Comedian Rosie Jones calls out insidious homophobic tweet ‘disguised as support’
Disabled lesbian comedian Rosie Jones has called out homophobia and misogyny directed at her “disguised as support”.
On Saturday (8 October), Jones, who has cerebral palsy, tweeted about her journey of self-acceptance for World Lesbian Day.
“I can’t be a lesbian, I love wearing dresses,” she wrote.
“I have long hair. I’m disabled. For ages I didn’t accept my sexuality. I couldn’t relate to any of the archaic stereotypes associated with the word.
“Happy World Lesbian Day to all lesbians, no matter what you look like or who you are!”
You are a goddess among us all! Your talent knows no bounds and you are absolutely fabulous! Much love to you from Seattle, Washington USA today and everyday!
— THe PuMPKiN Qu33N (@THePuMPKiNQu33N) October 9, 2022
Amazing post 👏 especially for disabled community & people who align rather neatly wi common gender stereotypes, some LGBTQ+ imaging kin feel exclusionary & stop them realising their true selves rather than help. Representation for EVERYONE withing every community matters. https://t.co/bFWOlN3mE6— Angela Clinton #BLM 🏴🏳️🌈🇪🇺 🏴 (@angelaclinton14) October 8, 2022
Jones was inundated with messages of love and support, but one Twitter user decided to spew the exact kind of tropes that the comedian was speaking out against.
They told Jones: “Just keep being you, having said that I am quite disappointed that a female with such nice breasts is a lesbian. Love you Rosie!”
https://twitter.com/josierones/status/1579476582728859649
Jones swiftly called out the ignorant Twitter user, writing: “I have no time or energy to explain how wrong this is, but the entitlement, misogyny and homophobia in this tweet, disguised as ‘support’ for me, is enraging.
“It’s not funny and nobody should have to put up with this disgusting behaviour. Call this out and be better.”
Her response was echoed by other queer women, who shared their stories of similar and all-too-common comments.
“Totally sick of this shit myself Rosie,” wrote one follower. “33 years of being told my lesbianism is such a waste! I will always call this out, it’s important. Sorry you received this. I will never be silent regarding such privilege, sense of entitlement and yes, homophobia.”
Another said: “It’s along the lines of ‘one night with me darling and you’ll be alright.'”
I make comedy videos and every single one gets comments from a man making sure I know he was looking at my breasts and felt that I needed to know what he thought. YOU DON'T NEED TO TELL ME YOU WERE LOOKING I REALLY REALLY DON'T WANNA KNOW YOU FUCKING WEIRDOS. https://t.co/YXnflNKh4l— Sooz Kempner (@SoozUK) October 10, 2022
Genuinely was once told 'you're so pretty, it's a shame about the wheelchair' like having a disability completely invalidates someone's worth and appeal somehow?— 🏳️🌈☠️🏴☠️🎣 Sazzleshakes 🌻🇺🇦🍉🇵🇸 (@sazzleshakes) October 11, 2022
Everyone in the comments being like “wow I had no idea men still say shit like that” really showing themselves as never talking to lesbians because this shit is still constant https://t.co/SxDSooAXeH
— Mars 🦇 (@MothraMars) October 10, 2022
PinkNews has approached Rosie Jones for comment.