Ruban Nielson of psychedelic-indie standard-bearers Unknown Mortal Orchestra underwent a teachable moment last night when, (understandably) frustrated with Caitlyn Jenner’s LGBTQ-unfriendly politics, Nielson made the mistake of mockingly tweeting at her and calling her Bruce.
.@Caitlyn_Jenner hows it hanging, Bruce
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
This practice is known as “deadnaming,” misgendering a transgender person and calling them by their former name as an attempt to demean them. It’s like making fun of Chris Christie’s weight because you disagree with his policies. After a swift, negative reaction from Twitter and Nielson responding “im a dumbass” to one commentor, the musician tried to explain himself and was reluctant to admit stepping over the line:
look, before you tweet at me: I KNOW.
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
I was mad that she sold out the community that fostered her. Bring on your education
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
Im just angry about America, leave me alone. You’re more problematic than me
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
Misgendering is not acceptable. Don’t do that. Respect other humans. Also: Don’t be a sell-out like Caitlyn Jenner
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
.@effemaral I said sorry. I meant it. I don’t laugh at transphobic jokes. But I won’t stop being petulant. That’s it.
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
now all the johnny come lately blogs are gonna blunder into this and explain what we all just discussed on Twitter but wrong
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
No transphobic assholes are allowed to follow me. Fuck off. Im not transphobic just stupid
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
Finally, Nielson paused and wrote out an actual, sincere-sounding apology and explanation.
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
But not before the pièce de résistance:
I told you I was flippant
— UMO (@UMO) March 4, 2016
