Photo: getty
They issued an apology. But the damage is done.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Sep 13, 2019
Transgender individuals have come a long way in the past few years. More and more, they’ve begun speaking out about their personal struggles, the hate and prejudice they’ve faced, and how they’re human beigs just like everyone else. They’ve received more representation in film, television, entertainment, and even on the catwalk. All good thing!
But there’s still a long way to go. The Trump administration “asked” the Supreme Court to make being transgender a fireable offense, and it appears that not even fashion runways are a safe place from ignorance. And aside from this corrupt administration, the ignorance this time is from two reality television stars we know too well.
Who is Yasmine Petty? Petty is a runway and editorial fashion model, actress, and photographer. Intelligent and bright, she studied photography at the International Center of Photography in New York City, and fashion design at De Anza College in San Francisco.
She’s also transgender, and it appears some people just can’t handle it.
On September 10, Tinsley Mortimer made her catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week’s Garo Sparo show. In the audience were fellow Real Housewives of New York City cast members Sonja Morgan, Dorinda Medley, and Luann de Lesseps.
While Petty walked down the aisle, Morgan posted a video to her Instagram story, making transphobic comments about her and fellow model, Miz Cracker.
In the video, Morgan asks Medley, “Who is that? Oh, that’s a guy, right?” referring to Miz Cracker. As Petty takes the stage, Medley adds, “Well, with a body like that, it’s a guy. That’s a guy.” Morgan echoes, “Yeah, with a body like that it’s a guy, you’re absolutely right.”
The video has been deleted, but not before the reality stars got caught making transphobic comments. And Petty stepped up to call them out.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Petty said:
“As a transgender woman, I’ve never thought of myself as a model. But I have always tried to fully embrace who I am in whatever I do. Sometimes that requires being vulnerable and brave. I was excited to model in a runway show for Garo Sparo at New York Fashion Week, an artist who celebrates diversity and authenticity.”
During that show, as I walked down the catwalk with my head held high in who I am, a few women in the front row (who we’ve all seen on television) spoke hurtful, damaging comments, saying, ‘With a body like that, it’s a guy.’ In fact, that very moment was captured on social media and shared with the world.
People don’t get to choose their sexual orientation or gender identity. What people do get to choose though is projecting rude and cruel behavior toward other people for things they have no control over. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. But we as a society must do better. People in positions of influence and power must do better. And to any trans woman out there feeling inadequate as a woman, keep strutting honey.”
Fans flooded Medley and Morgan’s Instagram accounts, expressing their surprise and disgust at the comments made. On September 11, the two apologized, saying, “We have a history as long-standing supporters of the LGBTQ community in many ways and apologize for our offensive comments at the fashion show.”
This isn’t the first time the cast members from Real Housewives of New York City have caused upset. Last September at the Pamella Roland presentation, Dorinda Medley, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Tinsley Mortimer apparently “made such a scene... just talking super loud through the whole show. Nicky Hilton looked kind of annoyed.”
Ladies, if you’re going to disrupt a fashion show with rude comments and banter, maybe it’s best not to attend.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.