While there is some overlap between transsexual and transgender, transvestites are a completely different thing entirely.  To refer to a transgender as a transvestite or drag queen is not only demeaning, but completely incorrect.  And yet, Laverne Cox, that trailblazer for transgender folks everywhere, is taking on a role where she’ll blur those lines.  She’s just been cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in FOX‘s remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  The trades tout this as perfect casting – for America’s premier trans person to sing, “I’m a sweet transvestite, from Transsexual, Transylvania”.  But the role was written for a biological man in female lingerie.  What is shocking is that it’s a guy “making a man, with blond hair and a tan” – to say nothing of him having sex with both Janet and Brad.  For this role to be played by a woman – even a transgender woman – is ridiculous, to say nothing of insulting to all the brave transgender people who have worked so hard to let everyone know they are not simply drag queens.

The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval will pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  And due to his landmark performance playing a transvestite, Tim Curry, the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter, will be honored.  At 8:40PM, Curry will be named West Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor.  There will also be a special concert by Boy George – who, again, is simply a man who occasionally wore dresses.