Shame on Tyler Jett and the Alligator for publishing “Resident charged with shaking ‘his wee-wee’” on April 6. I believe this article exhibits extreme bias.
This type of journalism perpetuates stereotypes and the fear of people who are transgender. Transgender individuals regularly face discrimination and violence. Why would the Alligator want to add to and promote this type of bigotry and potential for violence?
I perceived the article as offensive, biased, rude, demeaning and blatantly ignorant on many levels.
I personally know Zot as an upstanding, honest, hardworking, trustworthy community member who spends a great deal of her time working for social justice. She regularly fights for the rights of all people.
It’s bad enough that the article presents the allegations as factual, but its use of Zot’s gender status to sensationalize the story adds to my reaction of shock and disgust.
This type of ignorance has no place in a newspaper that is associated with a university campus where education is supposedly revered. In my opinion, this was extremely irresponsible journalism that created the potential for severely harmful consequences.
I believe that the Alligator and Tyler Jett have an ethical obligation to provide Zot Szurgot with a written apology that is published in the Alligator in the name of responsible journalism. I also request that a separate article be published, along the lines of “An Education in Transgender Cultural Competency,” in which detailed factual information is provided on how to be an ally to transgender people.
I am part of an organization called Spectrum Trans Awareness. We have been doing free Cultural Competency Trainings on Transgender Awareness in the Gainesville community since 2010.
We started this organization because this type of prejudice is far too common in our community. We would like to offer our services to the staff of the Alligator to assist them to become educated about these issues and to provide responsible journalism regarding gender issues to the community.
We would also be happy to assist in writing the educational piece regarding transgender cultural competency.
Please feel free to contact us at spectrumgainesville@yahoo.com for more information.
Laurie Reisman
UF alumna
Gainesville resident
