Trans actress and activist Jen Richards—whose show Her Story was recently nominated for an Emmy—has been engaging in some important dialogue about representation recently. Specifically she’s focused on Hollywood’s insistence on casting cis (i.e. non-trans) actors in trans parts. Though it happens frequently (think Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club), Richards’ most recent comments were specifically inspired by the upcoming indie movie Anything, which stars Matt Bomer as a transgender sex worker. Richards tweeted out a long thread on the topic, including these tweets:
It will result in violence against trans women. And that is not hyperbole, I mean it literally. Cis men playing trans women leads to death.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
Straight men are attracted to trans women. They always have been, always will be. We are some of the most popular sex workers. It's a fact.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
Let's be more direct: They have sex with us, worry that makes them gay, then reassert their masculinity through violence aimed at us.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
Because culture as a whole still thinks trans women are "really" men. Decades of showing us that way in shows. It's been internalized.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
When Jared Leto plays Rayon and accepts his Oscar with a full beard, the world see's that being a trans women is just a man performing.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
And that is going to lead to violence. Not to me, likely, but to girls already most at risk. Any cis men who do this have bloody hands.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
I'm a filmmaker. I hold the freedom of art sacred, but I also recognize its power as a responsibility. We shape perception, we are culpable.
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
Richards took issue with both Bomer and Mark Ruffalo, who is an executive producer on Anything.
You will exacerbate the cultural belief that trans women are really men, which is the root of violence against us. @MarkRuffalo @MattBomer
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 28, 2016
As backlash against the film increased, Ruffalo himself got involved in the conversation:
To the Trans community. I hear you. It's wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It's time.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making "The Normal Heart".
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
@Vodstok The movie is already shot and Matt poured his heart and soul into this part. Please have a little compassion. We are all learning.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
Join me in my journey of getting woke to the Transgender Experience. Beautiful moving and deeply human. https://t.co/eqVurkaVv0
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) September 2, 2016
Richards tweeted support for Ruffalo’s openness:
Thank you @MarkRuffalo, this means a lot. I would love to talk to you about it, and how to move forward positively. https://t.co/tYOHdlHn2W
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 31, 2016
And she later uploaded this 13-minute video in which she thoughtfully explains the entire situation and invites Ruffalo to continue the conversation with her:
For more on the topic, you can read a Hollywood Reporter op-ed from director of GLAAD’s Transgender Media Program Nick Adams called “Matt Bomer and Men Who Play Transgender Women Send a ‘Toxic and Dangerous’ Message.” And to support a series in which trans actors play trans roles, you can watch Her Story right here.