Mark Ruffalo responds after casting Matt Bomer as trans sex worker
Trans people have blasted the decision on Twitter
“To the Trans community. I hear you.”
—Mark Ruffalo, responding on Twitter to criticism over the decision to cast Matt Bomer as a transgender sex worker in upcoming drama Anything.
The film is based on Timothy McNeil’s eponymous play (McNeil is also directing the movie), and follows a suicidal widower (John Carroll Lynch) who moves to Los Angeles and begins a friendship with a trans sex worker (Bomer).
Angered at what has become a recurring theme in Hollywood of cisgender men playing trans roles — Transparent, Dallas Buyers Club, The Danish Girl — trans people took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at Bomer’s casting. Jen Richards, creator of Emmy-nominated web series Her Story, became one of the most prominent — she filmed a video venting her frustrations which drew praise from Laverne Cox, among many others.
I love @smartassjen so much. This I believe is a must watch video on cis folks playing trans roles. https://t.co/uivAcyDxSH
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) September 1, 2016
In an effort to try and diffuse the controversy over Bomer’s casting, Ruffalo revealed that he had suggested the openly gay actor for the part — and that he found it “wrenching” to see trans people in such pain over the decision.
To the Trans community. I hear you. It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making “The Normal Heart”.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
Jamie Clayton, a trans actress who stars in Netflix’s Sense8, took Bomer to task on Twitter for accepting the role.
I really hope you both choose to do some actual good for the trans community one day. @MRodOfficial @MattBomer https://t.co/9WHwNu7HFm
— Jamie Clayton (@MsJamieClayton) August 30, 2016
Also included in the tweet was Michelle Rodriguez, who was blasted by GLAAD last year for starring in a film branded “sensationalistic” for having her character undergo forced gender reassignment surgery.
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