Rochester DJs axed after vicious, transphobic on-air tirade

In a move consistent with the growing recognition of the rights of the transgender community, Rochester, New York recently passed legislation that would include transgender health care benefits for employees and their families under the city’s medical plan. Local news outlet the Democrat and Chronicle reported that, “Under the new coverage, effective Jan. 1, city employees will be eligible to receive services related to gender reassignment surgery, such as medical and psychological counseling, hormone therapy and cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.” This move is not only great news for the individuals it impacts directly, but also for the city on a symbolic level—taking the lives and well-being of transgender people seriously is crucial step on the road to LGBTQ equality.

But for the two morning hosts of the popular radio program The Buzz, Kimberly and Beck, a twelve-minute transphobic tirade has cost them their jobs. After airing their opposition – which included playing Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and remarking that, “The dude can look like a lady and the city is going to pay for it. Your, your, your tax dollars at work,” they were suspended Wednesday and fired Thursday. Entercom Rochester GM Sue Munn issued a statement about the incident:

“This morning Entercom fired Kimberly and Beck effective immediately.  Their hateful comments against the transgender community do not represent our station or our company.  We deeply apologize to the transgender community, the community of Rochester, and anyone else who was offended by their comments. We are proud of our past work on behalf of the local LGBT community and we remain committed to that partnership.”

The pressure came on fast and furious from the gay, lesbian and transgender community in Rochester who wanted the station to take swift action, which clearly it did. In the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, coordinator of outreach with the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women’s Leadership and chair of the Pride Alliance at the University of Rochester John Cullen said, “Entercom radio was very swift in their response and I think it demonstrates that the station supports and affirms the LGBT community.” An online petition at change.org quickly accumulated over 4,000 signatures to have them fired.