What Were X-Factor Thinking?

[Guest Cariad]

I got this link through pinknews on facebook..what are peoples thoughts?

http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/index.php?act=idx

[Guest Julie T]

Honey

I think you have the wrong link. You might want to check?

Julie

[Guest EvenClose]

Lol, yeah that linky been confusing the poo outta me. Had me runnin in circles for a while till I realized what the link actually read.

Mira 0 Link +1

[Guest Cariad]

mmm my firefox playing up on all my tabs it has lauras addy and not the page that is open..here is the correct link.. can anyone edit my original post to replace the link please.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/07/28/x-factor-contestant-called-Transgender-by-staff/

[Guest Risu]

It said the page does not exist for me ;_; can you give us some details of what it was about?

[Guest Vixen Amber]

Yeah not working for me either sorry :/

[Guest Cariad]

This is the article copied and pasted..sorry the link didnt work..you can find the original at pinknews

A transgender X Factor contestant was said to be furious after programme staff mistakenly sent her an email calling her a “Transgender”.

Pamela-Michelle Giovanni, 46, was sent the email by two junior researchers, the Sun reports.

The email, which discussed her performance, was headed ‘Pam the Transgender’.

A source told the newspaper: “Pam got through four rounds and was well liked – but she had a meltdown when she saw the email.

“It wasn’t sent maliciously and the researchers have been distraught at the upset they have caused. They were disciplined but will keep their jobs because of their genuine remorse.”

An X Factor spokesperson said: “This matter was dealt with swiftly at the time and the contestant was given a full apology for any offence that may have been caused.”

Ms Giovanni has not commented.

[Guest Fiarlia]

While I understand Ms. Giovanni's displeasure at being singled out that way, I also completely understand X-Factor and the decision to let them keep their jobs (assuming nothing else was mentioned that was negative in the email).

While we here are quite immersed in the trans community, whether being trans ourselves or parents/SO's/friends/family, I'm well aware that the vast majority of the population isn't. The people had no intention of being mean, malicious or otherwise rude, and were genuinely remorseful (assuming the source who made the comment is accurate and disclosing all relevant information) of their accidental actions. I'm actually shocked that any disciplinary actions were taken at all, I'd assume (and probably much rather) that the opportunity would be used to teach understanding through a knowledgeable and preferably certified source, whether inside or outside the company. Being called "xxxx The Transgender" isn't cool, and you wouldn't call a gay contestant "xxxx The Gay" but as I said before, most people are completely oblivious to things like that.

All in all, I'm glad that an apology was given, and equally glad that those responsible were genuinely sorry and that this was not a case of transphobia. I'll take accidental harm over intended harm any day of the week, and it's nice to see that some companies and people are tolerant and accepting - even if largely ignorant.

[Guest CariadsCarrot]

Ok I've just pointed out to Cariad that the word filter has changed the crucial word in that post. The email used a derogatory word in the place of 'transgender'.

Gabe

[Guest Fiarlia]

Ok I've just pointed out to Cariad that the word filter has changed the crucial word in that post. The email used a derogatory word in the place of 'transgender'.

Gabe

Oh. Well in that case I'm glad they were punished.

>_>

[Guest Risu]

Wow... I hate that word and find it offensive so yes, I am glad they were punished. I wouldn't want to be identified as transgender, nor the slang word they used. What's wrong with just Pam? unless there is more than one Pam in the show then I guess I can cut them a little slack but yeah... not cool X-Factor!