Petition Launched Against “Transphobic” Caitlyn Jenner Halloween Costume

A Caitlyn Jenner Halloween costume has sparked indignation on social media.

The costume, entitled “Call Me Caitlyn Unisex Adult Costume,” is a re-creation of Jenner’s iconic Vanity Fair cover. Sites like AnytimeCostumes.com and WholesaleHalloweenCostumes.com are selling the costume, which ranges in price from $49.90 to $74.99. On both of these sites, the costume can be found under the “Humorous” section.

A Change.org petition has been launched asking retailer Spirit Halloween not to sell the costume in its pop-up stores, since the franchise previously had said it would. “To make a costume out of a marginalized identity reduces that person and community to a stereotype for privileged people to abuse,” reads the petition. It says selling the costume will allow cisgender people to purchase it to make fun of Jenner and the transgender community.

“At a time when trans women and GNC folx, especially black trans women, are being murdered at such a high rate, and homelessness, unemployment, and inaccessibility to healthcare run rampant in our community, making fun of one or all of us is utterly insensitive and deplorable,” says the petition, which has more than 2,000 signatures already.

A representative for Spirit Halloween told the New York Daily News the costume was meant to be viewed in a positive light.

“Caitlyn Jenner has proven to be the most important real-life superhero of the year, and Spirit Halloween is proud to carry the costume that celebrates her,” said the rep.

Some people reacted with fury on social media.

Am I the only one who thinks that a Caitlyn Jenner inspired Halloween costume is extremely insensitive?! Wtf is wrong w/ ppl #CaitlynJenner

— Courtney S (@CeSimm16) August 21, 2015

TW for transmisogyny! I just saw an ad for a Caitlyn Jenner Halloween costume and I hate this planet!!

— RJ Edwards (@RJmakes) August 17, 2015

The struggle that Caitlyn Jenner has to face isn’t a Halloween costume. Whoever made this is a shitty person. pic.twitter.com/dlwP4LJraw

— RXB SPXXRS (@Sonickid1234) August 13, 2015

I don’t even have words to express how wrong the #CaitlynJenner Halloween costume is. People =/= costumes, cultures =/= costumes.

— The Feminist Ranter (@FeministRanter) August 25, 2015

Why would you produce a Halloween costume for @Caitlyn_Jenner? That’s basically saying trans is all a joke as its only fake?

— Connor ‘X’ Hepburn (@Conno129) August 25, 2015

it makes me feel sad and disgusted in equal measure there are people out there who think that a Caitlyn Jenner halloween costume is ‘funny’

— james (@brindezz) August 25, 2015

Some Twitter users thought the costume was “funny,” with others suggesting people turn Jenner’s transgender identity into a “couples Halloween costume” consisting of both Bruce and Caitlyn.

Praying that Ben will go for my couples halloween costume idea: Bruce and Caitlyn Jenner

— MK (@mollymoe88) August 10, 2015

Couples Halloween costume idea: one person is Caitlyn Jenner and one person is Bruce Jenner

— Katie Smith (@KatieSmif) August 3, 2015

The Caitlyn Jenner Halloween costume Before you bitch – I do respect her for what she’s done BUT the costume is still funny.

— Stevo (@stevobee123) August 24, 2015