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 tell the personal story of Isabelle, an 11-year-old trans girl.
The story, called Being Me 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 confronted the same feelings, and how a growing number of children are finding themselves in the same situation.
While some of these children found support from their parents and doctors, others found 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 speak about their experience so that others won’t 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 better results.
Meanwhile, a senior judge tells of how 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 goes to air tonight at 8.30pm on ABC.
Watch the preview:
Post by Four Corners.
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Andrew Guy FYI
Such a smart young woman!
You are inspirational Isabelle. You have a hard road ahead but with such amazing parents behind you it will make the hourney so much easier. :-) thanks to all whi shared their stories
Amazing girl. Such a insight. Wish you all the best Isabelle.!
So brave
Great show of some remarkable people. Isabelle has a bright future, what an amazing girl and such loving and supportive parents and school.
How brave were both the girls on this story – amazing!
An outstanding episode, with such an important message. Well done to all involved for sharing your stories. You should be extremely proud!
Very moving story and what a wonderful family. Happy life to Isabelle
I only hope the parents of Paige ,who also appeared on the show, saw it.So lovely to see how attitudes have changed in recent times but so tragic to hear Paiges story of rejection from his parents.
Amazing young lady.
Such courage and confidence- congratulations to you and your family.
This little was so insightful for someone so young. The whole story was superb. She will grow up to be a superb human being!!
Beautiful girl
Well done Michelle Telfer- you are an amazing team!
She was amazing, adorable and so courageous. Keep true to yourself little woman. You and your parents have earned the respect of many people through your story. Xxxxx
What an amazing, thoughtful and brave little girl with wonderful parents. Was lovely to see the support in her local community as well. It’s fantastic to see that things are changing making life easier for our fellow human beings.
Amazing little girl xx
You’re and amazing and beautiful little girl Isabella. What a precious loving and supportive family you have. You should be so proud of yourself, you’re an inspiration xx
*Powerful well done Isabelle *
3 different stories each told & presented so well. Great work ABC, hopefully the budget cuts don’t stop stories like this in the future.
What a beautiful little girl! Much love to you and your wonderful family!
Incredible. One amazing human being with loving supporting parents
Brilliant program.
Well done! Much admiration for a mature girl
Well done, Isabelle xxx
#ABC #fourcorners you function beyond my comprehension, and with my utter condemnation. Except that some of my taxes contribute to your ongoing function I would simply not care, and switch off. Unfortunately I don’t have that privilege.
#BoringTroll
Amazing
Alex Clarke hey mr! Did u know this was on?
good on you Isabelle… much love to you x