Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday, and spoke about Bruce Jenner.
Kimmel asked McGraw if he was upset that Jenner will be appearing on ABC to speak with Diane Sawyer on Friday, instead of his show.
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McGraw's response started off strong.
"First off I would say look, if it's what you want to do, do it! I mean what the hell does it matter what anybody else thinks," McGraw said to Kimmel as the audience applauded, before taking a questionable turn.
"That'd be the first 30 seconds, then I guess we'd spend the next hour and 59 minutes saying, You're almost 80, what's the point?"
Many have discussed whether Jenner, who is 65 and only one year older than McGraw, will address rumors during the interview that he may identify as a transgender individual.
dr. phil's comments about bruce jenner's transition were incredibly transphobic and missed the point of why someone transitions— Eddy Golightly (@edrusmel) April 23, 2015
"He's kind of like, past prime, for like ... right?" McGraw added, apparently indicating that Jenner is too old for sex.
Kimmel reminded him that Jenner is an Olympic gold medalist, and that maybe Jenner is a "champion in the bed." The two then went on to acknowledge how nice a person Jenner is.
While offered in jest, McGraw's jokes about Jenner are based on the misconception that transitioning, or changing one's gender identity, is sexually motivated. In addition, the comments make light of how difficult it can be to transition and the discrimination and marginalization that the transgender community faces.
I found it. I found today's Worst Thing. " Dr. Phil Questions Bruce Jenner's Transition: "He's Kind of Past Prime"— VaccinateYourKids (@FracturCritical) April 23, 2015
For tips on speaking constructively about transgender issues, GLAAD offers this guide that might come in handy the next time Dr. Phil address the subject.