Jane Fae
Feminist and writer on issues of political and sexual liberty
Misleading Journalism on Trans Costs
Posted: 31/10/2012 23:00
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jane-fae/transition-journalism_b_2043942.htmlAs appears to be happening right now with the story of Ria Cooper, the trans woman - or maybe not - once billed as the "youngest sex change patient" in the UK. Have the tabloids really forgotten their outrage earlier this year when they reported on pre-teens beginning treatment with puberty blockers? Ria, as reported at some length in the Mirror and the Mail is now apparently backing off from that misleading title, complaining about the difficulties of functioning as a woman and the side effects of hormones.
Along the way, it is clear that she is also suffering greatly from a lack of support. She talks openly of being rejected by her family: of suicide attempts and alcohol problems; of resorting to sex work as her only means to find love and happiness. This is an individual who, by her own admission, is very mixed-up and, whatever choice she makes now, it is to be hoped that she begins to sort out her life.
The situation is not helped in the slightest by the fact that since being picked up by a Channel 4 documentary and awarded that ridiculous tag of "youngest sex change patient", she is effectively 'fair game' for the sensation-seekers. I have no doubt that she is talking freely and of her own volition: that, of course, is part of the pathology: she needs help, support - and anyone prepared to listen is likely to be welcome.
So what are my problems with this piece, these pieces, which have appeared like a rash across the tabloids in the past few days? First, I guess is the simple human dimension. Ria, or Brad as she now identifies, needs calm, needs support, needs help. Hanging her out in the full glare of publicity does not do that: and while hers is a fascinating story and one I'd like to read when she has arrived a little, I cannot help but feel right now that the press are breaking a supposed cardinal rule of journalism: they are becoming part of the story.
