Bethany Black, First Out Transgender Actor on Doctor Who
By Leah Tedesco
Bethany Black is a stand-up comic who started her acting career last year in the Russell T Davies shows Tofu, Banana, and Cucumber. She has been cast in a role in the upcoming “scary” Doctor Who episode written by Mark Gatiss. As a fan of the program, the experience has been a dream come true for Black, as she discusses on Facebook.
All we know about Black’s Doctor Who character at this point is that she will be non-trans. While we do not know the character’s personality, Black’s personality certainly fits in with the current tone of the show, with her stand-up material being controversial and her personal style being goth. (As a side note, she’s a vegan, too! Be still my heart!)
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While it is fantastic news that a transgender person will be joining the Doctor Who family, we have to remember that it is entirely possible that she may not be the first. For much of history in most cultures it has been dangerous for trans people to be public about their gender identities. It still is quite risky, but the tide is thankfully turning as trans folks are becoming more accepted by society.
This is also a good time to consider trans representation on Doctor Who. In the past on Doctor Who Watch, we have discussed this very topic. Lady Cassandra O’Brien is the only known (probably) transgender character on the show, but the allusion to this fact is brief.
With the relatively recent reveal of Missy’s identity in mind, it is important to acknowledge that Time Lords or Ladies who change sexes are not necessarily transgender. To automatically assign them this status without knowing anything about their gender identities would be to disregard the highly difficult and complicated personal experiences of trans folks. With the current subversive nature of the program, it would be both appropriate and nice to see more trans representation going forward.
With that said, Missy is super fun and I am excited about the prospect of a female Doctor one day. I also would like to know more about The Corsair. It all makes for great science fiction.
Anyway, I am very much looking forward to seeing who Black will play on Doctor Who and am hoping that she gets to interact with The Doctor.
