The craft beer industry is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape, bursting with creativity, community spirit, and a shared passion for exceptional brews. As any beer aficionado worth their hops will tell you, this dynamic sector is constantly pushing the boundaries, delivering a dizzying array of styles and flavors to delight the taste buds of discerning drinkers.
However, as the industry strives for diversity and complexity in its pint glasses, it must also aspire for inclusivity and respect within its taprooms and beyond. Transphobia, a pervasive issue that has crept into the craft beer world, threatens to tarnish the camaraderie and innovation that have long defined this vibrant community.
It’s time to raise the bar — not just for the quality of the beer, but for the quality of the experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the challenges of transphobia in the craft beer industry, exploring how it manifests, the consequences it has on individuals, and the steps the community can take to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Craft Beer Conundrum: Diversity in Brews, Lacking in Community
The craft beer renaissance, which took root in the late 20th century, was born out of a group of passionate brewers who sought to challenge the dominance of large-scale mainstream beer manufacturers. These trailblazers were driven not by commercial interests, but by a genuine love for quality, flavor, and the art of brewing.
Today, the craft beer industry has blossomed into a global force, boasting thousands of small, independent breweries, each offering a unique spin on classic styles and experimental infusions. It’s a vibrant ecosystem, celebrated for its dynamism, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
However, the demographics within this industry have long been skewed towards cisgender, heterosexual males — a pattern rooted in historical societal divisions of labor and gender roles. This has resulted in a somewhat homogenous culture, leaving many underrepresented groups, including the transgender community, feeling sidelined and excluded.
At its best, the craft beer community can be incredibly welcoming and supportive, with events like festivals, tastings, and collaboration brews fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among beer lovers. But this spirit of inclusivity needs to extend beyond the confines of these events and permeate every taproom, discussion forum, and decision-making table.
As the industry continues to evolve and expand, it’s time for the craft beer community to follow suit, embracing diversity and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, feel seen, respected, and valued.
Demystifying Transphobia: A Complex Issue with Profound Consequences
Transphobia, while increasingly recognized, remains a term that is often misunderstood or unfamiliar to some. It refers to a deeply ingrained prejudice against transgender individuals — those who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.
The spectrum of transphobia spans from negative attitudes and feelings to more overtly hostile actions against the transgender community. It’s a form of bias that can manifest as fear, aversion, hatred, or discomfort towards individuals who challenge or do not conform to society’s heteronormative, conventional expectations of gender.
These harmful emotions and behaviors are not restricted to conscious acts of discrimination or hatred. Transphobia can be intentional and unintentional, explicit and implicit, making it a complex issue that is interwoven into many aspects of society.
On a personal level, transphobia can show itself through bias, prejudice, or outright hostility. It’s distressingly common for transgender individuals to face ostracism from their families, rejection from their social groups, or to become targets of verbal and physical abuse. These instances of direct, overt transphobia can have deeply traumatizing impacts, leading to mental health issues, substance abuse, and disproportionately high rates of suicide among the transgender community.
Transphobia within industry and workplace settings often takes on a more subtle form, but it is just as damaging. It can manifest in discriminatory hiring and promotional practices, creating a hostile work environment where transgender employees are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Microaggressions, those seemingly innocuous but deeply hurtful everyday expressions of bias or prejudice, also play a crucial role in fostering a transphobic environment. Examples include misgendering someone, using incorrect pronouns, continuing to use a person’s dead name (their birth name prior to their gender transition), making insensitive comments or jokes about a person’s appearance or identity, or consistently ignoring or belittling their contributions.
The repercussions of these prejudiced behaviors extend far beyond the directly targeted individuals. They contribute to a culture that isolates and silences a subset of people, resulting in a less diverse, less inclusive, and ultimately less vibrant community. This lack of inclusivity can also impact innovation and growth within an industry as it fails to benefit from the talents, experiences, and perspectives of a wider pool of individuals.
Confronting and combating transphobia is not a simple task — it requires a willingness to learn and evolve, and a commitment to dismantling these harmful behaviors. It is a call to action for each member of the craft beer community to strive for an industry where every individual, regardless of their gender identity, feels seen, respected, and valued.
Craft Beer’s Untapped Potential: Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
The vibrant realm of craft beer, with its emphasis on innovation, camaraderie, and a shared passion for quality brewing, is unfortunately not immune to the social ill of transphobia. While the industry thrives on its collective spirit and creativity, it has yet to fully integrate an inclusive and respectful ethos into its cultural fabric.
This discrimination within the industry takes on many forms, subtly infiltrating aspects of the craft beer world that many might not immediately recognize. For instance, craft breweries may have policies that inadvertently marginalize transgender individuals, ranging from not providing trans-inclusive health benefits to enforcing gender-specific dress codes or failing to provide gender-neutral facilities — all of which contribute to an environment that can be unwelcoming or even hostile to transgender individuals.
