![]() ![]() We will not allow our great city to stand silent in the face of such offensive bigotry. Only when we face the ugliness and strive to be better will we progress as a society. He must be held accountable for his actions, and action must be taken to educate and inform those individuals who represent Columbus in the public arena. McPeek’s words are unacceptable under any circumstances and reflect poorly on the good people of Columbus, a city that is working hard toward better visibility, connection, and inclusion for all. We stand with our entire community in opposition to all forms of oppression. When one of us is harmed we all are harmed. Racism, genderism, transphobia, sexism, homophobia, classism, ableism, biphobia, heterosexism, and all other forms of oppression are intrinsically linked. ![]() That a member of our community would express such a demeaning sentiment is terribly disappointing and a stark reminder that there is much work to be done. ![]() Given the opportunity to speak for the LGBTQ+ community and a platform to do so, McPeek abused that trust. Dehumanizing language is abuse, and a gateway to further violence. This is not a social gaffe – this is hate speech. McPeek’s words were denigrating, hurtful and highly offensive. During his remarks, he addressed the audience as “ladies and gentlemen, things and its.” His actions demonstrate a breathtaking lack of empathy and disregard for the transgender and non-binary communities. McPeek, who is a meteorologist with ABC 6 WSYX news, and a member of the LGBTQ community, was an emcee at the event. The undersigned organizations condemn in the strongest possible way Marshall McPeek’s remarks at The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) convention. We want to share our collective concerns and request meaningful, measurable change to combat a climate that has allowed marginalized communities to be harmed with impunity. Note: this letter was drafted in collaboration with all undersigned organizations regarding offensive statements that Marshall McPeek, a Columbus news personality, recently made at an NLGJA event. ![]()
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