Was it OK for Joan Rivers to joke about Michelle Obama’s gender identity?

Claudia Atkins
sex therapist | Lansdowne
“No. That was a bad move on her part. This is a very sensitive issue. I would say it’s really callous to joke about that. Just because Michelle Obama has broad shoulders, that has no bearing whatsoever on her sexual orientation or gender identity.”


Joelle Crouse
store manager | South Philadelphia
“No. When a comedian takes advantage of discrimi-nated-against groups, then it’s not OK. That’s my belief. If Joan Rivers were trans, that would be different. But it’s unacceptable for a non-trans person to make a crack like that. And it disenfranchises women in politics.”


William Dewberry
civil engineer | Queen Village
“No. I’m not a member of the LGBT community but that joke offends me because it would hurt my LGBT friends. If I’m not offended by it, then I’m part of the problem, not part of the solution. It’s time to stop taking bullshit against transgenders and gays.”


Anthony Wood
civil engineer | Queen Village
“Yes. Her whole shtick is to be outrageous. People need to chill out and lighten up. I think she’s funny as all hell. It wasn’t mean-spirited. Joan’s a very liberal person. She’s very cool. She goes after everyone, including herself. She’s an equal-opportunity offender.”


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