A few months ago, we reported that “Roseanne” was getting a reboot–which in a lot of ways, we are excited about (considering it was a monumental and groundbreaking show for its time).
However, there’s been a bit of controversy already–and rightly so.
https://t.co/OQws0AB5w1 Please @therealroseanne don’t do this.
— Libby 🇺🇸 (@libbyannehess) August 1, 2017
So, what’s the deal? It was recently announced that the reboot is seeking to feature a “gender-creative child,” despite show’s star and creator Roseanne’s own transphobic history and statements.
In the past year, Roseanne did state some weird and awful stuff: that a transgender male should not be allowed to wrestle with the guys as she called testosterone a steroid–and also said that transgender women shouldn’t be allowed in women’s bathrooms if they have male genitalia.
This interaction was screenshotted by Jezebel:
The announcement, which was originally reported by Fox News, said the series is “looking to cast a character named Mark, who is the 9-year-old son of Darlene and David. Mark will be a ‘gender creative’ character.” The report also described as “sensitive” and “effeminate,” displaying “qualities of both male and female young child traits.”
This is a complicated one. I do strongly believe mainstream TV and films should be including more LGBTQ-identified characters in general, but I am concerned how this will all play out on “Roseanne,” considering Barr’s recent comments.
I suppose we can only wait and see what happens–although I do firmly believe when writing LGBTQ-identified characters, the showrunners should not only do research, but have an actual LGBTQ-identified writer on staff in order to gain a fuller perspective.
The eight-episode reboot is expected to air on ABC in 2018.
John Goodman and @therealroseanne are reunited at the #ABCUpfront! #Roseanne pic.twitter.com/gT0ATUQvuE
— Roseanne on ABC (@RoseanneOnABC) May 16, 2017
