Clear Channel Eats Crow

Here’s the text of the Clear Channel apology letter:

We would like to apologize for remarks made on KTBZ that has caused distress to people in the Houston Transgender Community. We addressed the insensitivity of both content presented on air with our staff and the manner in which we responded to concerned members in the community. No offense was intended.

Cristan, we want to thank you and members of your organization for reaching out and enlightening us to foster a greater respect for the Transgender and GLBT Community.

Marc Sherman
FM Operations Manager
Clear Channel Houston

Once I get a signed hard copy of the letter next week, I’ll make sure that it’s posted.

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Here’s a recording of the conversation between Marc Sherman and I:

After exchanging a number of emails, Marc and I had this conversation. As is my practice, when I’m dealing with a company or organization that has had some problematic behavior, I will sometimes record the call and post the recordings because I think you are the best judge of someone’s response because these recording represent their non-staged response.

My feeling is that Clear Channel ate some crow; I feel that they won’t be engaging in this type of behavior again. I believe that Clear Channel only responded because many of YOU chose to write in and make your feelings known. Remember, together we can do just about anything!

Here’s what lead to this conversation:
http://www.cristanwilliams.com/b/2011/08/25/94-5-the-buzz-anti-trans-rants/

PS:

Thank you Kimberly for trying to engage the Buzz and for bringing their problematic behavior to everyone’s attention! That’s the way change happens!

Cristan Williams is a trans historian and pioneer in addressing the practical needs of underserved communities. She started the first trans homeless shelter in Texas and co-founded the first federally funded housing-first homeless program, pioneered affordable health care for trans people in the Houston area, won the right for trans people to change their gender on Texas ID prior to surgery, started numerous trans social service programs and founded the Transgender Center as well as the Transgender Archives. She has published short stories, academic chapters and papers, and numerous articles for both print and digital magazines. She received numerous awards for her advocacy and has presented at universities throughout the nation, served on several governmental committees and CBO boards, is the Editor of the TransAdvocate, and is a founding board member of the Transgender Foundation of America and the Bee Busy Wellness Center.