Moreover, craft beer’s branding and marketing aspects sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes or use insensitive language, alienating not just transgender individuals, but anyone valuing a respectful and inclusive community. Beer names, labels, promotional materials, or even event themes that resort to offensive caricatures or terms contribute to a landscape of exclusion and discrimination.
In the realm of personal interactions within the industry, disrespect can stem from derogatory comments, misgendering, or insensitive jokes that demean transgender identities. The culture of silence or passive acceptance that often accompanies such behavior furthers the harm, reinforcing the discrimination rather than challenging it.
It’s worth noting that these practices often go unnoticed or are minimized as banter or isolated instances. But the cumulative impact of such actions feeds into a broader culture of transphobia, significantly affecting the mental health, self-esteem, and sense of community for transgender individuals within the craft beer industry.
By recognizing these issues and taking concerted action to combat them, the craft beer industry has an opportunity to truly live up to its values. An industry known for breaking boundaries and defying conventions has a responsibility to champion not only diverse brews, but also diverse brewers and enthusiasts. When the craft beer industry genuinely embraces diversity and inclusivity in its practices and culture, it enriches its community and its pint glasses.
Confronting Transphobia: Case Studies and Personal Experiences
In the effort to thoroughly understand the effect and response to transphobia within the beer industry, it’s important to delve into specific instances that highlight the existing dynamics and tensions. The case studies we will explore shed light on two incidents where the industry’s handling of trans issues came under intense scrutiny and criticism, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and respect for diversity in craft beer culture and the adverse consequences when these values are not upheld.
Our exploration begins with the partnership between Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light. This situation ignited fiery responses and demonstrated how public perception and politics heavily influence the industry. We’ll then transition to an incident involving the Brewers Association, highlighting how the organization’s silence in the face of anti-trans legislation elicited considerable backlash from both the brewing and LGBTQIAA2S communities. Finally, we’ll narrate two personal anecdotal experiences that offer a firsthand perspective on the everyday experiences and struggles encountered within the industry.
Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light: A Transphobic Backlash
Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman with a significant social media presence, has been unapologetically visible in sharing her journey of transition. In April, she celebrated a significant milestone in partnership with Bud Light, the one-year mark of her “365 Days of Girlhood” series, which chronicled her transition experience. Bud Light released a custom can featuring Mulvaney’s image to commemorate the occasion.
However, this partnership sparked an unwarranted and largely transphobic backlash, particularly from right-wing media figures. Thousands of disparaging and transphobic comments were made about Mulvaney over a three-day span, with many even calling for a boycott of Bud Light.
These attacks against Mulvaney and Bud Light were not isolated incidents. According to Ari Drennen, the LGBTQ Program Director for Media Matters for America, they are part of a concerted effort by right-wing figures to undermine successful and visible transgender figures. As Mulvaney’s popularity grew due to her series focusing on the trans experience and trans joy, the attention from right-wing media increased proportionately. These figures were clearly disturbed by the acceptance and celebration of the trans experience within mainstream culture, casting their disparagement as a quasi-noble act.
Despite this, Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, previously defended its partnership with Mulvaney. Their stance reflected a commitment to diversity, stating that their brand works with hundreds of influencers across their brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics.
Mulvaney’s experience underscores the challenges faced by trans individuals, even those who achieve a level of success and visibility. Despite these hurdles, her story also highlights the importance and potential impact of allyship from companies like Bud Light, which have the power to lend their platforms to support underrepresented voices.
However, it is essential to point out that Anheuser-Busch has shown a concerning level of neglect towards the violence and threats endured by Mulvaney. Not only has the company failed to reach out or offer protection, but Brendan Whitworth, the CEO of Anheuser-Busch, has also displayed an apparent lack of support. His evasive responses during a CBS interview, particularly regarding the contentious promotion involving Mulvaney, significantly underscore the company’s indifference towards the matter.
The Brewers Association: Silence in the Face of Injustice
In a recent development, the Brewers Association, a prominent organization that represents over 5,400 small and independent craft breweries, has been heavily criticized for its silence regarding the passage of anti-trans legislation in Tennessee. This criticism comes at a time when the association was hosting the Craft Brewers Conference, a notable gathering of the industry’s professionals, in Nashville, Tennessee — the very state where these anti-trans laws were enacted.
The law in question prevents male and female impersonators from performing on public property or in front of children, a move that critics argue is an insidious attack on the rights of transgender individuals, effectively criminalizing being transgender or gender non-conforming. The law’s critics argue that it promotes a culture of exclusion and intolerance, openly disregarding the rights and humanity of trans and non-binary individuals in society.
