‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Endures Transphobic Remarks, Robbed At Gunpoint
Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider has had a rough week — from transphobic messages to being robbed. Schneider, an engineering manager in Oakland, California has a message for all the trolls who have sent her transphobic messages: Thank you. “I’d like to thank all the people who have taken the time, during this busy holiday season, to reach out and explain to me that, actually, I’m a man,” Schneider tweeted on New Year’s Eve. “Every single one of you is the first person ever to make that very clever point, which had never once before crossed my mind.”
I’d like to thank all the people who have taken the time, during this busy holiday season, to reach out and explain to me that, actually, I’m a man. Every single one of you is the first person ever to make that very clever point, which had never once before crossed my mind 🙏
— Amy Schneider (@Jeopardamy) December 31, 2021
The sarcastic note comes as Schneider, a trans woman, blasts through several Jeopardy! records: a 24-game winning streak, becoming the top-winning female contestant in the quiz show’s history and the fourth-highest winner of any gender, The Independent reports.
“2021 wasn’t the best year for the world, but it turned out to be the best year I’ve ever had!” Schneider tweeted as 2022 began. “Not only have I had this Jeopardy run, but I’ve heard from so many wonderful people.”
And thanks to all of you! 2021 wasn't the best year for the world, but it turned out to be the best year I've ever had! Not only have I had this Jeopardy run, but I've heard from so many wonderful people. I wish I could respond to all of you, but it's very much appreciated!
— Amy Schneider (@Jeopardamy) January 2, 2022
Sadly, not all the attention has been positive, as Schneider implied on Twitter that some viewers of the show have been contacting her to deny her identity as a woman. And on Monday (January 3), Schneider said she’d been robbed over the weekend.
“Hi all! So, first off: I’m fine,” the contestant tweeted. “But I got robbed yesterday, lost my ID, credit cards, and phone. I then couldn’t really sleep last night, and have been dragging myself around all day trying to replace everything.”
Hi all! So, first off: I'm fine. But I got robbed yesterday, lost my ID, credit cards, and phone. I then couldn't really sleep last night, and have been dragging myself around all day trying to replace everything.
— Amy Schneider (@Jeopardamy) January 4, 2022
In response to all the hate, Schneider’s “thank you” note drew an overwhelming outpouring of support.
Somehow, after 2-3 years of conversation, you being on Jeopardy every night has taught my dad to be accepting of trans people.
— clauds (@yungcowboy_) December 31, 2021
You’re the first person he’s used correct pronouns with, a 83 year old man, saying “this isn’t too hard.”
Thanks for your message of love ♥️
Our trans kid watches you in total awe and gratitude every night. Thank you for being the amazing woman that you are!
— Danna (@drDannaB) December 31, 2021
I’m an Episcopal priest adding my voice to this message. The church has done much harm in the world and the sin of homo/transphobia is certainly a big one. My queer kids and I are cheering you on and are so delighted by your success - as well as your grace and goodness.
— Julie Nelson (@julien650) December 31, 2021
As Schneider continues to gain popularity, she said she doesn’t want her gender to become the sole focus of her identity. “I didn’t want to make too much about being trans, at least in the context of the show,” she wrote in November in a Twitter thread. “I am a trans woman, and I’m proud of that fact, but I’m a lot of other things, too!”
