TV host's award nomination for transphobic slur apology attracts backlash

The Honour Awards acknowledge those who have made contributions to the LGBTQ community in Australia, and the organisation behind them, Aurora Group, announced on Monday that The Today Show's Karl Stefanovic is a finalist in the media category.

Why? Stefanovic was listed as a finalist because of "his ground breaking and earnest apology to the transgender community following unfortunate comments made on the Todayshow, and also for a subsequent 60 Minutespiece on young transgender people," according to a statement online.

SEE ALSO:News host apologises for transphobic slur on Australian television

Suffice it to say, an award nomination for a post-transphobic slur apology has certainly ruffled feathers, with many people wondering what the hell is going on.

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Stefanovic apologised on-air in July, after he was roundly criticised after repeatedly using the denigrating slur "tranny,", referring to a would-be-mugger at the Rio Olympics.

"By using the word 'tranny', I offended an awful a lot of beautiful, sensitive people. I honestly didn't know the negative and deeply hurtful impact that word has, not only on members of the LGBTQI community, but on their family and on their friends," he said.

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The apology was heartfelt and well-received, but it's contentious as to whether it deserved be recognised for an award.

In the media category, nominations include a deeply personal piece by Shannon Molloy on the need for the Safe Schools program. There's also the story of trans teenager Georgie Stone and her battles against bullying and legal barriers to transitioning, plus ABC's Monique Schafter and SBS' Patrick Abboud for their body of work on LGBTQ issues. But there are also plenty of talented journalists belonging to the LGBTQ community who were not nominated, but easily could have been.

In a Facebook comment, ACON, the organisation the awards raise money for, pointed out the impact his apology had on the wider community.

"The genuineness of his apology had far-reaching implications and given the platform it was delivered, highlighted the importance of inclusion of everyone in our community to a very wide audience.

"Karl not only sincerely apologised for the offence he had caused but also vowed to educate himself about the issues facing the LGBTQI community and their families," according to the comment.

But let's face it: Can you think of another awards ceremony that rewards people simply for apologising?

Mashable have contacted ACON for further comment.

TopicsLGBTQ

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