The Paris City Council denounced the promotion of a book spreading hate speech towards transgender people on advertising billboards in the capital. The operator JCDecaux quickly removed the posters after the first deputy mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire, discovered them on the streets of Paris. The book, titled “Transmania,” was released on April 11 and is described as an investigation into the excesses of transgender identity that infiltrate all spheres of society.
On social media, Kam Hugh, a drag queen who appeared on the first season of “Drag Race France,” criticized the advertisement as openly transphobic. Grégoire supported this sentiment, stating that hatred has no place in the city and requested JCDecaux to remove the advertisement. The book’s authors, Dora Moutot and Marguerite Stern, known for their controversial views on transgender issues, are accused of spreading hate in their work. Grégoire emphasized that sexual orientation and gender identity are not ideologies and that promoting such discourse goes against the values of Paris.
Dora Moutot defended the book by stating that it is not transphobic and does not advocate for hate towards transgender individuals. She described it as a well-researched investigation into profit-driven practices in gender transitions. JCDecaux confirmed that the ads had been removed due to the content and visual presentation being deemed contrary to their code of ethics. Dora Moutot criticized the removal as censorship based on assumptions rather than an analysis of the content, accusing the decision of silencing critical thought.
The publishing house Magnus, also claiming censorship, expressed disappointment that JCDecaux removed the ads without informing their clients and threatened further action. Marguerite Stern criticized Grégoire, suggesting that he acted under pressure from trans activist groups and accused them of harassment and threats. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate around the portrayal and discussion of transgender issues in society, with differing opinions on what constitutes hate speech and how to address it. The incident also raises questions about censorship, free speech, and the responsibilities of advertising platforms in curating their content.
The response from the Paris City Council and JCDecaux reflects a commitment to protecting marginalized communities and upholding certain ethical standards in public discourse. By calling out and addressing hate speech, they aim to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all residents of the city. However, the authors of the book and their supporters argue that their work is not promoting hate but rather providing a critical analysis of certain aspects of society, and they view the removal of the ads as an act of censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.
Overall, the incident underscores the complex and sensitive nature of discussions around gender identity, freedom of expression, and societal values. It highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding between different perspectives to navigate these issues in a thoughtful and respectful manner. As debates continue on how to address hate speech and controversial topics in public spaces, finding a balance between protecting individual rights and fostering a diverse range of viewpoints remains a challenging but essential task for communities and institutions worldwide.
