Zeljko Joksimovic's transphobic approach is unacceptable

Women's Alliance condemns Zeljko Joksimovic's mockery and disrespect of Fifi, a transgender person from the Republic of Macedonia, who performed on the X Factor show in the Republic of Serbia. In the video published on November 5, it can be clearly seen Joksimovic, a member of the jury, after he got an explanation by Fifi regarding her gender, stated with a sneer: "You are a tranny!? Crazy.".

In the following comments by the judges, Joksimovic addressed Fifi with "I donno what to tell "You" /plural/. (laughing mockingly) Two personalities. (laughing and gesture with his hand referring to Fifi's different gender from her sex)".

After Joksimovic asked for an additional song and got another performance from Fifi, his final comment was: "I would really have to turn against myself if I say that I liked it (referring to her appearance on stage). I don't like it. I will say No. That's it, but you sing good.", revealing the hidden transphobia in the singer's speech.

Joksimovic did not complete his task as a judge on the show and acted in a biased and unprofessional manner in his comments led by his noticeable transphobia. Instead of using his popularity to promote equality and non-discrimination, he abuses it to encourage transphobia and stigmatization of transgender people.

The artists around the world are trend setters and front line defenders of human rights and freedoms, setting a positive example to their fans and followers. Zeljko Joksimovic has obviously forgotten that his audience consisted of LGBTI people too, and they also listen to his music, buy his albums and go to his concerts.

In order to inform and educate the larger audience, we shall give a brief overview and clarification of the terms we used in this press release.