CNN host Piers Morgan demonstrated how not to treat transgender subjects after a problematic interview with transgender activist and author Janet Mock, during which Morgan fixated on the physical aspects of Mock’s identity as a trans woman and CNN included an on-screen description stating that Mock “[w]as a boy until age 18.” Under fire for his handling of the interview, Morgan responded by bitterly denouncing Mock and her supporters.

Transgender activist Janet Mock appeared on the February 4 edition of Piers Morgan Live to discuss her new memoir Redefining Realness. Rather than focus on the book, however, Morgan repeatedly brought up Mock’s physical characteristics and described her as a “boy” before her transition – reinforcing the common problem of journalists objectifying transgender bodies.

In an interview with BuzzFeed after her appearance, Mock took Morgan to task for trying to “sensationalize” her life in the interview. Mock objected to Morgan’s focus on her physical appearance – at the beginning of the segment, he marveled that he’d never have guessed “you had ever been a boy” – as well as her sex life and physical transition.”* The Young Turks hosts John Iadarola and Ana Kasparian break it down.

*Read more here from Luke Brinker / Media Matters:
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/02/05/piers-morgan-denounces-transgender-guest-after/197934

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