One of Mexico’s and Spanish cinema’s most respected trans actors, Karla Sofía Gascón, has filed a lawsuit against French far-right politician Stéphane Ravier. What started as a “sexist insult” in the eyes of Gascón sparked further discussion on the issues of gender discrimination and hate speech in European politics.
The verbal insult, according to the report, came through social media. Ravier, who belongs to France’s far-right party Reconquête!, “refers to Gascón in derogatory and misogynistic words”. Gascón has become controversial due to her frank activism on trans rights. She reacted to Ravier’s remarks, declaring, “I condemn the language of a public official who deserves to be called out”. For this reason, such language is said to not only disrespect Gascón but also stereotypical harm inflicted against trans people.
Ravier is a former member of the French Senate and an ardent conservative, also advocating for tighter immigration laws, family values, and making inflammatory remarks against vulnerable people. The case against Gascón comes at a time when hate speech issues and other forms of discriminatory activities are increasingly pressing in France. The international LGBTQ+ rights groups have been following the case, also supporting Gascon’s position of holding the hate speech culprit accountable: Ravier.
In a statement recently, Gascón articulated her reasons for bringing the litigation, saying: “This is more than one comment-it’s about standing up to an ongoing culture of bigotry and ensuring our identities are respected. No one should have to tolerate such demeaning language, especially from those in positions of power.”
Legal proceedings will be conducted in coming months, with many in the nation eagerly witnessing this case as the most significant test of anti-discrimination laws in France. Advocates hope this case sends a message to other politicians who use their positions to belittle and stigmatize the LGBTQ+ community.
