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18 APR 2014
Positive Visibility Matters: TV3 Unblock Documentary To Increase Visibility Of Trans Lives
TV3's Irish Lives: My Transgender Journey, which aired on Wednesday 16th April, gives an up-close and personal account of three trans people's journeys and explores what it is like to live in a country that does not fully accept them
(Kay from TV3's Irish Lives: My Transgender Journey)
Documentary Now Available to View Internationally
TV3 today announced that they have unblocked the documentary Irish Lives: My Transgender Journey so that it can now be viewed internationally. Some restrictions still apply in North America. However, the documentary will now play on the TV3 player in a number of regions outside of Ireland.
“I'm delighted that the positive message in Irish Lives: My Transgender Journey will be able to travel further afield now that geographical restrictions on the programme have been lifted," said Programme Producer Catherine Steel. "TV3 has received an amazing response since airing the show and we are happy to share the stories and issues raised in My Transgender Journey, both in Ireland and beyond.”
Speaking last week, in advance of the first airing of My Transgender Journey, TENI strongly welcomed the documentary and spoke of the importance of positive visibility. TV3 have acknowledged that the visibility this documentary provides has significance beyond Ireland, and their decision today is a very welcome one.
Representations Matter
"Positive visibility is incredibly important," said TENI Chief Executive Broden Giambrone.
"Recent representations of trans characters, such as the depiction of Nuala on RTE's The Centre, have been dehumanising, insensitive, and transphobic. This documentary is a positive representation of the lives of trans people in Ireland, and representations matter."
"We would like to commend TV3 for their decision, and Transgender Equality Network Ireland would like to thank the broadcaster for taking actions to actively promote the importance of positive visibility."
Research shows that trans people have some of the highest rates of attempted suicide in this country with 30% having tried to take their own life at least once. In the same survey, 40% of participants reported that media representation of trans people negatively affected their emotional wellbeing or mental health.
In this context positive visibility of trans people and of trans lives is extremely important. And this importance extends far beyond Ireland.
My Transgender Journey
Irish Lives: My Transgender Journey tells the story of three people, as they search for a sense of their own identity, strive for acceptance and continue to battle against their own government to be recognised in their true gender. Ireland is currently the only EU member state that does not provide a mechanism for the legal recognition of transgender persons.
In the documentary Sam, Louise and Kay give an up-close and personal account of their transgender journeys and what it is like to live in a country that does not fully accept them.
The documentary can be viewed online here.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Jean O'Donovan, Press & Publicity TV3, at jean.odonovan@tv3.ie
A list of people available for interview can also be provided.
ABOUT TENI
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families.
Contact TENI on (01) 873 3575 or email office@teni.ie.
www.teni.ie
Shortcut http://www.teni.ie/positive_visibility_matters_tv3_unblock_documentary_to_increase_visibility_of_trans_lives