Patricia Arquette Upset By Omission Of Alexis Arquette’s Name From Oscars ‘In Memoriam’

Patricia Arquette expressed her anger at the omission of her sister Alexis Arquette‘s name from the ‘In Memoriam’ portion of the 2017 Oscars ceremony. Arquette called the incident a “real slight to the trans community.”

Arquette said that Alexis, who died in September 2016, was “a great actor, and had 70 credits, and was really brave to live her truth as a trans woman, and they didn’t include her in the memorial.”

“I think that was a real slight to the trans community, especially at this time, when trans kids can’t even go to the bathroom in the United States of America at school. It says a lot about the lack of inclusion. Trans kids can really never look at anyone and see their heroes, and I think that was a big mistake,” Arquette warned.

Alexis died last year at the age of 47 from AIDS-related complications. She was an American actress, cabaret performer and activist. She was well-known for her gender transitioning and for her support for others making similar transitions. She underwent male-to-female transitioning and then gender affirming surgery in 2006.

Alexis’ first big screen role was in 1986’s comedy Down and Out in Beverly Hills, and later went on to make appearances in Last Exit to Brooklyn, Pulp Fiction and The Wedding Singer. Following her sex reassignment surgery, the documentary Alexis Arquette: She’s My Brother was made.

Patricia Arquette said she “was not surprised” at her sister not being mentioned. “The reality is, trans people are ignored all the time in our culture and our community. They have their civil rights taken away. They’re a very disrespected community.”