It seems there was yet another mishap that happened at the Oscars this past Sunday night (besides the whole Best Picture fiasco). Transgender actress and activist Alexis Arquette was left out of award show’s “In Memoriam” video, and her sister, famous actress Patricia Arquette, slammed the show this omission, saying it was a “real slight to the trans community.”
Patricia told ET how it says a lot about the Academy’s attitude toward transgender people:
“Alexis was a great actor, and had 70 credits, and was really brave to live her truth as a trans woman, and they didn’t include her in the memorial.
I think that was a real slight to the trans community, especially at this time when trans kids can’t even go to the bathroom in the United States of America at school. It says a lot about the lack of inclusion — trans kids can really never look at anyone and see their heroes, and I think that was a big mistake.”
Alexis died at age 47 this past September as a result of cardiac arrest. She appeared in popular films as “Pulp Fiction,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “Last Exit to Brooklyn.” While the omission probably wasn’t intentional, that lack of thought also shows that inclusivity was not the priority of whoever compiled the list–and it should be at a major awards ceremony. In a time where transgender rights are being taken away, this seems like an even bigger blow than ever.
Let’s take this time to remind ourselves of how we can all be a little more inclusive in our own lives (we have some tips here), whether it’s how to make transgender children or adults feel more accepted. And let’s also take the time to remember some of Alexis’ best moments. Here are some of my favorites:
1. As George singing “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” in “The Wedding Singer”:
2. She appeared on “Larry King” and spoke about being transgender–and how to respect people who come out as transgender:
“They feel like it’s OK to ask what in someone’s parents or skirt.”
3. Here are some outtakes from her documentary “She’s My Brother,” where Arquette opens up about what it’s like transitioning.
