Chelsea Handler, the outspoken comedian and former host of her own talk show, has taken a stand against the discrimination that transgender and non-binary people face in America. In a recent Instagram video, Handler said, “Transgender people are some of the bravest people I know. They have the courage to live their lives authentically despite being shunned and discriminated against in the pursuit of personal peace.”
Handler, who has a history of criticizing the Republican Party, especially during her recent stint on The Daily Show and her Netflix special Revolution, called out specific politicians for their negative comments towards the trans community. Shelley Luther, a Texas House of Representatives candidate, said she was “uncomfortable” around “trans kids.” Ex-president Donald Trump has also been campaigning against trans people.
In addition, Handler criticized George Santos, a Republican congressman who has come under fire for his lies about where he went to school and college, where he’s worked, being Jewish and his mother’s two deaths. She said, “Conservatives want to criticise you for how you identify but they are fine with George Santos being whatever the f**k he is this week.”
Handler has been a vocal ally of the trans community for some time, and her Instagram post received an outpouring of support from commenters. One person wrote, “My 14-year-old is trans and I am a mama bear [who] will fight for him. I love my son and am thankful he can be his best, authentic self. I appreciate you speaking out, Chelsea.”
Handler also commented on the current debate within the comedy community over what constitutes “punching down” to marginalized communities. She said, “It is not that limiting, all they are asking you to do is not be sexist or racist. It’s not a tall order. I have a strong desire to put a show together to demonstrate to people that it is not that hard to accomplish.”
