For Millennials. By Millennials.
The world is getting ‘woke,’ and transphobia is unacceptable anymore, not even as a joke. MUA and YouTuber James Charles found himself in a sticky situation when he mistakenly wrote a caption that seemingly hinted at the trans military ban.
James Charles posts photos with ‘funny’ caption
The situation arose when Charles posted a series of his feminine photos on his Twitter. Wearing girly attires, different styles of wigs, and ultimately looking like a woman, James wrote the caption:
me when the government comes knocking on my door for the draft
A draft is when all male US citizens and immigrants must sign themselves with selective services. This is a compulsory registration in the US when you turn 18 years of age.
This tweet seemed to hint at Trump’s trans-military ban. This ban is infamous for curbing LGBT rights as it bans transgender troops from openly serving in the army.
James’ tweet seemed to hint at the ban itself. And the internet reacted. One user said:
Woman or not…if the government came knocking at my door I would boss up and fight for the country that I live in that has allowed me to be myself freely to a certain degree. I can’t with this subliminal message.
While other users shared:
war is not funny. murder, genocide, imperialism…it’s not a joke.
People make jokes when they are scared, in pain or anxious
And a prominent Twitter user Daniel Summers shared:
This is completely disgraceful. Perhaps you could hit pause on your relentless campaign of self-promotion, and opt not to make a possible massive loss of life an opportunity to amplify your brand.
James wasn’t shading the trans-military ban.
The outrage grew to the point that James had to clarify the issue. James Charles then posted a secondary tweet.
He wants everyone to know that in no way is he ‘shading’ the trans-military ban. James also stated that he does not support the ban at all.
Explaining the ‘light-hearted’ personal joke, he said he had to register for a draft like every other boy when he turned 18.
He tweeted:
However, many people believe that the tweet was transphobic. James Charles is in the hot waters. After all, a statement deemed by the internet as problematic can get you in trouble- fast.
A fan of James dropped in to clarify the joke and explain how it has nothing to do with being transgender or the trans military ban.