Latin radio show suspended for homophobic content

In January, Univisión Radio hired Luis Jiménez to host a self-titled show, leading him to leave his long-time residence with a Spanish Broadcasting Systems (SBS) affiliate. Jiménez was known for using homophobic and transphobic humor in his shows, which is why GLAAD contacted Univisión with their concern.

Fast-forward to May 1st, when Jiménez and his co-hosts performed a song entitled “Las Patas”. This translates to “The Dykes” -- isn’t that charming? They also introduced a flamboyant character named Chef Pepín whom Jiménez called “Pato” (faggot) on the air and humiliated continuously.

The show is now on a thirty day suspension and Jiménez is set to have a meeting with his producers, Univisión and members of GLAAD on May 17th to discuss the “sense of humor” of his program. GLAAD sure is doing some major radio clean-up. On April 5th, we discussed how the CBS-owned radio station WFNY-FM called A Brief Smile’s bisexual bassist a fag and kicked him off the air while telling him that his sexuality made him a bitch. Again, how charming. In this case, the radio station did not wish to take any responsibility over their hosts’ comments. Univisión seems to be taking the right steps, but leaves many to wonder why they hired him in the first place if the gay-hating was a constant “feature” on his show on SBS.

GLAAD also got involved in the Don Imus controversy for his famous “nappy-headed hos” comment. Imus had been under pressure for his homophobic comments before, but it wasn’t until he was overtly racist that he was finally fired.

Univisión has been helping promote gay representation in Latin American television by including more visibly gay characters in their soap operas and other programs. In such a macho part of the world, I think it will take a lot of work to get all the “maricón” jokes off the air, but there at least seems to be nudges made to our side.