I wrote into Neighbours and asked them to put a trans character on my screen

Having grown up in Australia, its safe to say that almost everyone knows about Neighbours.

It is one of those few TV shows that not only garners a huge following, but also manages to make an impact on our culture.

As a kid, I remember hearing conversations among my friends about their favourite characters and storylines. When I would tell them that both of my parents had been on the show, they would bombard me with questions and requests – often for Ryan Moloneys signature.

I admit, I did not watch the show very often, but the impact it had was not lost on me.

As a trans person, I didnt see people like myself on screen very often – it would often be a very tragic character, and never played by a trans actor. Because of this, I internalised the message that being trans was something to be ashamed of.

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In March 2018, at the beginning of my final year of school, I decided to make a leap of faith and email the executive producer of Neighbours.

I created a rough character profile and synopsis of a storyline that would introduce the shows first transgender character, and explained that we had an opportunity to tell a story rarely told on our TV screens.

Expecting to be politely turned down, I was surprised to receive an enthusiastic reply merely two hours later! It was so exciting.

I realise now how important representation is on TV; when we can see ourselves reflected in the characters on our screens, it allows us to feel seen and acknowledged.

We exist in a way we havent been allowed to before.

One of the reasons I am so proud of this storyline is that I was able to work with the writers to make it as truthful and respectful as possible.

I wanted to tell an overall positive story for all the young people who watch the show, while not shying away from some of the difficult experiences trans people face (these stories need to be told). I wanted the message to be, you will be OK, you are loved, not you are the problem, this is your fault and you will probably die alone.

With this in mind, we set out to create a plotline that would be educational and hopefully beneficial for the trans community but, at the end of the day, remain an exciting and compelling story that fits in with the wider world of Neighbours.

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It was important to me that that the character of Mackenzie Hargreaves was more than just a token trans character. She is a fully realised human; her desire for love and safety, and her fear of rejection and isolation generate a very interesting dichotomy.

Beyond her gender identity, she is a compelling character, and weve made sure that she is different from me, too.

Her dad wasnt supportive of her at all and she hasnt seen him since she was 10. Her mum, the only person she has ever felt safe with and trusts wholeheartedly, passed away when she was 15. These experiences have shaped her into a person who always has their walls up and doesnt let people in.

Her arch is wonderful – its probably the aspect of the story I am most proud of.

Mackenzie isnt used as a tool in other characters stories, but is given her own arch where she can grow and evolve, and bring otherRead More – Source