Scarlett Johansson Is Being Applauded for Stepping Down from Transgender Role in ‘Rub and Tug’

Actress Scarlett Johansson has decided to exit from the movie ‘Rub and Tug’ in which she was to portray a transgender, following a backlash from the LGBT community. Johansson is now being applauded for stepping down from the role.

The actress was to portray the role of Dante “Tex” Gill who was born as a woman but later took up the identity of a man to run a string of massage parlors that were disguised hubs of prostitution in America. Dante “Tex” Gill soon gained the notorious image of an American crime Kingpin who was finally caught by the police on tax evading charges. Scarlett’s decision to take up the transgender role was followed by a severe backlash from the LGBT community. She was criticized on social media, videos, and editorials by the LGBT community as they highlighted the problem of opportunities being taken away from transgender actors.

Earlier Johansson refused to step down from taking up the role as in her opinion many straight actors had taken up transgender roles previously in the industry. They even received awards for their roles, therefore, she had no reason to step down. The actress, however, was quick to change her mind. Johansson explained that she changed her opinion for ethical reasons. "Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I've learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive," she said in a statement to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender magazine, Out. The actress now feels that the role of “Tex” should be played by a transgender individual.

Johansson explained that she would have loved to take up the role and unwrap Tex’s story on the big screen herself. That said, she now understands why many feel that the character should be portrayed by a transgender person. She is glad that the controversy took place because it has sparked a larger conversation about diversity, inclusivity, and representation in film. She also stated that the LGBT film characters dropped by 40 percent compared to the previous year.

GLAAD’s CEO Sarah Kate Ellis applauded Johansson for taking the decision of stepping down from the role. Ellis explained that Johansson’s recent statement coupled with transgenders’ voices on representation are “game changers for the future of transgender images in Hollywood.” Ellis explained that American TV is working towards portraying authentic transgender portrayals and these TV serials are big hits with the audiences. Similarly, Hollywood has changed the way the world views lesbians and gays and they should continue to do the same.