We are all aware of how J.K Rowling’s unapologetic transphobic remarks took the internet by storm with social media and Twitter users taking every opportunity to condemn the once-loved author on almost every platform. The reason is simple.
Rowling’s comments reflected an inherent discomfort with allowing transgender individuals to identify as their gender. Sadly, this ongoing conformity to the gender binary seems to be rampant in Hollywood, and one area where we often see its actualization is award shows.
In a recent interview with the House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy — who identifies as non-binary — AwardsWatch’s Tyler Doster posited the issue, asking D’Arcy about their thoughts on the gender-specific categories in award ceremonies.
Giving specific examples of the industry’s well-known non-binary actors such as Liv Hewson – who refused to submit their name for nomination to a binary category and Bella Ramsey who didn’t take a similar step, the interviewer asked D’Arcy her opinion on the subject.
Responding to the question, the House of the Dragon star emphasized the complexity of the current notions of gender identity and even though they would like to see a reform in this particular area, the pervasiveness of gender binary and people’s instinctive conformity to the same makes it a “painful time to have a conversation.” Detailing in D’Arcy’s words,
“God, I find it very difficult because it’s such a divisive topic at the moment, and I just am a non-binary person who, at a certain point, has to cut out the noise and live. Yeah, I would say it’s quite a painful time to have this conversation – it doesn’t feel like there’s a lot of space for productive, generative engagement. Obviously, I would advocate for gender-neutral categories – the current award systems feel increasingly antiquated. The very fact that they are unable to adequately serve a growing number of actors indicates the need for reform. How you manage and instigate that reform, I realize, is a complex question.”
It is indeed a complicated issue as Hollywood for the past many years has seemingly dedicated itself to producing works that have seen a nuanced representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Not to mention, numerous celebrities have come forward supporting neutrality. D’Arcy for instance — not unlike her celebrity cohorts — has been quite vocal about being non-binary, but at the time pointed out the challenges one faces if they “aren’t a cisgendered person.“
At that said, the gender-specific categories in award ceremonies have opened space for innumerable discussions and debates and we hope that with time, the issue is properly addressed and not just swept under the rug.
Published: Jun 20, 2023 01:33 pm