to answer any or ALL questions you have! Theresa!

Apparently, today was the second rant. Another community member sent me the following email:

On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 12:17 PM, ———–@yahoo.com wrote: Yesterday morning Rod Ryan referred to Chaz Bono as he then quickly went to she, shim, chude, and it. Then went on to say that well “she” still has a vagina so I can call her she still. I always liked his show and thought of him as a cool guy. I was very offended. He definitely needs some education on trans men.

Apparently the station has spent two days mocking the lives of trans people.

The two station managers I sent an email to were:

I’ve not yet heard a reply of any sort from this Clear Chanel owned station. If you’ve heard this station denigrate trans folks before or if you heard the show yesterday or today, please post your thoughts and feelings. Also, please post the show’s advertisers.

The fact that modern media feels that it is appropriate to promulgate the same propaganda that known hate groups spread is simply unacceptable! The trans community suffers the highest bullying, murder, suicide and suicidal ideation rate. Denigrating an oppressed group of American citizens might make for convenient laughs for an uneducated public, but we trans folk are the ones who pay the price for their “jokes” each and every day.

I’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: “Clear Channel Eats Crow”