New survey findings released by LGBT+ publication Gay Times has revealed people think the UK media's 'trans debate' coverage is damaging. The topic of the so-called 'trans debate' was put to readers at the publication, with nearly 1,000 respondents deeming it to be a 'harmful' topic currently circulating within the UK press.
The transgender communities makes up just 1% of Britain's population of 60 million. But whether it's talk show hosts, broadcasters or newspapers, the topic of transgender people is rife, and not always for the right reasons.
Read More: 'How to be a better ally to the trans community'
Headlines and papers have passed headlines, which according to Gay Times, "tossed around" human rights issues concerning the transgender community. The paper stated that the 'trans debate' is used to fuel the wider anti-trans agenda.
Bex Shorunke, the PR and media engagement manager at trans charity Mermaids, said: “We know how detrimental anti-trans rhetoric in the media is, particularly when framed as a ‘hot topic’ for ‘debate’. Since when did a human being's fundamental rights, and access to spaces, become something up for discussion?"
One of the UK's most well-known campaigners for human rights Peter Tatchell told Gay Times that trans voices are "routinely" ignored. "[The] survey result is a damning indictment of transphobia in much of the UK media," he said.
"Trans voices are routinely ignored, demonised and ridiculed. In contrast, inflammatory, inaccurate and bigoted anti-trans views are given ceaseless coverage. Most journalists would never dare publicise similar abusive opinions about disabled, Black or LGBTQ+ people, but many seem to think that trans people are fair game. The press watchdog has failed completely to uphold fair, impartial reporting."
Trans Media Watch, an organisation that exists to help media outlets report on trans issues, told Gay Times the findings of their survey is "disappointing". Chair of Trans Media Watch, jane fae said: "One constant in our work representing trans people to the UK media is the enormous toll that this sort of constant transphobic presence in the press is wreaking on the trans community.
"For their part, the UK press and media are utterly shameless. They twist. They sensationalise. They are more than happy to lead with stories that are simply untrue, even where these stories can have significant negative consequences for trans people." Trans Day of Visibility, which takes place on March 31 every year, is a monumental day to celebrate the amazing trans people in our community. This day is also used to raise awareness surrounding the discrimination the community continues to face. You can subscribe to our UK-wide LGBTQ+ Bulletin newsletter here.
In response to Gay Times, a spokesperson said: “IPSO periodically updates all its guidance and plans to refresh its guidance on the reporting of transgender issues towards the end of this year. As with all IPSO guidance, it is designed to explain how the Editors’ Code applies to the reporting of particular topics. It aims to support editors and journalists to uphold high editorial standards, but does not supersede or replace the Editors’ Code itself.”
