Ground-breaking story on trans* children to screen on Four Corners
LONG-running current affairs and investigative journalism TV program Four Corners is set to聽tell the personal story of Isabelle, an 11-year-old trans girl.
The story, called Being Me聽by reporter Janine Cohen, evolves around Isabelle’s family, her doctor and the community that backed her decision to be her true self.
It is rare for trans* issues and people to be given a spotlight on prime time television, especially on a current affairs program.
Isabelle once looked like a young boy, but she knew that she was really a girl and a year ago she told her parents the way she felt.
Cohen’s story also shines a light on people who聽confronted the same feelings, and how a聽growing number of children are finding themselves in the same situation.
While some聽of these children found聽support from their parents and doctors, others found聽fear, prejudice and a legal system that does not make it easy for them to be themselves.
Isabelle and her parents tell Four Corners that they decided to聽speak about their experience so that others won鈥檛 feel alone and other trans* children can be helped and protected.
Doctors also tell the program that trying to repress the feeling that you are trapped in the wrong body simply does not work and could lead to self-harm and even suicide.
Paediatricians also make it clear that timing is important, explaining that if children want to make a physical change, then treatment should begin at puberty as the prescribed hormone treatments can lead to聽better results.
Meanwhile,聽a聽senior judge tells of how聽she is keen to see the law relating to trans* treatment tested sooner rather than later, and doctors and families warn the current legal situation puts some children at risk.
The story goes to air just days before Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is this Thursday, November 20.
Being Me聽goes to air tonight聽at 8.30pm on ABC.
Watch the preview:
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if it wasnt for my generation of Transgenders this would still be hidden In my day if you dressed in the opposite sex clothes you were ridiculed made to feel like shit because mother nature had played a cruel joke, drs werent to much in a hurry to prescribe blockers and hormones for any child net alone an eighteen year old. I guess the years have become more progressive and more acceptable to encourage youngsters such as these to go ahead and dress like a little girl if that is what he wants. Unfortunately i think that this should not be encourage to easily . I think it is robbing the child of a somewhat normal child hood By law a child cannot make descions until they are either 16 or 18 , let them grow till 16 if they still want to change then by all means but let them be kids first
Great reporting. Congratulations to Isabelle’s parents for listening to their child, and to the early acknowledgment of her trans gender. Fantastic to see such a young person so intelligent and intuitive.
Fantastic program. Beautiful in every way. It’s great to have more exposure to the T in LGBTI and particularly to see the options available for young trans kids. Society is changing. Proud of all three individuals and their courage to be themselves and to share this publicly for the benefit of others. Thank you :-)
What an amazing young lady Isabelle is and will akways be. Her family are to be congratulated for the unconditional love and guidance they are showing
Love to Isabelle and her family for sharing your family story. I am sure Isabelle will continue to amaze and impress in everyway.
Isabelle,, your courage and beautiful brave spirit will only serve to help so many others and of course you firstly, what a hero, you humble me X
Clare Terry
I watched Four Corners yesterday, Amazingly brave, insightful & mature kids. Very well presented!
Damn. I missed it. I was out making Christmas cards.
What a beautiful, articulate, intelligent young lady. I think she’ll have a very bright future.
It was a great program – I hope lots of people watched it
She is amazing. What a great kid!
thank god for the ABC , this programme was beautiful
Missed the story but heard about it today. Will definitely download to watch the inspirational and courageous Isabelle and her family.
Amy Moyes
Isabelle was very poised and intelligent … Just magnificent…. And a testament to fabulous parents
Awesome story. :)