TV

Karl Stefanovic’s Apology For A Transphobic Slur Was Just Nominated For An LGBTI Media Award

He apologised for repeatedly saying "tranny" on-air, now he's been nominated for an award.

by Junkee  5 September 2016

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The nominations for the 10th annual Honour Awards have just been announced and plenty of great work is getting the acknowledgement it deserves. The awards are given to those in the NSW business, arts and media industries who have made a considerable contribution to LGBTIQ community. However, one particular nomination has attracted most of the attention.

Karl Stefanovic has been nominated in the media category for his “groundbreaking and earnest apology to the transgender community”, following the “unfortunate comments” he made on Today. He has also been nominated for a segment on 60 Minutes about young transgender people.

Stefanovic was criticised for repeatedly using the term “tranny” in a Today segment from July. He quickly apologised, calling himself a “tool” on-air.

At the time we said Stefanovic had “provided a textbook example in how to constructively respond when you’ve fucked up: own it, educate yourself on the issue and deliver a sincere apology.” But lots of people aren’t very happy about the fact he’s actually been nominated for an award just for apologising.

Other nominees for the media category include The Daily Telegraph‘s Shannon Molloy, for his opinion piece on the importance of the Safe Schools program, the ABC’s Monique Schafter for her work championing LGBTIQ content on 7.30 and Patrick Abboud for his commitment to the reporting of LGBTIQ issues on SBS’ The Feed. The awards are a gala fundraising event for LGBTIQ charity Aurora and for ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTIQ health organisation.

ACON has now provided a full statement to Junkee:

The Honour Awards receive nominations from a broad range of individuals and organisations in the community who put forward candidates that people may either agree with or not. The award organisers do not release the names of the nominators.

Reasons provided for Karl Stefanovic’s nomination were based around his apology for his harmful and derogatory comments regarding the trans community. Those who nominated him believed he should be recognised for his earnest contrition and using his position to publicly acknowledge his need for greater education and inclusiveness, and that his example is one that many other people would benefit from.

His work behind a 60 Minutes story where Karl and producer Steve Jackson explored the stark reality of life for young trans people was also raised as a reason for nomination. They saw that the story explored an often overlooked section of our community tragically beset by high youth suicide rates and who are crying out for acceptance and support. Their story was a tender and thoughtful piece that challenged an incredibly large and broad range of viewers to contemplate the very real challenges facing members of the trans community when it was broadcast shortly after the apology.

The final decision on finalists and award recipients is not made by ACON. The Honour Awards are judged by a range of community members, leaders and award partners.

Admission of mistakes and the harm words and actions can cause is an honourable act. Publicly admitting your ignorance and seeking out more information sets a good example and can serve as a means to educate others who make similarly hurtful remarks.

Whilst Mr Stefanovic did make a huge and hurtful mistake in the comments he made, his immediate act of contrition and acknowledgment that his words did hurt trans people was very commendable.

We acknowledge that not everyone in the community will agree with him being nominated as a finalist in the Honour Awards, but there is an important principle in doing so. 

The significant attention given to his apology also delivered a unique and high-profile platform for encouraging Australians to improve their attitudes to LGBTI people.