Waterloo Road Addresses Trans Issues
I am not normally a fan of Waterloo Road, but suddenly they have done something extraordinary with their latest episode dealing with the situation faced by Martin, a young trans-girl at the school. Their handling was exemplary, dealing with the pain and the frustration of the situations we have faced, and continue to face.
A difficult role for a talented actor (copyright BBC)
Martin in a spiral of agony and being harangued by her fellow students for a misunderstanding outed herself as trans, before running off. The different members of the school dealt with the fallout in different ways, one girl suffering her own difficulties goes and offers comfort and counsel, while teachers try to understand the situation. Some students are sadly cruel, but as also happens, other students stand up for Martin.
a moment of happiness and acceptance makes Martin smile (copyright BBC)
The handling of the mother was also perhaps accelerated, but also well done, where she realizes that she could have a dead son, or a living daughter and admits its going to be difficult but will try her best.
Hopefully over the following weeks we’ll find out as Martin begins to come out and find herself. Stories help young trans youth come to terms with themselves and helps parents, family and friends understand the complexities and reality of the situation. Hopefully the next generation of transgirls and boys wont have to face the initial ignorance of their parents that Martin’s mother initially shows.
I’m hoping that shows in the US will pick up and start showing these story lines as well.
Those in the UK can watch the episode on BBC iPlayer. Non UK readers should see here for information.
NB: I realize some people may be confused about the syntax of calling her Martin, until she chooses her name within the show, thats the name she is known by. It is rather regressive to consider that a girl can’t be called Martin.
I’m actually very annoyed at the Waterloo Road writers.
This character is being played by a cis guy (albeit feminine, but it’s not a trans actor), and three separate people asked me how often I’ve sniffed bras “because you’re trans and this person on Waterloo Road was and they sniffed bras because they were trans”.
And most of the people in my classes are generally intelligent people – so think what conclusions people who don’t tend to think as much will draw from this episode?
Martin’s character is the most beautiful trans girl I have ever seen. I have several trans friends male to female and female to male. Martin is truely beautiful and I am pleased that the BBC are addressing this issue, OK maybe they are showing it in a particular light and as for the bra sniffing, no not all trans folk do it but you know what, what’s normal for one isn’t for another. Hell I love sniffing mens socks and after shave so what, it doesn’t mean anything.
I have always loved boys in makeup and Martin is just a sight for sore eyes. I cant wait to see this plot develop.
xXx
I’ve just sat and watched this and found it very touching. I don’t feel as a previous comment was made that the role needed to be a trans actor. No the bra sniffing was a bit odd but the smelling the scent and the looking at how other girls interacted and behaved together, feeling like an outcast struck a chord with me.
I felt by and large it was dealt with brilliantly. There was the sensitivity of the childs friends. The typical male boyish reaction and then I hope there will be the general acceptance of the sitution in times to come.
Personally I could feel the pain in this kid coming out through the screen and it made me sob because it reminded me of how I felt at school trying to fit in , but I played the male role because I had no option, being transgendered as child in the north east in the 70′ and 80s was very difficult as it was , coming out would’ve been harder.
The playground mentality is something I can relate to as well given I transitoned (thankfully successfully) in the Armed Forces and there is that similar mentality that kids and soldiers tend to share .
Well done the BBC for a programme well put together and well executed.
L
Hey i feel sowwi for martin
Btw kyle is so fit and sam bruva cute
Feel sowi for sam
I love u kyle i wana see u in real lyf
I think the writers have done a great script on such a difficult subject.
The acting by Martin was very well done, and i hope the we see how well she handles her future.
I have also gone through life never feeling right in a mans body, but have never had the courage to “come out.
Thank you for a great post.
GREAT STORY LINE- IF THIS JUST MAKES ONE YOUNG GUY OR GIRL REALISE WHAT THEY ARE FEELING IS OK AND HELPS THEM GAIN THE SUPPORT OF THEIR FAMILY THEN THE SCRIPT WRITERS MAY HAVE SAVED A LIFE!
