Dave Chappelle is Wrong

The comedian needs to check his “privilege.”

“The Closer,” Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special, has once again placed a bullseye on the comedian's back. Chappelle, a popular comic, has done many specials with Netflix. But “The Closer” may have the “cancelled door” slammed in Chappelle’s face.

Chappelle, during one hour and 12 minutes set, spent approximately 37 minutes making jokes at the expense of trans people. Critics felt that Chappelle ignored the Black LBGTQIA community when he stated that he was amazed by the process of that community in society. That progress was by the white LBGTQIA community — not the Black one.

After his special, the internet was abuzz over Chappelle’s comments. Chappelle even stated that supported J.K. Rowling’s statement that “gender is a fact.” Is it? I think Chappelle needs some education about the Black LBGTQIA community. It needs to happen now.

Does Chappelle know that 38 Black Trans women have been killed so far this year? Is he aware that Black trans men are harassed on a regular basis? Is he concerned about states that are making it legal not to provide medical care to someone in the LBGTQIA community? Such laws would disproportionately impact the Black LBGTQIA community.

Chappelle has a platform through Netflix to spearhead dialogue about the Black LBGTQIA community. It is better to bring the Black community together to discuss its homophobic and transphobic behaviours. We are all part of one community. We need to be united. Division does not help us. Hate and ignorance only weaken us all.