TW: transphobia, sexual assault

2 PUMA India athletes Viren Sushil Barman and Dhruv Sushil Barman recently made a transphobic “joke” about which ‘ladies’ they would bed in Thailand – hint: not trans-women. Apparently, they’d use Viagra to see how their genitals respond to it so they can screen women with penises. What next? Slipping roofies to see which “ladies align” with them? Asia A emailed us about raising the issue with Puma India via their Instagram handle, who in turn deleted their comments. So much for the ‘Propah Lady’ campaign.

Brands that normalize rape culture, transphobia, and racism in sports have blood on their hands. We demand accountability and that sexual harassment and anti-racism policies be activated to bring about sensitivity and inclusion in sports.

For years, trans-women in Thailand have been fetishized by the white gaze and have been referred to with racial slurs, while being forced into sex work. The country does not recognise them and they face much bigotry with little aid. Publicly platforming such a ‘boys will be boys’ attitude is peak patriarchy, and also a sign of how Instagram algorithms and community guidelines do little to protect queer folx and women.

At this time, while the post has been taken down by the athletes after we commented from our account, there has been no acknowledgment of the harm that such rhetoric causes. It also seems like their page is filled with similar stereotypical ‘punching down’ humour (if we can even call it that!).