Members of the brewing and LGBTQIAA2S community have publicly expressed their deep disappointment and disapproval of the Brewers Association’s silence on this issue. As a national organization with considerable influence in the brewing industry, the Brewers Association has an inherent responsibility to advocate for inclusivity in all aspects of the brewing industry. The association’s silence on this issue is a tacit approval of the discriminatory practices that are becoming more commonplace.
The brewing industry’s significant economic impact in Tennessee, contributing over $13 billion to the state’s economy and supporting over 154 craft breweries, underscores the Brewers Association’s potential power. It’s a fact not lost on those critical of the association’s lack of stance on the issue, who have urged the Brewers Association to publicly condemn all forms of discrimination and bigotry, including the recent anti-trans legislation.
The decision to host the Craft Brewers Conference in Tennessee, a state with a documented history of discriminatory policies against the LGBTQIAA2S community since 2015 and beyond, has caused discomfort and apprehension among conference participants. Reports have emerged of attendees feeling so uncomfortable that they left the conference early, while others decided not to attend at all due to the discriminatory climate.
Beer is for Everyone has rallied to urge the Brewers Association to accept responsibility for its actions and make deliberate decisions that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and diversity in future conferences. This collective voice is a strong stand against discrimination, emphasizing the need for organizations like the Brewers Association to actively advocate for human rights and social justice.
This case study serves as a potent reminder of the responsibility that organizations, particularly those with influence, hold when it comes to championing social justice and inclusivity. The decisions they make can have far-reaching implications, affecting not just their immediate members, but the wider communities they interact with. The case also shows how collective action can act as a powerful catalyst for positive change.
Hayley Kiyoko and the Defiant Drag Performers
Hayley Kiyoko, the pop icon affectionately dubbed “Lesbian Jesus” by her fervent fanbase, is as much known for her unapologetic championing of LGBTQ rights as she is for her catchy, heartfelt music. When planning her current tour, she envisioned a platform where talented drag performers could share the limelight, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, acceptance, and diversity.
However, this vision was threatened during her Nashville, Tennessee concert, where recent legislative changes presented an unforeseen barrier. Tennessee’s Republican governor, Bill Lee, had recently enacted a contentious law prohibiting drag performances on public property and at venues accessible to minors. Given Kiyoko’s commitment to ensuring her concerts are accessible to fans of all ages, this law placed her in a precarious situation.
The issue was brought to light when an undercover police officer attended her soundcheck, warning her of the potential legal ramifications if she proceeded with her planned drag performances. In response to this stark setback, Kiyoko shared an emotional Instagram post expressing her profound disappointment and distress. The video, featuring Kiyoko close to tears, served as a bleak and public documentation of the very real challenges faced by queer performers in the current socio-political climate.
Despite the potential legal implications, when the drag queens — LiberTea and Ivy St. James — arrived for the concert, Kiyoko relayed the situation to them. Showing no fear, they chose to go on with the performance, standing in open defiance of the law and acting as brave advocates for their right to exist as their authentic selves.
Kiyoko, LiberTea, and Ivy St. James’ decision to continue with the show was a powerful statement of resilience and resistance. Kiyoko ended her Instagram post defiantly, expressing her refusal to be silenced and her determination to continue promoting authenticity within the LGBTQ community.
The courageous stand by Kiyoko and the valiant drag performers in the face of restrictive Tennessee legislation sends ripples through the community, extending to the attendees of the Craft Brewers Conference in Tennessee. Their brave stance underscores the prevailing anxiety shared by numerous attendees of the Craft Brewers Conference, who were equally concerned about potential restrictions and discrimination. Nonetheless, Kiyoko’s fight for authenticity and inclusion serves as a beacon, encouraging everyone to remain steadfast and proud of their identities, from the music industry to the brewing community and beyond.
A Personal Reckoning: Confronting Transphobia in the Craft Beer Community
A crucial instance illustrating the pressing need for inclusivity and respect within the craft beer community can be derived from a personal experience of mine at a small craft brewery here in Las Vegas. It was one of the pivotal moments that led me to founding Beer is for Everyone.
About four years ago, in the small, intimate setting of one of the microbrewery’s taproom, I overheard a disconcerting discussion unfolding between the brewery’s owner and a patron. The dialogue quickly veered into controversial territory, spewing out politicized, opinionated, and wholly offensive remarks.
They delved into sensitive topics such as sexual assault, expressing sympathy for men since women can “lie about being sexually assaulted.” The owner concurred, expressing concern about women “crying wolf” for attention, while undermining the trauma of genuine sexual assault victims.
Their conversation escalated further into transphobic commentary, suggesting that transgender individuals needed to “try harder than just donning feminine clothing” to be considered women. Adding to the discomfort, one of them belittled a term associated with the LGBTQIAA2S community, calling it “stupid.”
Before hearing this conversation, I was upset because the owner ignored me and refused to service me despite my obviously empty glass. However, after witnessing this atrocity, I immediately paid
