The latest post by former "Big Brother VIP Albania" resident Amber about Laert Vasili proves once again that speculation is a favorite trend on "Big Brother." To understand why this post is so wrong, let's first clarify some details for anyone who is not informed.
A month ago, the residents were asked by the production to tell two truths and a lie about themselves, without revealing which were the truths and which were the lies. Laertes said:
1. "I sold fish."
2. "I was in a relationship with a transgender woman."
3. "I turned down a career in America for my girlfriend."
As it was later revealed, the lie was about a relationship with a transgender woman, but Laertes was given a mission by Big Brother to pretend that this was true.
In an Instagram post a few hours ago – after starting an absurd discussion about Laertes' alleged bisexuality simply because he kissed two guys on the lips – former BBVA resident Amber posted on Instagram:
"Apart from the mission part from Big Brother, Lart Vasili has actually had experience with an Albanian transgender friend of mine. There's nothing wrong with admitting it."
As if that weren't enough, he added:
"This is the chick Laertes was tied up with for a year and a half in Greece. [She] is a famous transgender in Greece. And despite saying it was a mission, the story is true!"
Now, why are these claims so wrong?
First, public comment on someone’s sexuality and personal history, especially when that person has not chosen to share this information themselves, is a violation of privacy. Whether or not Amber’s claim is true, the fact that Laertes did not admit it himself shows that this information should not have been shared with anyone else. Talking about someone’s intimate life against their will is an act that cannot be justified. If it is true, we have a violation of privacy; if it is a lie, we have defamation. Both cases are punishable.
Second, this type of speculation reinforces a harmful culture that focuses on one's sexuality as a topic of public debate. Whether or not someone is bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, or has had certain experiences with certain individuals is a personal aspect that should not be discussed.
Furthermore, it's ironic that a transgender person like Amber, who more than anyone else should understand the importance of privacy and sexuality, would choose to make such information public (true or not). Trying to "reveal" or "confirm" a part of someone's identity against their will is unacceptable, especially since, as we said, it comes from someone who should be more sensitive to these details.
Finally, this situation is another clear example of media hypocrisy: instead of focusing on important messages about respect and inclusion, we are giving space to rumors and attempts to expose someone's life.
At the end of the day, no matter how much we may think an individual is not telling the truth, it is not anyone's job to share or confirm something that does not belong to them.
