Milano has sparked anger with a tweet in honour of International Women's Day. She wrote, "My transgender sisters! I am celebrating YOU this #NationalWomensDay." A user then asked, "Alyssa, are you transgender?" which is when Milano, 46, responded with a tweet saying that she is "everything."
https://twitter.com/alyssa_milano/status/1104103065806757888?lang=bg
"I'm trans. I'm a person of colour. I'm an immigrant. I'm a lesbian. I'm a gay man. I'm disabled. I'm everything. And so are you, Kirk," she wrote. "Don't be afraid of what you don't know or understand. No one wants to hurt you. We are all just looking for our happily ever afters."
The former Charmed star attracted much criticism for her tweet, with many pointing out her place of privilege as a successful white woman. One follower replied, "No. You are an advocate. Be okay with that. This isn't the way to say you are with us. You can't just fake an experience you don't have. You don't navigate any space like these groups. This is the 'I don't see colour' approach which is oppression."
Another user wrote, "How about stop focusing on identity politics and simply recognise each person's individual dignity void of these 'progressive' markers of victimhood? Stop adhering to the 'I'm a victim therefore I am' ethos."
One more user chimed in: "Had no idea you were a transgender. And you have the narcissism to think you can relate to everyone's life. No, you're a white woman who feels that she needs to be ashamed so she takes on the role of hating herself to make sure no one hates her. Facts."
After receiving a barrage of complaints, Milano replied, "I'm glad this tweet invoked conversation. I'm so sorry it offended some. I see you and hear you. But just a reminder, empathy is not a bad thing. Nuance is important and literal interpretation is not always intended. And I can identify with and not identify as. Both are powerful."
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