On last week's episode of America's Best Dance Crew, Lil Mama made some comments about transgender contestant Leiomy Maldonado that might have came off as insensitive.
"Leiomy, your behavior, come on, it's unacceptable. You need to remember your truth… you were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you're going to become a woman, act like a lady."
Well, Lil Mama realized that she might lose fans (she has fans?) so she issued an apology to GLAAD:
"I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday's show. My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy's gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution."
Well kudos to Lil Mama for realizing what she said might have been a little insensitive. Shit, it looked like Leiomy was about to cut a bitch up in there.
– Andy
I didn’t find her comments offensive … I found them true. The man turning woman was being a total diva and needed a kick in the ass.
I’m with James. Lil Mama showed remarkable tolerance by recognizing Leiomy as a woman and saying what she would to ANY woman contestant- be a fucking lady.
i didnt find the comments to be offensive either. i think GLAAD should choose more carefully who/what/when/where/why they go after people or they’ll basically be seen as a group of gay “finger pointers” who are gonna go after anybody who even mentions gay/trans people….
LURV VOGUE EVOLUTION!
Tact is never something to lose when dealing with someone who’s going through something different. While I wouldn’t call Lil Mama’s comments offensive, I wouldn’t say they had tact or the right way to convey her message.
I’ve never had a transgendered friend or known one in person, but I know what it’s like to go through something people don’t understand. It’s tough and we don’t always react perfectly while going through it, and it’s definitely important for someone to give us a reality check.
But I doubt being reminded she was born a man was the right thing to say. I wonder how often people say that to her, WITH the intent of being offensive and intolerant.
Transgendered individuals usually don’t like to be reminded of their past selves because they believe that they were born in the wrong body. The person that they present to you is the person that you should address. Lil’ Mama was wrong to mention that little point on national television. Anyone who thinks that it’s okay to do that should be ashamed.
Puma, instead of telling people to be ASHAMED, why not take a much more informational tone by EXPLAINING to people what a transgendered person might be feeling and why you believe it was wrong. You actually made a nice point, and based on your observation, yes, it wasn’t tactful for the comment to be made, but your flippant attitude at the end makes it clear you think ANYone who didn’t know that should be burned by your righteous anger. Be informative, not annoyingly pissy.