I think it’s a fairly rash conclusion to make – one character from a specific group (Trans) did one thing (sniffed bras) once on TV so people assume all people do it. It’s like watching Doctor Who and asking your ginger friend “Do you travel through time and space fighting Aliens, because there’s a character on Doctor Who that does and she’s Ginger”.
On the whole, as a young Transgendered person, I would like to say a big thank-you to the producers for attempting to tackle such a contentious issue. Waterloo Road has a huge audience amongst Teens my age (stating the obvious), and it is has helped raise the profile of Transgendered people the country over. However, I was not so keen on the Bra-Sniffing… It was almost fetishistic, and however good a piece of drama it looked… Was there any need for that?
I hope that what you have done will encourage young Transgendered people to come out to close friends, or even just realise who they are.
Thank You.
Billie
xxx
While it is a brave move for the producers of “waterloo road” to take this direction i think its important that storyline is kept alive. It can not be left to be a one off episode when it need further explination and understanding.
it was however well written, performed and directed and hopefully the production team will carry the storyline forward.
I hate to break this to you, but I very much doubt that Martin will ever be seen again.
Waterloo Road has become very episodic lately. Characters you’ve never heard of before, step into the spotlight for one, or mabe two episodes, then they disappear for ever.
They’ve already done this to Nate, Josh’s boyfriend & several others.
I too would have liked to have seen more of Martin’s story, but I’m afraiad that is all we’re going to get. It is highly unlikely that we will ever see her again.
Just watched the episode on playback. Does anybody know the artist who was playing on some of the scenes?
Thanks
Mick
i want christopher mead to stay on i don’t want him to leave Christopher knows finn and also amy porter from waterloo road and john fosters also i think
i think karen leave i want jack rimmer back to waterloo road also i miss jack also he stared at waterloo raod in season 1 to 3 also for long time now when christopher mead wants to depty head for him lets catch up now
waterloo Road is cool
What is the basis of this hate campaign Richard Whitman has for Karen Fisher? He is VILE!
Explain please!
Chris mead in my power to help you do this I will make this happen in your School to make this John fosters to make you stay on I make sure it stay that way my name is Sarah Grice my hero is on its way Chris I be there for you
LOVE FROM SARAH
LOUISE GRICE
love you more
your may life
Chris mead help me with this I need you in my life because I care for you I Love you as my boyfriend I would like if you stay with me I can help you with the School in Waterloo road will you Marry me I will be your wife and Chris I All ways love forever if
please stay for me
I am very sorry Chris Mead (the character) LEAVE the school. I found him a caring person who has a big heart for people.
Hope in the near future he comes back to school.
whats the point in havin sex changes and stuff
if ur not happy with it deal with it ad if u want to be a diffrent a gender tuff, i want to be a millionaire but thats not happening anytime soon !!
Please don’t mock what you don’t understand. Transgender people who do not transition face a life of miserable self loathing agony. Transition offers real and viable help for hundreds of thousands of transgender people.
not everyone can become millioniares Jacob but there is a possibility that the world can become a better place when people aren’t considering hanging themselves or throwing themselves off bridges. You obviously don’t understand what it’s like for someone in his position so be more considerate next time you say something like that because you may know someone who is a transgender.
Chris mead I love you take me out for a date if would you ask me its my Birthday is on Sunday septmber 25th
Chris mead marry me please say yes
[...] teacher and students, and confronts social issues, including affairs, abortion, divorce, cancer, transgender issues, and [...]
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why isn’t waterloo road on tonight ?? i need to no asap (now) HELP !!!!!
And little under two years later WR has a transman in the form of Kacey. Only this time it’s not the students that are giving him a hard time but his alpha-male brother. I’m not normally a fan of this show but it’s engrossing storylines like this that keep me watching.