Sometimes, It Is Not “Just Jokes”: Dave Chappelle & The Harming of Black Trans Women
Those who are experiencing harm are the experts on their harm.
As a psychologist who works from a social justice framework, listening and believing the experiences of marginalized communities is necessary for insuring their emotional well-being. In doing this, we not only make space for the acknowledgement of their oppression, but then push for changes to those systems and beliefs that oppressed them in the first place.
It is not up to us to decide whether or not they are being harmed.
It is not up to us to determine if their fear is justified.
We cannot insist that something is not dangerous simply because the danger is not aimed at us.
Even when we inhabit our own historically excluded and marginalized identities, we must not permit a society that attempts to pit our oppressions against each other to succeed
or to fail to support those within our own groups who have additional intersections to be the victims of our own wrath — -in a system they did not create
Recently, Dave Chappelle did another standup show on Netflix. Within it, he continued to double down on negative comments about those within the Transgender Community.
Like Boosie Badazz and his obsession with Lil Nas, the comments from Dave (although dangerous and transphobic), were not unexpected
The ongoing weariness and disappointment come from the reaction of those within their own communities who determined that they were now the experts on whether or not Trans folks (especially Black Trans Women) were “allowed” to be offended
From within our own Black community, there was gloating about Cancel Culture failing in this case (let’s be clear, it takes a helluva lot to cancel Black men within the Black community, and we know that as long as harm is being done to the most vulnerable, society overall is not that pressed to cancel them)
There was insistence that Trans Women could not “take a joke” — -even though the ongoing false narratives about Black trans women has contributed to their deaths
There were declarations that “have you even seen it” to minimize indignation expressed, even as our community has railed over and over again about the unfairness of having to “record our deaths” for people to believe that it has occurred
Many have declared that “Dave isn’t talking about us” — -as if our community is not blessed with the presence of Trans people — -who have stood beside Cis Black folks in racial and gender-justice movements.
We become no better than those who make racially-charged statements or engage in misogynoir when we fail to honor and listen to the voices of Black Trans Folks within our community — especially when they are enraged and hurting
Until we listen and support the voices of members of our community at ALL of its intersections, we become a part of the culture that seeks to not recognize or respect our humanity
Do Better
Dr. Dent is a licensed psychologist. Her hardest job is being a Black Woman who centers the experiences of ALL Black women and girls. She listens to and believes Black Trans Women, and you should, too. Make sure to “Like” her page and listen to her on the Centering Sisters Videocast on Facebook Live (@CenteringSisters) and on Youtube