Gail Simone Apologizes to Trans Community For Plastic Man #3!
John F. Trent
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DC Comics writer Gail Simone, who is penning the Plastic Man miniseries, apologized to the trans community for a scene in Plastic Man #3. She also promised she plans to work with DC Comics to address the criticism and update the trade paperback edition.
She took to Twitter to issue the apology.
Please also keep in mind that this series had an unusually long delay between being written and being printed so my memory is a little hazy.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 9, 2018
In issue three of Plastic Man, he briefly imitates Harley Quinn. In one panel, he clearly has a bit of a bulge despite otherwise being a pretty clear match for Harley.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 9, 2018
And for me, it’s Importent to note that he doesn’t BECOME those characters, he imitates them. He’s still himself, even pretending to be Wonder Woman.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 10, 2018
There is a common shitty trope out there floating around (and in fiction, too) about trans people ‘tricking’ or ‘luring’ unsuspecting people. It’s a shitty garbage myth and it’s gross and disgusting.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 10, 2018
But that isn’t really important. What’s important here is the trans community.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 10, 2018
And I do appreciate the friends who voiced their concern. I will do better.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 10, 2018
And here’s the image in question that provoked the criticism and the apology from Simone:
And the ensuing conversation with Man-Bat:
A number of fans believed the apology was completely unnecessary.
As much as I don’t like you, you have nothing to apologize for with Plastic Man.
— Josh The Amazing Animator (@mordennight) August 10, 2018
As a trans/genderfluid person myself I read it as you intended, as his typical joking imitation but of course I don’t represent everyone and everyone has their own opinions and experiences as trans ppl that they bring as readers
— ?Crocodad o’Dile☠ (@XiggyMatsu) August 10, 2018
We have to learn to laugh again and not be so serious all the time. (It’s bad for your sanity; or so the voices tell me ?)
— KennedayTS (@KennedayTS) August 10, 2018
I thought it was funny. Everyone from bugs bunny to clinger have done it, I don’t think they had those intentions either. Some folks are reading too much into it.
— Josh (@itaintright86) August 10, 2018
It’s ridiculous you have to address this at all
— Gringo Starr (@MattyFightsEvil) August 10, 2018
The world is getting nasty. Eveeeeery thing is signaled as offensive. Soon, a handshake or a hug will be pondered as an agression. Lets live and do as we can, no matter what others say or “read” about it.
— Franco Brofman (@francomax2010) August 10, 2018
If you try to please everyone you’ll end up pleasing no one. Don’t worry about the toxic haters.
— Jim Classic (@jimclassic) August 10, 2018
You cant always make everything appeal to everyone. So if someone has an issue its understandable and not exactly your fault, but its still the mark of a respectful kind human being to try and make them feel better.
Gail isn’t pandering, because kindness isn’t pandering.
— Benjamin Elzey #RehireJamesGunn (@NathanielTalon) August 10, 2018
You’re serious? I’m at a loss as to why you would apologize for this. I don’t know why you would weaken the arts. I’m not a fan of your writing but this is ridiculous.
— redcapjack (@redcapjack) August 10, 2018
Do you have a screen of the page? I don’t think that offense was intended and someone taking offense from something perceived.
You say “that is not what it is, that was not the intent.” And if they don’t like that answer they will get over it. If not, that’s a personal issue.
— Sputzee (ᵀᵁᴿᴮᴼ) Dalcassian (@SputzeeD) August 10, 2018
There were a few people who did appreciate the apology and are looking forward to the correction.
Thank you, Gail.
Definitely appreciated.
Looking forward to seeing it corrected in the tpb.
— Eli (@elknight20) August 10, 2018
THIS is an apology. A well done apology that says “I’m sorry for hurting you and I will do better” rather than “I’m sorry if you feel hurt, I guess, and I hope my career isn’t affected, because I totally apologized, guys.”
— Molly Burkhart (@GutterBallGT) August 10, 2018
Thank you so much.
— Minakocubus (she/her) (@FairlyLip) August 10, 2018
However one person was still extremely unhappy about the apology.
It’s not like this image would suddenly be FINE AND DANDY if the dialogue was removed.
— ? Tally Hopeless ? (@nataliereed84) August 10, 2018
What do you think? Should Gail Simone have apologized? Do you appreciate her apology?
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