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The Gay And Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination has criticised the recent Rocky Horror episode of Glee.



In the show, Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr) pulled out of the role of Frank-N-Furter because his parents didn't want him to look like a "tranny".

In a post on GLAAD's website, the group said: "The casual manner in which the word was used is jarring, even if he may have been repeating what his parents said.

"The show's inclusion of the word 'tranny' was made all the more confusing by the decision to change the word 'transsexual' to 'sensational' in the song 'Sweet Transvestite'. As many commentators have pointed out, it seems strange that Fox would want the word 'transsexual' cut from a well-known song, but find 'tranny' acceptable."

The organisation continued: "This inclusion of this slur is particularly alarming given last season's powerful episode in which Kurt's father chastised Finn for using the word 'f*g'. That episode sent a powerful message to the show's young fanbase that words have power and they can hurt.

"Unfortunately the larger problem here is that the word 'tranny' has become an easy punchline in popular culture, and many still don't realise that using the term is hurtful, dehumanising and associated with violence, hatred and derision against transgender people - a community that is nearly invisible in media today."

Glee was also recently criticised by the Parents' Television Council.