Pittsburgh’s chapter of PFLAG has issued a strong letter to the radio station 102.5 WDVE, condemning the transphobic language used during a recent broadcast of The John Clay Wolfe Show. The letter highlights the repeated use of slurs and derogatory comments targeting Imane Khelif, an Algerian Olympic boxer, and calls for immediate action from the station. View the full letter below.
On August 3, 2024, The John Clay Wolfe Show, syndicated on WDVE, featured a segment in which Wolfe and his co-hosts mocked Imane Khelif, repeatedly misgendering her and using the slur “tranny” ten times. The show also made other offensive comments, such as comparing Khelif’s matches to an abusive relationship and belittling the existence of transgender people. These comments have been met with outrage from the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, who view such language as a form of hate speech that perpetuates violence and discrimination against transgender individuals.
Listen to the August 3, 2024 broadcast here.
In their letter, PFLAG Pittsburgh, along with various community organizations, government officials, places of worship, and businesses including QBurgh, demanded that WDVE issue a formal apology and broadcast a statement of inclusiveness and affirmation. The letter emphasized the importance of media responsibility, especially in a city like Pittsburgh, which prides itself on being a sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The city has seen substantial support for its annual Pride celebrations, attended by prominent figures such as Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
The letter underscores the significant role media outlets play in shaping public perception and discourse. The normalization of transphobic language, particularly on a widely broadcasted show like The John Clay Wolfe Show, contributes to a culture of bullying and violence against marginalized groups. As the letter notes, transgender people are already at a heightened risk of violence, with studies showing they are over four times more likely than cisgender individuals to be victims of violent crime.
PFLAG Pittsburgh also draws attention to the tragic murder of 14-year-old Pauly Likens, a transgender girl from Sharon, PA, earlier this year. This brutal act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the real dangers faced by transgender individuals, particularly trans women of color, who are disproportionately targeted. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 72% of victims of fatal violence against transgender people in 2024 have been people of color, with 44% being Black trans women.
PFLAG Pittsburgh is not only calling for accountability but also offering to educate WDVE’s staff and management about LGBTQIA+ issues. They propose a presentation that could serve as a starting point for understanding and fostering a more inclusive environment. By turning this negative incident into an opportunity for growth, PFLAG Pittsburgh aims to promote a culture of empathy and respect within the media landscape.
It should also be noted that Imane Khelif isn’t trans and has never identified as trans. She has now filed lawsuits against individuals and associated businesses who deliberately misgendered, misidentified, and maligned her, including JK Rowling.
The full list of cosigners are:
- PFLAG Pittsburgh and Friends
- The ACLU of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Representative Jessica Benham [Dist. 36]
- Central Outreach Wellness Center
- East Liberty Presbyterian Church Justice Committee
- East Liberty Presbyterian Church LGBTQIA+ Spirituality Group
- Rev. Dr. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, East Liberty Presbyterian Church
- Pennsylvania Representative Dan Frankel [Dist. 23]
- The Honorable Ed Gainey, Mayor of Pittsburgh
- Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation
- Pennsylvania Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes [Dist. 24]
- PFLAG Greensburg and Friends
- QBurgh
- Jay Ritter, owner Kensington Court Antiques
- Tri-State Gender Care Collaborative
- Pennsylvania Senator Lindsey Williams [Dist. 38]
