By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
LGBT Twitter Is Outraged a Gay Man Outed a Trans Survivor Contestant
LGBT Twitter Is Outraged a Gay Man Outed a Trans Survivor Contestant
Trace Lysette, Sia, Isis King, and more express anger at the terrible act, and admiration for the trans star, Zeke Smith.
It was a shocking moment on Wednesday night's episode of Survivor, CBS's long-running reality show about strangers marooned in a deserted location.
A gay contestant, Jeff Garner, in order to save himself from elimination, turned to another contestant and asked, "Why haven't you told anyone you are transgender?"
In this moment, Garner had outed a trans person, Zeke Smith, on national television, accusing Smith of "deception" in front of the other members of the Tribal Council.
The act backfired on Garner. The other contestants, rightly outraged by what had transpired, voted him off the island for his dastardly deed.
Nick Adams, director of GLAAD's Transgender Media Program, spoke out against the outing in a statement.
"Zeke Smith, and transgender people like him, are not deceiving anyone by being their authentic selves, and it is dangerous and unacceptable to out a transgender person," he said.
"It is heartening, however, to see the strong support for Zeke from the other people in his tribe. Moments like this prove that when people from all walks of life get to know a transgender person, they accept us for who we are."
Likewise, LGBT folks on Twitter were disgusted by what Garner had done. They outlined why outing a trans person is dangerous and unforgivable, and expressed admiration for how the group and Smith handled the ordeal.
See their reactions below.
\u201c.@JEFFVARNER White gay men\u2019s willingness to betray other queer people when it suits their ambitions and self-interests drives me UP THE WALL.\u201d— Saeed Jones (@Saeed Jones) 1492095848
\u201cLast night Zeke handled himself with an astounding amount of class in a situation where most would crumble. I'm still in awe. #Survivor\u201d— Andy Herren (@Andy Herren) 1492101081
\u201c#survivor is 1 of my favorite shows. I'm in tears \u00a0@zekerchief my hat's off to you. Thank you for sharing. Even if it wasnt your choice\u201d— Miss Peppermint. BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER (@Miss Peppermint. BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER) 1492044905
\u201c#Shinebright like a @zekerchief!\u2728Proud!\ud83d\udc96 thank u 4 turning a hard situation in2 a inspirational example!\ud83d\udc95 @survivorcbs #SurvivorGameChangers\u201d— Frankie James Grande (@Frankie James Grande) 1492054360
When the episode aired, Varner posted an apology to Twitter.
\u201chttps://t.co/meHYgXkPy9\u201d— Jeff Varner (@Jeff Varner) 1492045872
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
