'Zoolander 2' Transphobic? LGBT Groups Call for Boycott of Benedict Cumberbatch's Character

The Zoolander 2 trailer is out and the internet is abuzz as some LGBT groups call for a boycott of the film due to the supposed transphobic nature of Benedict Cumberbatch's transgender character.

I'm generally able to see the point a group has when they complain about a film being discriminating towards their group, whether or not I necessarily agree with them or not. Zoolander 2 is no different, and I get why certain parts of the LGBT community might be offended. That said, they need to get over themselves. If you've seen the original Zoolander you can certainly understand my scepticism as to why there is any legitimate reason to call for a boycott. Zoolander makes ridiculous, outlandish fun of a variety of people types in an over-the-top fashion. It's about as ridiculous as I can stand. A gasoline fight at a gas station? Stopping a shuriken with a signature look?

Equality is being able to poke fun at every type of person. A person should not be able to claim exemption because they are queer, straight, diagonal, gay or purple with green polka dots. According to the petition by Sarah Rose, "If the producers and screenwriters of Zoolander wanted to provide social commentary on the presence of trans/androgyne individuals in the fashion industry, they could have approached models like Andreja Pejic to be in the film. By hiring a cis actor to play a non-binary individual in a clearly negative way, they film endorses harmful and dangerous perceptions of the queer community at large."

Evidently it's okay to portray straight white (I think) males in mock-able comedic roles stereotyping models as dumb, foolish, and flighty. I suppose I should be offended. After all, the film will be showing SCAM's like me (Straight Caucasian American Man) in a negative way, and may endorse harmful and dangerous perceptions of straight white males at large.

"Reactions to the petition have been mixed, with some suggesting that the film's critics are being 'pre-offended' while others support the campaign."

So what are your thoughts on the call for a boycott? Tell us in the comments section below!